Page 4 - Cults and Marginal Groups - Textbook w videos short

It is IMPERATIVE that you learn what the JW believes, what scriptures they use to prove their doctrines,
and how they think! It is also equally important to realize that they are LOST and in need of a Savior but
are ignorant of this fact. It is imperative that Christians not have a hostile attitude when they meet
them on their doorstep or in the way. We are called to share the good news of the Gospel with them so
that they might be saved from sure destruction (Jude 3, I Peter 3: 15-16, and Matthew 28: 19-20).

Understanding where they are coming from….

Each member of the “church” is thoroughly indoctrinated with Watchtower theology. The average
JEHOVAH’S WITNESS is able to explain AND defend what he believes, and back it up citing specific proof
texts. It would behoove ourselves to know their “proof texts” and what their arguments will be BEFORE
encountering them within a witnessing situation.

They are also trained how to respond to common challenges. They know what to say if you say, “I am a
Christian and don’t believe that” or “I’m not interested” or “I have my own religion” or even “I am
acquainted with what you believe.” Saying these things will immediately trigger a learned response
from the Jehovah’s Witness. Hence, when you raise a doctrinal objection or offers a defense, this will
solicit and automatic response in the mind of the Jehovah’s Witness. Keeping this fact in mind will HELP
you to remain patient with the Jehovah’s Witness when it seems you are going nowhere in talking with
him/her.

You must keep in mind that when you point out a particular verse to a Jehovah’s Witness, he
AUTOMATICALLY “reads” it through the “lens” of the Watchtower Society. His programmed mind will
automatically twist the verse to agree with what the Watchtower Society says it means. This will be a
real point of frustration for you, because verses that clearly enumerate a truth, to them say something
different. Remember, persistence and patience are required in witnessing to
them.

One really helpful tool is to ask the Jehovah’s Witness to read the verse aloud,
then ask, “What is being said here?” Almost immediately you will get the
programmed response from the Watchtower, so ask him to read it again and ask
another question which may clarify the verse. If you are persistent, you will help the Jehovah’s Witness
see for himself that there are contradictions and problems with his view.

Understand the pressures they live under….

As we will learn in this study, the possibility of them arriving in “heaven” is totally based on their
acceptance of the Watchtower doctrine and on their WORKING to achieve the possibility of a future
bliss. They must work diligently and share the doctrine of the Watchtower with others to have a
possibility of salvation, so they are under the pressure of the hard LAW of the Watchtower machine.

A second pressure is that they have been warned that friends and relatives may very well be used by
Satan to try to dissuade them from remaining faithful to the Watchtower Society. So, when a friend
(you) or relative actually does try to share with them a differing doctrine, they believe that the
Watchtower Society is the true prophet of God and that you or a relative is being used by Satan to
mislead them. Thus, your challenge to their belief just bolsters their resolve to remain faithful to the
true prophet!

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