Thank you, Eric. I asked God to fill me with him Holy Spirit through his beloved son Jesus and put me on the right path. Some time later, one of your videos came up on TH-cam, and now I know I'm on the right path, your friend Olive from Ireland
@@mamajan99 thanks for the reply.but it doesn't really answer my question.I guess what I'm asking is do you actually feel anything? Physically? Or is it a feeling of euphoria or a rush of calmness.some people described a burning sensation in the chest.
In 75 I got dunked as JW and when I came up I silently said “I really do love you Jehovah” to God. I didn’t do it for men so when I left 34 yrs later , God was with me.
When I first saw what they had to say before baptism I was shocked!!!! Instead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost they say to Jehovah and his organization 🤦♂️🤯 just WOW!!!! Pray for these good people to wake up from this cult 🙏🙏🙏🙏
My niece is 8 yrs old and was baptized JW. I asked my mom why so young if Christ was baptized in his 30s.. she replied, we don't have to follow Jesus's example. I was speechless.
Bro . Eric . . I am One (of Many) . . Who TRULY APPRECIATES the Time and Trouble taken by You and your Associates to Research and put together These Timely Videos !! 👏😌
I was a baptized witness from 1984. But I never felt like I belonged to the org. or its rank and file. I always thought I felt close to God. But now I realize I never developed a relationship with Jesus. And now that Im learning the actual bible and not watchtower rags, I see how important that relationship is. I am indebited to Eric and all the folks who bring the best bible study group Ive ever belonged to. I am going to get baprized again, or actually for the first time. Even thinking about this brings tears. At age 65, I'm finally where God wants me to be. So i guess its never too late.
@kariberger4978 It's never too late, because the Father knows us and knows when we are ready and so he has guided us all along, though we never realized it at the time.
Your talk is right on brother Eric. I debated as I was waking up if my baptism was what “I thought it to be; a personal commitment to follow Jesus.” But recently I realized that there are “hijacking words in my past baptism vow.” Now, having been freed from the false prophet and learn the truth in the scriptures, I realize I must find a Christian to baptize me again only in the name of Jesus Christ. Thanks for the work you do. Kelly
Yes, we're not children who kiss the pinky ring and serve the 'Godfather'. We are not a part of a mafia 'family'. That's what cult-y groups demand. I enjoyed this info on vows, and baptism, and belonging - learned a lot today! Thank you so much for posting this video!
I'm neither JW nor ex-JW but have friends who are. Always well grounded videos in the Bible and the grace from Jesus. Never judging...just swinging the door open to undistorted message in the bible. Thanks
My sincere fiends thank you I’m a PIMO … leaving slowly.. but to add to your comments… the GB… has even gone against Jesus own words when he said in one of his last commandments “ baptize them In The name of the father , son , and Holy Spirit,( Matthew 28:19-20) The organization did this till about 1985 then they changed Jesus spoken words… They did this change till about 1985…. Many of my older fiends got baptized in the words of Jesus but not any more …. So sad it’s all the glory of the organization… I believed but this one woke me up..
My first red flag occured each time I hear the organisation of JWs "dedicating" a new Kingdom Hall for use. In order words, "dedication" before baptism indicates getting set to be used by the man-made organisation falsely claiming to be owned by Jehovah. It can't be clearer that their so-called "dedication" is a ploy to men and women for enslavement into GB arrangement. Thanks so much Eric. Viva!! 👍👏👏
Many of those "Dedicated" Halls (which I freely helped build and contributed to), are now Marijuana Dispensaries and New Age Churches, and who knows what else. Some "dedication" to Jehovah...
So much food for thought here, it made me think of the Ethiopian eunuch when he said what prevents me from getting baptised, can you imagine Philip saying anything as ridiculous as what is said today.
The Eunich was reading the scriptures when Philip came buy. Philip said nothing about reading a WT book for 6 months before getting baptised. He went under at the very first body of water they came to! The same with Silas and Paul's Jailer. He and his entire household were baptised that night. Acts 16:33 Religion is still "a trap and a snare!" Get out of her My people!!!
No works and vows can save us. May the truth set them free. That we can be saved by believing in Christ by gods grace. Then we can become baptised as a symbole of us being born again by the spirit. This will produce good fruit that hopefully will draw others to Christ and the one true God the father. The JW (and many others) have overcomplicated the good news.
I deleted my comment because I've listened to you twice, I get it. Thank you, Eric, it's clear to see the Holy Spirit working through you. I'm thankful to Jesus for faithful servants as yourself. ❤
Mr. Eric, I have listened to you for a couple of years. I teuly appreciate you attentiob to detail and the “behind the scenes” work you put into your videos. I am not super twch savy but i am sure it requires much work. Even though I may not agree with all the stances you have on certain topics. I do see the love GOD have placed in your heart thru Christ Jesus and you worry about us enough to make you best efforts to communicate precisively news and biblical information so we cannot have a dearth of understanding ofnthe spiritual devices the enemy uses against us.. In the actions of the WT, i can only deacribe them as “spiritual cannibalism” . They also consume each other to make a group of men happy. That is the best way to describe this constant consumption of human resources. much agape love in Christ Jesus….jay
I do not know what to do. I had a feeling my baptism was a sham and now I realize it was because it was a contract with the organization. Coming out of this religion has not been easy and the more I learn bible truth the closer to Jesus I feel, but I am starting over and have lost so much. Thank you Eric, another great video and very encouraging for someone that is finding their way.
