Thank you. I was a JW almost 40 years. Then after I left I was agnostic, then new age and the like. I've now been a Christian 3 1/2 years. Praise God! Your videos and Mike Wingers have helped me so much as I "unlearn" some of the brainwashing. It's wonderful to now finally learn and embrace true biblical Christianity. Thank you very much! You are right, before I left the JWs little pebbles were put in my shoe by Christians. ☺️ I NEVER would have listened to anything else. But, those pebbles slowly caused questions and doubt. Just a very tiny bit. And then the Holy Spirit did His work on me. I never would have or could have done it on my own. God is SO good. To Him be the glory for what He has done for me. 🙌❣️
@Elitearcherrr Жыл бұрын
Amen! 🙌🏻
@Theescapist_87 Жыл бұрын
I had a similar journey to Christ. I was raised as a JW, left and became agnostic, then got caught up in new age beliefs before I started reading the Bible and found the true gospel. I'm happy you are finally free.
@triciapalese714 Жыл бұрын
@@Theescapist_87 Wow. Our stories are similar. It shows the enormity of God's compassion and grace.
@teresafarrell6457 Жыл бұрын
Might I suggest, Pastor Chris Rosborough of 'Fighting for the Faith', Justin Peters, Voddie Baucham and John MacArthur. 👍
@triciapalese714 Жыл бұрын
@@teresafarrell6457 I listen to John Macarthur. I will look for the others. Thank you.
@kirstenjett9931 Жыл бұрын
My mom was saved because of Jehovah’s Witnesses also. They got her reading her Bible and the Holy Spirit showed her truth. She was so excited to share with them how Jesus saved her. They didn’t want anything to do with her after that.
@ripcord8738 Жыл бұрын
All over the world people study the bible with JWs. For any number of reasons, at times, the study is discontinued. If someone, at some point, decides that they don't agree with bible teachings, they're free to terminate. On the other hand, the one conducting the study may decide to stop when it becomes obvious that the person isn't interested in becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. In both cases, the person is always assured that if they decide to renew the discussion, then that can be arranged.
@deegassaway6854 Жыл бұрын
🙌 GOD is good!
@celticmarmite6048 Жыл бұрын
@@ripcord8738 Yes, and millions were once tri(3)nitarians, some were former: priests, nuns, ministers etc, and are now baptized Jehovah's Witnesses. Geneva Bible of 1587 That they may knowe that thou, which art called Iehouah, art alone, euen the most High ouer all the earth. (Psalm 83: 18) ' Alone'...no other persons.
@dianeexley17096 ай бұрын
Me too
@adrielvaughn8079Ай бұрын
While I'm currently deciding wether or not I'm going to stay with JW organization because of their white Supremacist ideology by use of illustrations. My question to you is why do you come for JW's so hard and not Catholics who worship Mary Magdeline.
@sam_tate Жыл бұрын
I am literally JUST leaving the park from talking to a JW,and this is the first video that pops up when I open KZfaq. God knows.... this is what I am always wondering because they seem like such wonderful but misguided people, and it breaks my heart to see.
@dianeexley1709 Жыл бұрын
My red flag and what made me start researching was when my jw friend said Jesus was created.
@sherrybwildfire2550 Жыл бұрын
🙏
@jobsalido48433 ай бұрын
The JW published a book in 1879 , on page 48, you can read that Jesus is worthy of all glory and worship including Michael the archangel
@synnelightstar7218 Жыл бұрын
Ty for this video. I am 15 years old and have neighbors who are JWs. Because they live so close to me, I often feel anxious; I feel that it’s my duty to reach out to them with the gospel. Please pray for them and for me. Keep living for Jesus!
@HomoEucharistica Жыл бұрын
The best thing we usually can do is to live our faith, abiding in Christ. After all, the kingdom of God is already among people, have been for 2000 years. If we live our faith, the gospel reach out to people even without any words, and perhaps we find then some chances to share the gospel with some words too. Whether we get the chance or not, Holy Spirit does His work through us anyway, and He continues His work after we've left. Yes, I'll pray for you and your neighbours. May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you!
@xhaltsalute Жыл бұрын
Just keep praying for them!
@tomroyal6167 Жыл бұрын
Just relax and don’t worry. Pray for opportunities to witness.
@chrissonofpear1384 Жыл бұрын
@@HomoEucharistica Thanks, so, can we see more of Matthew 17:20, and John 14:13, then? I think many (like Africans) might benefit... quite a bit? Also, how many schisms or wars upended or deflected the Kingdom, and did the European slave trade rate high, on divine concerns: Compared with Numbers 15:32, or ah, Joshua 7:24, events, I mean?
@HomoEucharistica Жыл бұрын
@@chrissonofpear1384 Matt. 17:20 and John 14:13 have been reality for 2000 years, and the history of Christianity is full of true stories about that. Usually, our faith is just too weak, and there is much to grow as followers of Christ. If we have faith, we cannot do anything which is not according to God's will, and we don't even want to act against His will... but because we are so weak and young in faith, just in the beginning of our life of repentance, we are so pride and selfish and try to seek our worldly best instead of God's will. As Jesus says, "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). When it comes to Kingdom of Heaven, wars cannot harm it, because this Kingdom is not from this world, and schisms cannot harm it because it's the house of God. Rather, wars and schisms harm us who are on this journey to the Kingdom, us who are the body of Christ, partaking in the household of God. God unite people, sin separates them. The border lines pass both between the Church and non-Christian world, also inside parishes and through very hearts of Christians. Schisms, wars, heresies, violence, abuse etc. are sad examples that there is still a long way ahead and much to grow for many (especially for me because I'm the chief among sinners). Slave trade, it can be seen as a great tragedy as well. Any Christian who support slavery as it historically was, is misusing the name of the LORD. Surely there are many perspectives on this issue, but what I myself would like to say... is that there is only one Master, the Son of God, who has made us free. If He has done so much good for us, how could we refuse to free slaves? (And we do know that some rich people freed their slaves when they become Christians in Roman Empire.) Christians are called to serve each other and all people, not to be served themselves. And not least, we should always treat other people as we would like to be treated, and even more: love them as Christ has loved us... Oh dear, because of slave trade and crusades, all nations on the Earth are mocking the name of our Lord and Saviour.
