SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES- Introduction
Jehovah’s Witnesses seem to have answers for everything. What’s the best way to witness and share your beliefs with a Jehovah’s Witness?
SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES- No Pat Answers!
Jehovah’s Witnesses have been trained to give stock answers to the most common arguments which Christians use against their false teachings. Therefore, whatever specific strategy is used, the key is to derail them from giving their pat answers.
SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES- The Watchtower LIES
One strategy is to present evidence that the Watchtower has lied to its followers. For example, the Society has stated that its founder, Charles Taze Russell, never claimed to be “the faithful and wise servant” of Matthew 24:45, whereas in fact he really did make that claim. If Jehovah’s Witnesses can be made to see that the Watchtower has lied to them, there is a good chance they will abandon their faith in the organization. Then, of course, they may be open to hear what you have to say about the truth of the Bible.
SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES- False Prophecies
Another strategy is to present evidence that the Watchtower has published false prophecies. This might be a little trickier, since they have come up with some clever excuses for their erroneous predictions, but with good materials and some good instruction these excuses may be overcome.
SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES- Acts 2:26
A third strategy is to introduce biblical material which they likely have never heard before. For example, the Witnesses claim that Jesus did not rise from the dead in His physical body but was recreated as a spirit. In response, you might quote Acts 2:26, which says that Jesus’ flesh “dwelled in hope,” and then ask how Jesus’ flesh could have hope if it was not going to be raised from the dead. This question will probably take them by surprise.
SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES- Conclusion
Anyone serious about witnessing to the Witnesses needs to spend time studying in preparation. At the same time, as in all witnessing situations, we must witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses with the love of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. And remember, as the Bible instructs, “be prepared to give an answer with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). You really don’t have to be another one of those Christians who are quickly turned into doctrinal pretzels by Jehovah’s Witnesses. You can give answers; you can give them clearly and concisely, and with the power of the Holy Spirit their lives can be transformed.On witnessing and sharing your beliefs with Jehovah’s Witnesses, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.
