Jehovas Witnesses - Please pray for this lady

[t39]

They seem to be very knowledgeable in the bible.

I'm sure the devil himself knows the bible better than any of us,

please be careful with these people (JW) they'll lead you down a road you don't want to travel,

t39

[unsettled]

Hi Micaela,

I would say that you really need to pray to OUr heavenly Father on this.  I am very familiar with the older teachings of JW's. as I was involved at a young age in their beliefs.

A few thing that you need to be aware of.   First they are taught to put knowledge of the scriptures above GOD's grace.

They claim that the works of faith are the "visible things" going to meetings and going out and preaching like the old time apostles.

I can tell you almost anything you will need to know as an education on their back ground.  But I believe the scripture about "trusting no man" to be a really great one.    We need to be like the boreans and search the scriptures for our self.  And couple that with a whole heap full of heartfelt prayer.

One thing I may ask.  they will invite you to what they call the memorial for next week. "Passover"  I feel this to be a direct affront to Our Lord Jesus. as they pass his body and his blood that was meant for believers. and do not partake.  

I will try to keep my feelings to myself on other things but that one is a big slap in the face our our LORD in my mind.

Ask away thou.  

[tehohm/tehovm]

 I dont know for sure but is this for real ? I am not sure where this reputation comes from with Jehovah's Witnesses.  Like they are 'the biggest-bully' on the block. So Better watch yourself dear heart. It is more than likely it is undeserved. Sure it must be undeserved. Little known secret.  They are more scared of you "the Apostates" than you are of them  (pass it on). You should take up the challenge head on, like moths to a flame. Don't hesitate. All that is needed is to be informed (and walk taller than you would other wise).

[sarahliquid]

One useful point to mention, which I forgot to mention in my OP, was that as I was reading the verses from Acts, I noticed an additional word.

This is what their bible said:

Act 2:17  "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour some of my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
Act 2:18  even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

As I was reading it, I got to the word 'some' and instinctively said some in a shocked voice.

They believe that their bible is the same as the bible we read. Near the beginning of the conversation, I asked which bible they read, and the middle aged woman said they read from the same bible as me, the Holy Bible.  I was shocked when I saw the additional scripture.

This could be a good witnessing point.

So, is it that God poured out all of his spirit, having nothing left for himself? I'm not clear on the difference?

[sarahliquid]

I dont know for sure but is this for real ? I am not sure where this reputation comes from with Jehovah's Witnesses.  Like they are 'the biggest-bully' on the block. So Better watch yourself dear heart. It is more than likely it is undeserved. Sure it must be undeserved. Little known secret.  They are more scared of you "the Apostates" than you are of them  (pass it on). You should take up the challenge head on, like moths to a flame. Don't hesitate. All that is needed is to be informed (and walk taller than you would other wise).

I know for a fact that Witnesses do not consider all people of other faiths to be apostates. An apostate of any group is one who was dedicated to them then preach against them. That is a secular meaning in the dictionary, as well as the Bible's, and how Witnesses use it.

Be careful you do not become a liar. Liars are included in Rev 22:15. If you are not sure of something, find out the facts or say nothing to be safe.

[sarahliquid]

At work today, I was approached by a Jehovas Witness, I told her I am a born again Christian and that was it.  About an hour later, I saw 3 of them walking together, so I approached them and spoke to them about the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

They said they believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit is simply a metaphor at one point.  I then remembered scripture from Acts.  I asked to see one of their bibles.  The older lady handed me hers.  I then read the following to them...

Act 2:17  "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;
Act 2:18  even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

As I was reading it out loud to them and asking them how do they explain how people will prophesy if it is only a metaphor, the older lady interupted and tried to grab her bible back from me and when I made it difficult for her to grab it, she said, if you give me $81 you can have it, after I finished reading the scripture out loud, I gave it back.  The older and younger ones were switched off but the middle aged one was listening.

The middle aged one when I asked her how she explains the prophesying, she said: 'You have a point'.  I thought, ok I'm getting somewhere, then the younger and older one disappeared and I had the middle aged one to myself.  She was born into the faith and knew nothing else.

I knew she was in a rush, but I emphasized to her not to listen to man.  I also said to her to pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and to keep praying until it happens, and when it does happen, her whole world will change as her eyes open to a whole different understanding of the scriptures and how they will come alive for her.

I explained that the Holy Spirit will give her power to turn from sin.

Hopefully she'll think about what I said and pray for the baptism and re-read the book of acts.

Please pray for her.  I don't know her name, we met on the street and I forgot to ask in my eagerness.  God will know who you mean if you say the lady in Springvale that Emma met. Thanks.

Is "baptism of the holy spirt" the same as having "God's spirit poured upon you" in your eyes?

I found this on the Watchtower.org website, which is the official Witness website:

" Note that Jesus first got baptized with water. Then he received the holy spirit. Similarly, the early disciples had first been baptized in water (some by John the Baptizer), and then they received the holy spirit. (John 1:26-36) Likewise, the 3,000 converts were first baptized with water, and then they received the holy spirit.