@joeyburrell32073 ай бұрын
You Melissa are a Godsent and so on point about them, I was a born in , 3rd generation. Finally free at 65 and now have a real relationship with our Lord and Savior. Can’t get through to my family but I will always keep,trying. Thankyou so much and God bless you.😊👍
@sharonfollis2566 Жыл бұрын
As an ex-JW and an ex-new ager, I appreciate your approach of seeking to understand folks. I like the way you help people really think about their beliefs.
@bila8362 Жыл бұрын
Wow and praise God that He rescued you. The Jehovah's Witnesses where I live have occasionally not showed up in pairs. At times, only one person has come to my door. I have their Interlinear and the Time Is at Hand. I used to have a lot of their magazines with the false prophecies. The issue is that the people who visit me are Spanish speaking and I have to translate anything I show them from English to Spanish with the exception of the Millions Now Living book. I've typed up direct quotes in Spanish with the citations to hand to them, but I'm not sure how effective it is since they are not original copies. Do you have any suggestions. Oh, and yes, I can see that it's mind control. It breaks my heart and also makes me feel like I'm hitting my head against a brick wall. I'm going to copy this same message in hopes that Melissa Dougherty might see it and have suggestions but I thought you might have an inside perspective. God bless you!
@oscarholley891 Жыл бұрын
No you don't
@hilaryfoot9906 Жыл бұрын
@@oscarholley891 ?????
@oscarholley891 Жыл бұрын
@@hilaryfoot9906 it's what I said hope you can understand but maybe you can't ie it may not be the reason that you think someone is disfellowshiped it could be something like engaging in not allowed sexual activity according to the witnesses. This day and age ppl seem to have a lack of understanding
@micahrodriguez6419 Жыл бұрын
@@oscarholley891 What do "we" need to understand?
@ronaldnichols9945 Жыл бұрын
About 6 weeks ago, they knocked on my door. We talked on the porch for about 15 minutes. They were delighted to know I am a Jew. They came back the next week. I pulled out my copy of the Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Greek Scriptures. Lol. They left in a hurry.. lol. And never came back.
@SyoDraws Жыл бұрын
😂
@robynhouse8166 Жыл бұрын
Awesome! I like to use their own Greek Interlinear.
@ronaldnichols9945 Жыл бұрын
@@robynhouse8166 I'm not surprised they have their own version of the Greek Christian Scriptures.
@carlyd2300 Жыл бұрын
Why are they delighted you are jew? I’m delighted your a Jew who knows Jesus by the way haha!:)
@ronaldnichols9945 Жыл бұрын
@@carlyd2300 Jews are targeted for religious conversion by many Christian groups because they want us to know the 'truth'. They quote Christian Scriptures about how the gospel should be preached to the Jew first. I started studying Christian denominations decades ago which is why I have the Greek Christian Scriptures. Like The Chinese scholar, Sun Tzu, said:. Know yourself. Know your enemy. Christianity has evolved from the first century to what it is today. I'm sure the apostle Paul would be shocked by today's Christianity.
@lilliancruz1756 Жыл бұрын
I was a JW for 12 years, but am now a Christian. All we can do is show them love and plant little seeds. I ran into several Christians when I did door to door work and they planted tiny seeds in my mind, not pushing too hard, but eventually the Holy Spirit made the seeds grow and I began to question everything.
@alrider8668 Жыл бұрын
Can you help me find true christians?
@ExposingJWTeachings Жыл бұрын
❤❤❤
@ExposingJWTeachings Жыл бұрын
I’m currently helping a friend by planting small seeds. Hopefully it continues to sprout.
@bisleyblackhawk1288 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Melissa for this video…my late wife and I were 2nd generational JWs before we found the real Truth about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (God be given the thanks for Romans the eighth chapter to make us ask questions about our relationship of who we actually were with our Salvation) rejecting the so called “truth” of the Watchtower Bible And Tract Society we were raised in (a strong shout out to Raymond Franz …a personal friend) and his book ‘Crises Of Conscience’ which exposes the inner workings of “the governing body of JWs from when he was a member of the same)…it’s a must read…sadly (or blessedly) he and his wife Cynthia have both “shed this mortal coil” moving up for God’s Eternal Rewards🙏🙏🙏…please keep up your outreach videos to the lost…we never know when the next doorbell “ring” will open the door to the blessing of sharing the Gospel and lifesaving message of redemption of the Risen Christ…I know it’s been true for me 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻…you and your ministry will continue to be in my prayers…your outreach has been a Renaissance for me!
@sharonpovroznik9600 Жыл бұрын
I really needed this, as a Christian, with a very good friend who is a JW, so much information I did not know, Thank you both so much!!!
@aminahmyrick9778 Жыл бұрын
Great Job with the accuracy of their belief system. I never became a baptized JW. But, I learned the teachings from a young person till older adult. I left when I developed the mind & courage to know something was just not correct with the organization. They have a great zeal for their teaching’s & probably mean well. I must admit their Armageddon teachings & great tribulation is still a terror in my thoughts! I am thankful today I have relationship with Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ whom died for All my sins & the sins of All mankind 👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
@bila8362 Жыл бұрын
Praying for you not to have any terror in your thoughts based on untrue teachings.
@inapickle4971 Жыл бұрын
I’m a JW that is trapped in this cult. Reaching them by talking about their doctrine is almost impossible, it will just make them think they are being persecuted and they will dig their heals in deeper. No one woke me up from the indoctrination, I did it myself because of something that happened to me in the JW religion that questioned my core values (I was forced to shun my son and I wouldn’t do it). Although I admire your passion to help them, they can only help themselves. My suggestion, show them love and pray for them.
@vickyburton2434 Жыл бұрын
This is what I am doing with a specific young lady right now. I am praying for her daily.
@JeremyThielman Жыл бұрын
I bet you feel like Nicodemus and Naaman; they are saved by believing. Neither of them were able to walk the normal believer's life. I hope you have found the grace of the gospel and have seen their stories for the level of grace God gives.
@johnroemeeks_apologetics Жыл бұрын
You can show them the truth and if they are intellectually honest they have no choice but to face it. Many will ignore it but many will be bothered by it and start questioning the organization. There have been many JW'S who left because of seeds that Christians planted in them. I think it's a mistake to say they can only help themselves and we should just love and pray for them. They think they have the truth, we need to show them that they don't, and one's that are intellectually honest will realize that they have been deceived by the Organization
@chrissonofpear1384 Жыл бұрын
@@johnroemeeks_apologetics May I ask you particular truth about 2 Samuel 24, also, at some stage?
@tomroyal6167 Жыл бұрын
And give them truth
@jessicaj8148 Жыл бұрын
Flood of memories from when I was a child. My parents were JW up until I was 13. My dad was an elder. He got disfellowshipped and I was secretly very happy about that. I had a lot of work to do around the thoughts that were planted in my head as a kid. It was a lot of trauma.
@THERaynaKay Жыл бұрын
praying for your healing, sis 🙏🏾 Thank you so much for sharing with us! we're✨O H A N A ✨(in-Christ)
@jessicaj8148 Жыл бұрын
@@THERaynaKay thank you 🙏🏽 ❤️
@ezragreiner9854 Жыл бұрын
Why was he disfellowshipped ?
@oscarholley891 Жыл бұрын
@@ezragreiner9854 yes ask her again why was he disfellowshiped
@ezragreiner9854 Жыл бұрын
@@oscarholley891 I’m sure why that would be necessary . She said she she was happy about it so I was curious .
@serafin1352 Жыл бұрын
Very interesting facts and just scratching the surface really. I left in 2018 by force and by choice. This was the best choice I have ever made for my faith. I am now a true Christian and really getting to know Christ. Keep up the good work!
@thisisadebrown Жыл бұрын
I’m not a Jehovah’s Witness, but I also know that Christmas and Easter is nothing to do with Christianity, as with everything that has been polluted over the millennia, the fact that we like something and we love something and we have grown up with something doesn’t mean that that something is correct
@kathystoneburner4947 Жыл бұрын
So the birth of Jesus and Jesus dying on the cross for our sins has nothing to do with Christianity? Wow! It is the most important happenings in Christianity. It apparent the earthly beings have little by little have made both about Santa and the Easter Bunny.
@Simon-rm7pi Жыл бұрын
@@kathystoneburner4947Try again in English 😐
@CH-gc8hf11 ай бұрын
More importantly we observe the birth of Christ and the resurrection of Christ during their observed spots on the calendar.
@CH-gc8hf11 ай бұрын
@@Simon-rm7pi She did, and she's spot on.
@ranikalakaar6 ай бұрын
Very true.
@amyhundley6858 Жыл бұрын
I remember YEARS ago I went thru a really low place mentally and emotionally. I asked God to come into my life. A few days later a JW came to my door and I was like “THIS IS GODanwsering my prayer”. He didn’t speak to me long because he didn’t have his wife but he said he’d come back the next day with his wife and talk to me more. Luckily I told my dad about this encounter and he was able to steer me clear! I’m now a born again Christian. I gave my life to Christ just a few months ago. I’m still learning. So these videos really help me💕
@jimkidd6334 Жыл бұрын
Very good job explaining jws I was one for 60years was an elder for 6 years woke up about 7 years ago 😳
@ranikalakaar6 ай бұрын
Has it occurred to anyone that maybe mainstream Christianity of today maybe incorrect? Keep reading the bible and praying. Its growing in it. God cannot be put into a box.
@JoannaPete Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video, I’m an ex jw and now a Christian. This video been very helpful
@truth8883 Жыл бұрын
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” King James Version (KJV)
@yvette3636 Жыл бұрын
Melissa I have been married to a ex Jehovah’s Witness. Was raised as a child in the religion up until he was 13. He has come along way but man every time I think he gets it, he says something that makes me realize he’s still brainwashed
@nickijaycox77739 ай бұрын
Before 2009, l was at a laundromat, and they had some watchtowers on a table for your reading pleasure. Big mistake on my part. On the back side of one was something to fill out if you wanted a free book in the mail. I filled it out, and mailed it. A couple weeks went by and when l came home one hot summer day from grocery shopping, there was a JW in my driveway. Talking to me for over a half an hour. (Had cold meats that needed to get into my fridge) She took out her Bible and started reading. After all that, I finally excepted to a free Bible study in my home. Again big mistake. My mother was soooo against them and the religion. I asked her to just sit in on one study. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought she would get baptized in 2011. We have discussions here and there and she Always tells me, I’M WRONG. Can someone please tell me how to get my poor mom out of this? My husband says just leave it alone, but l can’t. I’m desperate to get her out of all the brainwashing. 😢 I ask this in Jesus’s name that someone can help me.