First, a person repents of his sins, turns away from a wrong course, dedicates his life to Jehovah to worship and serve him, and makes his dedication public by water baptism. Then, if God chooses him to serve as a ruler in His Kingdom, he is anointed with holy spirit. The first part of this twofold process (baptism with water) is initiated by the individual; the second part (baptism with spirit) is initiated by God. When a person undergoes both baptisms, he has experienced the new birth."

So, if someone said it is a metaphor, they misspoke. That is not a correct understanding of the Bible teaching.

[paulr1025]

i don't recall reading about the thief on the cross being baptized.

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is receiving Christ on His terms.

Jesus said; "You will indeed drink of My cup and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with."

The cup is of course the one found here; Mat 26:39     He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."

John the baptist said; Mat 3:11     I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy  Spirit and fire.

Jesus said; Jhn 14:12     "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

Peter said; Act 10:38     how God anointed (Christed) Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.

Jesus said; Jhn 15:11     "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.



Agape,

Paul


Grace + Truth = AGAPE

[ronmorgen]

Glad to meet you sarah,

regarding your question:

So, is it that God poured out all of his spirit, having nothing left for himself?

 

I think that since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of love, He cannot be given away so as to be exausted. So, according to your faith, receive all that you want without fear that the almighty will run out of supply.

I am currently trying to find a church to belong to and I don't want to choose the wrong one and I think that by asking as many questions as I can and becoming more knowledgeable in the bible will help me make the right decision.

I would council you to find a church which teaches all the foundational doctrines of Christ including the Deity of Christ, his death on the cross for us,  his physical resurrection, the uniqueness of Christ as the only savior, salvation based on faith in him. I strongly recommend you keep plenty of distance between yourself and any group that doesn't teach these things, including the JW's.

[Debz]

Let's be very, very careful before we start talking about others being "liars."

Debz
Moderating Team

[PWinChrist]

Hello,
I am a nondenominational preacher's wife.  I do have the Holy Ghost. I would like to suggest to you to be very careful and most of all highly prayerful during your quest to find a church. Please do not be persuaded by the prosperity preachers of today's time. Note: you cannot serve God and mammon.  Let your search be for a church that teaches the ENTIRE Bible, excluding no parts as being obsolete because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever....He Changes Not! True churches of God teaches saints to be Holy because God is Holy. And, to live Holy is a process whereas we 'Die Daily' which means the more we learn to love God; the less we serve our fleshly desires. I pray God blesses your journey.

[sarahliquid]

Let's be very, very careful before we start talking about others being "liars."

Debz
Moderating Team

I am the one that said that, and believe me I am careful. My soul is in the hands of God, and I know well that liars are as bad as murderers in his eyes.

 If I didn't know the rock solid truth and know that the person stated an absolute falsehood, I would not have spoken as I did.  I don't care what group anyone speaks of, call them out for what they actually do and actually say. But to make up falsehoods should not be tolerated from anyone, against anyone.

[Debz]

Let's be very, very careful before we start talking about others being "liars."

Debz
Moderating Team

I am the one that said that, and believe me I am careful. My soul is in the hands of God, and I know well that liars are as bad as murderers in his eyes.

 If I didn't know the rock solid truth and know that the person stated an absolute falsehood, I would not have spoken as I did.  I don't care what group anyone speaks of, call them out for what they actually do and actually say. But to make up falsehoods should not be tolerated from anyone, against anyone.

Sarah,

I know who said it, and I will repeat... If you want to provide information that refutes someone's stance on a particular subject, then, please, feel free to do so. But refrain from calling people liars, insinuating that they are liars, or accusing them of "making up falsehoods." If the poster you referred to is mistaken, then explain to him/her why that is so... instead of making accusations.

Debz
Moderating Team

[sarahliquid]

Let's be very, very careful before we start talking about others being "liars."

Debz
Moderating Team

I am the one that said that, and believe me I am careful. My soul is in the hands of God, and I know well that liars are as bad as murderers in his eyes.

 If I didn't know the rock solid truth and know that the person stated an absolute falsehood, I would not have spoken as I did.  I don't care what group anyone speaks of, call them out for what they actually do and actually say. But to make up falsehoods should not be tolerated from anyone, against anyone.

Sarah,

I know who said it, and I will repeat... If you want to provide information that refutes someone's stance on a particular subject, then, please, feel free to do so. But refrain from calling people liars, insinuating that they are liars, or accusing them of "making up falsehoods." If the poster you referred to is mistaken, then explain to him/her why that is so... instead of making accusations.

Debz
Moderating Team

Thank you, I just wanted to make clear that the offense wasn't to me, but to God and his standards.

[poppy]

I am currently having bible study with JWS but read so many bad things about them , a lot ive read about them being a cult and read many peoples stories about being kicked out and shunned for breaking the rules , some off the rules they broke where so miner , im not going to become one way to controlling but will carry on with the bible study ...