@grannysquareswagonwheels2604 Жыл бұрын
Thank you. I didn't know GotQuestions had a podcast. Another podcast to add to my list.
@lesliethomas7234 Жыл бұрын
This young lady has really studied and mastered the tangled web of JW theology. I say this as a former member who figured this out by my mid-twenties, left and is totally shunned by all family members and friends. It is truly an evil and destructive cult.
@letscarryit Жыл бұрын
Sharing the Gospel with a Jehovah’s Witness by Tony Brown is very helpful and solid resource. He was a former JW
@ministryofvolcano Жыл бұрын
I've been following Gotquestions for nearly 20 years. The Ministry has been a great stronghold, helping me to understand the Word of God fruitfully.
@CrankyBeach Жыл бұрын
I once had a JW sputtering incoherently on my couch.... I had started with several verses in Isaiah where Jehovah declared that He is the first and the last, and it's mathematically impossible for there to be more than one of each. A few more verses thrown in to really nail down the concept. The fun really begins in Revelation 22:3-4, 22:12-13, and 22:16 for the coup de grace. This JW on my couch was totally tripped up by 22:3-4, and I quote: "The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city and HIS servants will serve him. They will see HIS face and HIS name will be on their foreheads." God and the Lamb (plural), HIS servants, HIS face, HIS name (singular). I thought her head was going to explode.... She never came back. Hopefully that was a major stone in her shoe. I got the list of verses to use (and in what order) from a Walter Martin presentation. I'll list the references here, in the order they should be used: Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 48:12, Deut. 10:17. Then Matthew 4:10, Revelation 1:8, 11:15, 17:14, 21:5-6, then the ones listed above.
@KatieAnne100 Жыл бұрын
Yay! So excited for this. Had a very discouraging conversation with a JW last week and wasn’t entirely sure how to address him when he was taking scripture out of context. Thank you for your resources :)
@DrDayG Жыл бұрын
What an amazing sister. Your spirit is glowing. Thank you so much for your intelligence and wisdom. I'm so happy God is using you in such a huge way
@SpaceCadet4Jesus Жыл бұрын
A few years ago, as expected, a couple of JWs knocked on my front door. They stayed at the door and we exchanged pleasantries. When they started their spiel, I said "Are you guys Christian?" "Yes" Then "Do you guys go to a church?" "Yes". I said "That's wonderful, I do too!" (happy smiles) They said "We're just telling the good news of the kingdom and......" Me (cutting in) "So if we are both Christians....(pause)...then I better let you guys go so you can knock on some more doors before it gets too late". ".....Would you like to hear about the Kingdom of God and ....?" Me: "I'm a Christian already so I already know about that stuff" "....but...but...The good news says....." (cut them off) Me: "Wait..!, are you guys trying to get me to leave my church and come to your church? Is that what you are doing?" (Don't let them take another breath before) Me: "Why would you try to evangelize Christians by pulling them from worshipping God at their church to come to your Church?" "....Uhhh...We're not doing that, we just want to spread the good news that...." "Okay, if you're not trying to convert Christians and make them come to your Church, then it's all good and you probably shouldn't be wasting time here. You have other doors to be knocking on." (slowly closing the door) ".....here take this literature...." Me: No thanks, I'll pass. God bless, Goodbye" (smiles) For the record, I don't give them the time of day anymore. They are deluded, hard headed, under a strict brain washing and any rebuttal gets ignored when they pull out their translation. Know that their translation is a corrupt translation created (and revised) by the WatchTower society. I still have a copy. I've debated them since the early 80's, had close JW friends and even attended their Sabbath teachings out of mutual respect. I'm sure they were shocked when I raised my hands to God during worship service (out of a hymnal). They teach on a whiteboard and tell YOU what the Word says, even if you see it or explain it otherwise. They will gang up on you on Sabbaths (with kindness) and try to logically force an explaination how what they are teaching is God's word. Know that normally, Anyone who is NOT a JW is not allowed into their Sabbath teachings freely. They do not allow that unless you are a new convert. I knew and worked with a couple families there so I could attend without issue. Bottom line: It's good to know how to deal with them and pray for their enlightenment. But to debate every nuance and pivot point with them, in discussion, should be left to solid mature christians.
@Jexit2020 Жыл бұрын
Hi Melissa, I'm no longer a Christian but in 2020 your videos were instrumental in my waking up from the JW religion. You taught me how to fact-check the quotes and sources they use in their publications, and I'll be forever grateful. Thank you.
@tomroyal6167 Жыл бұрын
Hmmm? How did you become unborn?
@Jexit2020 Жыл бұрын
@@tomroyal6167 I'm sorry. I'm not sure what you mean.
@tomroyal6167 Жыл бұрын
If you were truly a Christian how can you get unborn?
@milkoftheword1718 Жыл бұрын
@@Jexit2020 you were once a Christian? How did you stop being one?
@Jexit2020 Жыл бұрын
@@milkoftheword1718 I stopped being a Christian when I stopped believing in God, Jesus, and the Bible.
@MyThougths Жыл бұрын
She broke it down soooo well! So glad I escaped ❤
@jasonferguson4797 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. I just met a Jehovah's Witness a couple of days ago. I will see him regularly over the next several weeks, as we are taking a class together. This gives me some good food for thought and encourages/challenges me to begin diligently praying about interacting with him.
@TedBates-cj6jr Жыл бұрын
Recently a woman rang my door. She was trying to interest me in solar panels. I am unsure how but we talked about faith. She said she grew up in a family that were Jehovah Witnesses but she said she was no longer a JW. I gave her a copy of a book I wrote on the end times. We seemed to have a good discussion. The next day a Jehovah's Witness stopped at my home and rang my doorbell. One thing I did with both people was to be interested in them. Sometimes Christians are visited by JWs and treat them like dirt and chase them away. But I was just kindly and human. In the past I have brought up John 1:1 that reads The Word "was a god." I tell them that the original Greek has no article. It does not say was the god or was a god, but was God. But I also have learned that if they can see I am strong in my faith, then they go away. So you cannot talk with or reason for or against their theology. They just go away and that is the end. Once on a good Friday I was invited to the Lord's supper only to learn that you cannot take of communion. There was a JW who was an artist and owned an Art store. This was out in the mountains. When I drove down there I would stop by and sometimes to buy supplies and we shared. But when they see you are not an easy fish to catch or you are challenging them, they go away and that is the end.
@nikitapowers Жыл бұрын
Their main focus is never on Jesus even if they say they believe in him, to them Jesus is just a person who died for them but they never really talk about him
@OrondeB Жыл бұрын
This was great Melissa! I just started working with two of them! Very friendly guys. Building a relationship with one of them. Praying for it to be fruitful and for him to receive the truth.
@tongakhan230 Жыл бұрын
That may be difficult. What truth can anyone share with a JW? Many were members of churches until the truth freed them. Telling them something which they would already know would be pointless. Doesn't one agree?
@logan3741 Жыл бұрын
@@tongakhan230This is assuming they are correct. For the OP making this assumption could be reasonable because he is basically doing ministry. For you, me, or scholars this is very faulty reasoning and allows no discussion to take place.
@keniasawyer7040 Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your content. I have used yours and Mike Winger information on JW's. I have yet to see one come to truth, but I have been able to put a stone in the shoe. I've also been able to share what I've learn to other believers to prepare them in case of a meeting with them. GOD bless
@triciapalese714 Жыл бұрын
You never know what those stones you place in their shoes can do. You may not see them come to Christ but it could still be happening. It happened to me. I was a JW for 40 years. And those little stones finally made a difference. I'm now a Christian 3 years. I can't go back to those people and thank them. They were people that I meet while going from house to house and I wouldn't know who they are now. Who knows? Maybe you talked to me. 😃 We can just keep working with the Holy Spirit and leave the results to Him. God bless ❣️🙌🙏
@keniasawyer7040 Жыл бұрын
@@triciapalese714 Thank you for your comment. One person in particular I still keep in contact. He's an elder. He's gotten frustrated because he couldn't get me on anything. I was able to lead him to scriptures from Isaiah and Revelation showing from the NWT that Jehovah is the First and the Last and died and came back to life. I also used the NWT to show him were Thomas told JESUS my Lord and my GOD. He got a little confused on those.
@triciapalese714 Жыл бұрын
@@keniasawyer7040 good job! You're really helping very well 🙏
@mikenixon2401 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the explination. May God free these mislead people in JW.
@sarahyoung6799Ай бұрын
This is so true. You have to understand where they are coming from before you can help them.
@benz8421 Жыл бұрын
This was a great synopsis. Thank you!
@Jon-en8zd9 ай бұрын
When i studied the bible with a pastor every thursday night for a year, i wanted to know the truth of god. Then he said im now a "christian". That was the first sign that something was wrong.
@benjaminvalenti1242 Жыл бұрын
This is also something we don't need to forget there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ
@theophilus46 Жыл бұрын
my neighbor ( a block away), was a JW. One day....I asked him: " how many Jesus' are there? " He laughed and said..."Just one". I rep lied : "Are you sure?" That was the extent of the first conversation. However, I would ask him that question or "if there is more than one, by definition, which one is the right one ?" . I did this once a week for 5 years . did get him to acknowledge that there are many different definitions across the landscape. Then.....on a day, he said : " ok, I want to know the real Jesus, not a counterfeit." . That day he came to a saving faith in Christ. and confessed Jesus is indeed God .
@JeremyThielman Жыл бұрын
@cindybin2001 Until the kingdom comes, there is one priest from the order of Melchizedek. Then those who are called and chosen will be kings and priests and heirs with Him. The texts you refer to push people further from the grace of the gospel and closer to a law of a deceived man who has more in common with Mohamed than Jesus.
@unletteredandordinary Жыл бұрын
Well if Jesus is God and the Father is God then you and this poor ex-JW are worshipping two gods, at least. This is because the word “god” is a count noun and every time it’s applied to a separate and distinct person, i.e. Father and Son, then you have to count it each time. Thus in traditional Trinitarianism when an apologist espouses his/her belief that the Father is God, Jesus is God and the HS is God then you are admitting that you are polytheistic and worship three separate and distinct gods. Grammar doesn’t care about your dogma.
@romisihen137 Жыл бұрын
@@unletteredandordinary 3in1
@RosaBetina Жыл бұрын
I had the pleasure of speaking with two Jehovah Witnesses today (both women) and the exchange was interesting to say the least! I questioned their Jesus Christ is Archangel Michael doctrine and the runaround was evident but I didn’t give up by the grace of God. Like you said Melissa we plant the seed and Holy Spirit does the rest ❤️
@benjaminjones2010 Жыл бұрын
I agree with melissa about satans disgust for the cross and that character leaking out in the jw doctrine . Also the blood transfusions if you think about what denying blood to save your life means not only in the secular world but in the spiritual world.
@BrotherDave80 Жыл бұрын
Jehovah Witness, Mormon, Catholics, and many Christian denominations have a lot wrong when it comes to scripture and it's context!
@susangreninger1989 Жыл бұрын
Amen to that!
@WordMadeFlesh777 Жыл бұрын
Very true. It can be very frustrating for people new in the faith without solid mentors. Than again most of the stuff Protestants argue about aren’t key issues. Rapture, spiritual gifts ext.
@Loganva Жыл бұрын
I wouldn’t even consider JW’s and Mormons Christian denominations
@thejohnbeck Жыл бұрын
@@Loganva yup. It's good to see the original poster didn't use "other"
@MFVyoshinator7 Жыл бұрын
I agree the first two do, but Catholicism can trace its roots back to Jesus.
@johannygonzalez47348 ай бұрын
It was nice to see you with the Got Questions community.
@davestephen8679 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing Melissa
@MerkabaKid Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for sharing 🌸🤍🕊️
@nametheunknown_11 ай бұрын
Thanks for continuing to share this info!
@dsablan319 Жыл бұрын
We need a good reference sheet to carry with us... just bullet points. This is great information. Thank you so much!
@jimjuri649010 ай бұрын
Considering the fact that many JWs were once members of the confused churches, what 'new' thing can anyone teach them. They would already know what they once blindly believed. The truth set them free. This video is similar to the the Pharisees discussing among themselves on how to reach Jesus with the truth. Mind blowing.
@openlybookish Жыл бұрын
It's very much a numbers game with them. First time I went to dinner with the lady I was studying with. Her husband was going over the numbers of how many people had come to the Hall for meetings.
@ripcord8738 Жыл бұрын
???
@cheysadventures6561 Жыл бұрын
I've felt led to show love and hospitality to the several J.W's and Mormons coming to my door over the last several months. We're discussing their beliefs and comparing them with mine, as a Christian. I've been very curious based on all of those things one hears. Encountering now the first differences we've come to and looking for advice, so thank you for this video. The latest question is regarding their belief that everyone will be judged and end up in Paradise on Earth at the end times. No one will be turned away, but there will be a 'waiting place' for those who have been unbelievers. How should I approach this and what scriptures would you use? They're coming by tomorrow (every Friday).Thank you so much for helping me to prepare for the visits.
@ripcord8738 Жыл бұрын
I'm a JW and I'm not sure if I understand your post. You said that everyone will be judged, end up in paradise on earth, no one will be turned away, and there will be a "waiting place" for unbelievers. Please clarify.
@godsgospelgirl11 ай бұрын
Thank you for this quick overview!
@michelletorbert502110 ай бұрын
Thank you for this ..i have mental anguish i guess you call it because of the religion do much that i left and went wild ..believing i was lost for good kept on a bad path..but i found myself getting baptized at a baptist church in 2009...but several years later i messed up again ..because i fully didnt understand Who Jesus truly was ...i didnt know what to think or feel...well the last couple months ive been down on my knees crying to God confessing all my sons ..letting go my anger from my childhood..well finally i fully submitted myself in my own prayer accepting jesus as God the son ...i had so much peace come over me ..all my bad langage before that prayer disappeared...it was weird...the peace that i felt though waa so amazing. I still dont fully understand all the salvation thing tho but im trying to learn.
@xmz70 Жыл бұрын
What I did is giving them the "case for Christ" book
@johnlewis1078 Жыл бұрын
Excellent episode, Ms Melissa!
@leticiaramirez766811 ай бұрын
So interesting information , Thank you so Much!
@cbv1979 Жыл бұрын
Not everyone that does not celebrate Easter or Christmas is a Jehovas Witness. Some are just Messianic Jews aka Early Church Christians. We base our reasons solely on the Bible (Old and New Testament). We celebrate the actual Biblical Feasts Jesus also celebrated. If it is good enough for Him it is good enough for me.
@ChiefCedricJohnson Жыл бұрын
John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
@stevent8314 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your heart in wanting to help redeem those folks -who are striving so hard to earn salvation. The Book of Hebrews’ comparison of Jesus superiority to the Angels refutes the Michael being Jesus theory! As well as the numerous times that He accepted Worship & that the epistles instruct us to Worship Him!
@unletteredandordinary Жыл бұрын
So how do you explain that at 1 Chronicles 29:20 both God and king David (a man) were both worshipped by the nation of Israel simultaneously?
@KevinDay Жыл бұрын
Wow, Ready to Harvest posted the JW episode in their 2 minute series an hour after this was posted 😆
@daviddivad777 Жыл бұрын
i am currently talking to JW. but even when i show with their own content that they mistranslated the original Greek and that the early church fathers before the creeds already taught de divinity of Jesus and he just ignores it mostly and replies to me with articles from their website. it's so frustrating!
@Theescapist_87 Жыл бұрын
Yep lots of cognitive dissonance. My mom is a JW and I showed her that their new world translation Bible incorrectly translated John 8:58 using their interlinear Bible. Her first response was that none of that matters because no other Bible shows God's name in it. So I showed her three other Bible translations that show God's name as Jehovah in them and now she doesn't want to talk to me about the Bible anymore.
@mixiell7566 Жыл бұрын
@@Theescapist_87 You know its because maybe she had not enough info or she thought that conversation was going to nowhere. Every JW is different some of them are interested in other translations ( we even used them in past ) other just believed and practise it like lifestyle. Hovewer we should check and study bible by ourselves especially if we want to share it with others. Sorry for my english but its not my first language. 😇
@alishaba- Жыл бұрын
Please keep praying for them and don't give up. When I was deceived by the JWs, (I was born in, and truly believed it was "the truth") I ignored things that didn't make sense too. The things that stuck with me were Biblical questions I couldn't answer. And thankfully God finally opened my eyes. Helping a JW understand who Jesus is, is one of the hardest things for a JW to accept because they are indoctrinated against that more than anything else.
@daviddivad777 Жыл бұрын
@@alishaba- what Biblical questions could you not answer and made you doubt JW?
@mattmurdock2868 Жыл бұрын
@@daviddivad777 I have questions that witnesses are unable to answer....
@user-gz2xr4vd4m Жыл бұрын
Galatians 5 New International Version Life by the Spirit 13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[c] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. ------ Romans 8 New International Version Life Through the Spirit Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[d] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[e] his Spirit who lives in you. 12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation-but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. -------------
@BeckyInKorea Жыл бұрын
I was wondering exactly how to reach them. Thank you for this video 🙏
@ripcord8738 Жыл бұрын
And when they knock on your door with the "good news of the Kingdom" Mt.24:14, that's exactly how they feel about you.
@gdavischick7004 Жыл бұрын
Love your videos. Please keep up the good work! (Just here to boost the algorithm)
@alexdeja40412 ай бұрын
Thank you on this video
@slightlyimperfect4011 Жыл бұрын
My Mom is so stuck in there and seem brain washed because she can’t seem to think for herself. So hard to reach her
@jessiecarroll118711 ай бұрын
Holy spirit can speak through God's word
@okteri Жыл бұрын
I studied off and on with a couple of JWs in my home for several months until one day a note was on my door telling me the “brother” will not allow them to study with me anymore.
@juliacastellanos7764 Жыл бұрын
Oooh I'm scared of God's wrath! To even change or take out anything from the bible is to say "God you're not good enough let me fix you" no ma'am no sir. If I or an angel or creature under heaven preaches another gospel let them be accursed. At the same time the Lord is not willing for any to perish! God Bless You Jesus!! Thankyou
@alwayskola Жыл бұрын
I trust in God. Still doing a lot of research on understanding loving God the right way. I got a lot to learn is all I can really say. So many people take advantage of people trying to find good information, but it can be muddied in so much stuff. I'll keep learning
@missdebrami6862 Жыл бұрын
I also had them visit one day and asked a few questions and they said they would come back. I invited them to come back... they never did !!!
@micahrodriguez6419 Жыл бұрын
When talking to JW people, you need to realize that they think Modalism and Trinitarianism are the same thing. I once got into an online debate with a JW. The argument was, "how can God interact with God?" That is based on the assumption of Modalism. Trinitarianism assumes that the Father, the Word, and the Spirit are One, yet also distinct from each other. In Modalism, God interacts with God. In Trinitarianism, the Father interacts with the Son. Also note that JW's are different. Some can be very polite. Others seem to be rather rude. I also have to concede that I need to check myself from being rude to other people. NOTE: I am going to stop saying "God" or "Jehovah" to help keep myself from taking the Lord's name in vain. Instead I will say "the Lord." I have come to this conclusion due to the fact that people nowadays are frequently taking the Lord's name in vain. I need to stop conforming to the ways of the world, including worldly christianity.
@mae8859 Жыл бұрын
My in-laws are JWs my husband often asks questions and it leads no where.
@tourmaline7385 Жыл бұрын
Has he tried using Bible verses out of their own Bible that refute their theology. They’ve changed a lot of verses but not all. Melissa mentioned Romans 8. I’ve also heard that the first chapter in Hebrews puts a stone in their shoes.
@karenblohm3279 Жыл бұрын
When I found out my mother-in-law's sister married and converted to jw I was sad. I asked if she said anything to her sister. I don't think she said much if anything to keep their relationship good. I found out that the husband needed heart surgery and wondered how he could survive that. I knew they had different beliefs about surgery. I was telling a friend that I had just been visited, and I asked him why they would try to convert others when there are only a certain amount saved according to them. 🤔 Like giving up their spot.
@Kristy_not_Kristine3 ай бұрын
The JWs just left my home. I've enjoyed our conversations, but today they taught that jesus is a spirit... that he doesn't have a body. If that's the case what was the purpose of his body "disappearing " from the tomb? And if he's just a man, not God, even if he's was a perfect man he'd not have power to redeem all mankind. Only a God could do that. It was a lively, friendly conversation, who knows. Maybe seeds have been planted:)
@Hearwithyourears Жыл бұрын
The Jehovah witnesses leaders (governing body) demands unquestionable obedience and complete trust from their members. Here is a quote from their publication ”All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not." Watchtower 2013 Nov 15 p.20
@ripcord8738 Жыл бұрын
Amazing how posts like this omit certain information and tailor it to make a case against JWs. "Demand"? What in the world are you talking about? The Governing Body of JWs aka the "faithful and discreet Slave" Mt.24:45-47(you conveniently left that out) don't demand anything from anyone. Of course Christians must be "ready to obey". When the "great tribulation"(Mt.24:21) begins, they have to follow the direction of the group that Jesus designated.(Hebrews 13:17) Their lives depend on it. Are you disfellowshipped?
@leraewagner210 Жыл бұрын
my ex husband and most of his family are Jehovah Witnesses and I have had so many try to convert me, they would study in my home with my ex husband and it was trying at times but it gave me chance to really understand just how messed up their theology is. My ex still sends our children jehovah Witness bibles and i have had to point out the differences in their bible and hoiw much it is a cult. John 1:1 is a classic verse that they have changed
@1969cmp7 ай бұрын
The opening chapter of John's gospel is one of the best places to begin to unravel the society's error.
@Lillaloppan Жыл бұрын
Thank you😊!
@RandolphTheWhite1 Жыл бұрын
Your comments on the LDS and JW's disliking the cross are interesting. I've often wondered about that myself. The absence of a cross is so subtle that I didn't notice it for years when I was LDS. Someone had randomly pointed it out.
@BosomBuddyCreations Жыл бұрын
I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. I am not one any longer, I consider myself a Christian. Some of what you have said is true, but some your perspective is a little off. A couple things I felt were wrong, at least while I was a "part". I will be watching your series and will certainly comment there on specifics.
@tongakhan230 Жыл бұрын
Doesn't one mean 'raised in a JW environment'? No one can be raised a JW as people have to qualify to become one. Just a thought.
@Orwellwascorrect Жыл бұрын
SDA’s, pentecostals same thing with the holidays. I have no respect for anyone who wants to remove the ONLY TWO DAYS of the year where the secular world stops to ponder the name of Christ. It is the day that you can more easily get people to attend a church service.
@mikefrench4787 Жыл бұрын
Thank you and Lord bless
@theLordschild47 Жыл бұрын
Hey Melissa thank you for this video I learned a lot. I had a request if you have time one day.I wanted to know when or if you should include Godly counsel in all your major decisions or when you should not have it and let it just be between you and God?.sometimes my seeking Godly counsel has almost been oracle like.I want to trust God and not always have to go to people I just don't know when it's ok
@jobsalido48433 ай бұрын
The JW published a book in 1879 , page # 48. You can read on this page that Jesus deserves all Honor and worship including Michael the archangel
@no_handle_required Жыл бұрын
Who makes you the decisive authority on what any "they" have wrong? That's rhetorical. Nothing does. Religion and faith are not the same, nor should they ever be considered as such. People keep on ruining faith by forcing religion on it. Everybody is wrong. Or not. We'll all figure it one day.
@CH-gc8hf11 ай бұрын
She didn't say she has authority over one's belief. Based on her long hard research she gave her educated opinion where she put in long hours of study and JW attendance over the years.
@butziporsche8646 Жыл бұрын
Their doctrine has changed so much since I was a kid that I can't keep track of it. My mom (and The Society) keep misapplying Proverbs 4 to explain it away.
@tongakhan230 Жыл бұрын
Any idea what Jesus meant by: (Matthew 24:13) But the one who has endured to the end will be saved.
@miyanaru548111 ай бұрын
Celebrate the biblical feast, celebrating Easter and Christmas is idolatry. I don’t agree with Jehovah’s Witnesses but on this topic I do
@jimjuri64909 ай бұрын
An easy way to reach JWs is to go to their website and request a Bible study. God would send one of His Witnesses to help.
@bila8362 Жыл бұрын
Question for Melissa Dougherty: The Jehovah's Witnesses where I live have occasionally not showed up in pairs. At times, only one person has come to my door. I have their Interlinear and the Time Is at Hand. I used to have a lot of their magazines with the false prophecies. The issue is that the people who visit me are Spanish speaking and I have to translate anything I show them from English to Spanish with the exception of the Millions Now Living book. I've typed up direct quotes in Spanish with the citations to hand to them, but I'm not sure how effective it is since they are not original copies. Do you have any suggestions. Oh, and yes, I can see that it's mind control. It breaks my heart and also makes me feel like I'm hitting my head against a brick wall. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for letting the Lord use you as He does.
@robynhouse8166 Жыл бұрын
Their Interlinear is very effective for disproving so many core doctrines. My favorite verse to go to is Colossians 1:16-20 because their current silver New World Translation adds the word "other" multiple times but their interlinear proves that to be unjustifiable.
@Erin-ik1up5 ай бұрын
Wow! So there is a very specific reason why Romans 8 is my favourite chapter in the bible.
@carolynreeves3646 Жыл бұрын
Melissa- thank you for this inside look at JW. I am curious what you know about Eastern Orthodox Christianity?
@scottpeterson75003 ай бұрын
That was excellent 😎☕
@cheekyrobinnest Жыл бұрын
My daughter in law is a jehovah witness. I know more how to pray for her. Maybe someday I can witness better to her
@denisehayes2298 Жыл бұрын
Live for christ and she'll see the evidence and fruit of your faith in the true God almighty.
@jessiecarroll118711 ай бұрын
That's what I did they showed the video and I said I was checking the bible for each verse and they were happy that I was looking at my Bible to see if it was true
@the_jeremiah_16_19_project Жыл бұрын
So, if the JW's are wrong about the Jesus/Michael issue, does that risk their salvation? You seem to be suggesting that if someone has shortcomings in their understanding of the nature of God, they might not be saved. Otherwise, what is the real harm? Is God going to punish someone for thinking the wrong thing about him? I'm not sure you want to go there. Renaming pagan holidays to accommodate Jesus does not erase the gods honored by those holidays. It only diminishes Jesus to the level of a pagan god. Does the Bible say Jesus is the Passover Lamb, or the Easter ham? The OT is full of prophecies about Jesus. Of course, the Feasts of the Law are about Jesus. He said it Himself! John 5:46, Luke 24:44 The Vatican has been, for years, digitally photographing and publishing the hundreds of thousands of ancient documents in its archives. Among them are pages from the New Testament in Hebrew. They contain the Name YHVH. The vowel pointing makes the pronunciation, "YehoVAH." That vowel pointing also appears in the OT, but not always. However, I have never seen vowels in the Hebrew Bible suggesting "Yahweh." If you can show me one, I would interested to see it. I believe "Yahweh" is likely a rebranding of Johe, or Johe Pater, where we get Jupiter.
@woody35902 ай бұрын
A J.W..couple in our small northern Ontario Canada town,let their 12 year old daughter die because they refused a life saving blood transfusion. They were charged with endangerment of a child causing death and jailed.... and rightly so 🖕
@avoxace84 Жыл бұрын
This sounds stinkingly familiar with what my brother believes as a seventh day evangelist.
@denisehayes2298 Жыл бұрын
Yeah they have some similar beliefs. I have a close friend who is a seventh day Adventist