A good way to start over is to talk with others who are going through the same thing you are going through. You can find us every week starting the Bible together online. HTTPS://Beroeans.net/events/
@@BeroeanPickets You are correct, when you leave you have to find a support group as the WT leaves you destitute. I will have to join in on this, thank you!
Non è facile. Io dopo 40 anni ho capito che c era troppo uomo e niente Dio. Ho smesso in 15gg. ...poi ho scoperto tutto e mi sono ritrovata sola,..sai com'è...ma Dio e Cristo meritavano la mia lealtà! Non questi massoni satanisti! Ti rifarai nuove amicizie. Il mondo è pieno di brave persone❤ un abbraccio
Thank you,Eric for following the leading of the Holy Spirit to explain these wonderful spiritual insights for those who truly want to follow the New Covenant Instituted by the Heavenly Father through is Son and the Holy Spirit. Our means to have salvation and reconciliation, with the Father Yahweh. May you continue to love your neighbor as yourself and share. 😊💛💜🙏🏽
Thanks brother! I used to tell my dad that Jesus said his yoke was kind and the load was light....so why does it feel so heavy? **Crickets** That religion puts too much on you. I made sure my oldest daughter steer clear of control of that cult!! No way I'd ever shun her
I would never subject my children to that again. Parents should teach their children about our Heavenly Father and Christ without the Pharisees" constant, hypocritical judgement and nit picking.
Excellent logic flow and presentation. Last summer I was called in for jury duty, they made everyone in the court hall stand up all at once -(300 people +/-), and swear a vow to "tell the the truth, the whole truth..." I didn't do it and when everyone sat down I remained standing as instructed for those who would not swear. When the court clerk questioned me I quoted Matthew 5:33-37 & then pointed out to the entire court that they were making a mockery of God's word by swearing on it when it specifically says not to. -I didn't get chosen for jury duty but was swiftly dismissed. God's word is powerful and holy.
@jackiepowell7513 '...Do not go beyond what is written...' -1st Corinthians 4:6 "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil". -Matthew 5:37 You are not arguing against me but against scripture.
It's true that God set up nations and governments and we should obey those who are leader but if they say we should do what is agaisnt God we should not obey,in anything God comes first we can't compromise Christ.
Thank you Eric, for this fine instruction. A couple of years ago, I found the full publication (online), referenced by watchtower, in an attempt to support their anointed and 'non-anointed' Christian ('friends' of God) doctrine. The article is in the Watchtower magazine of December 1st, 1985, page 15 para 10 and quotes from the book, published in 1871, 'Synonyms of The Old Testament', by Robert Baker Girdlestone. Here is watchtowers quote; found about half way down the paragraph in their magazine: 'Yes, due to his faith, Abraham was declared righteous as a 'friend of Jehovah' and not as a son with the right to perfect human life or to kingship with Christ. Interestingly, in his Synonyms of the Old Testament, Robert Girdlestone wrote regarding Abraham's righteousness: "This righteousness was not absolute , i.e. such as would commend Abraham to God as a rightful claimant of the inheritance of sonship." ' Notice how watchtower ends the quote with a full stop? Well, in the book from which they make the quote, this is the full statement: "This righteousness was not absolute , i.e. such as would commend Abraham to God as a rightful claimant of the inheritance of sonship, *because* , in that case, he would not have been said to have been justified by faith; it was therefore relative, and was the result of his faith in God (see Rom. 4:2-4, and compare 2 Sam. 22:21)." But in true fashion, watchtower chose to only partially quote the author. Not only that, but watchtower failed to faithfully express Robert Girdlestones full explanation on the righteousness of Abraham and its meaning. In fact, Mr Girdlestones reference to Romans 4, at the end of his paragraph, beautifully describes Abraham as the father of *all* with such faith; AND whats more, that he is the father of such ones, *without distinction* . Of Abraham, Paul explains: "The words “it was credited to him” *were written not for him alone* , but also *for us*, to whom God will credit righteousness-for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4:23-25 Why would Abraham be described as the father of those being called to God as sons declared righteous by God due to their faith, only for Abraham to be 'symbolic' of a secondary class of 'non-anointed' Christians, described as 'friends of God'? (And therefore (according to watchtower) "..not as a son with the right to perfect human life or to kingship with Christ".) The whole chapter of Romans 4 is very insightful as to the importance of Abraham. I believe watchtower imputed its own agenda on to the actual point being taught by Mr Girdlestone.
Yes, I don’t recall Jesus and the apostles preaching to repent, make a dedication vow and get baptized to be Jehovah’s friend. And yes, Christians belong to Christ. And yes, Jesus instructed us not to make vows/oaths. And yes, marriage vows originated @ 1549 from the Church of England not the bible. The witnesses had to redefine baptism for the OS due to their excluding them from being Gods children and the baptism into Christ.
In the book of Act, every account dealing with baptism states that everyone getting baptize, are baptize in the name of Jesus. Not in association with an organization
I hope a lot of people's see and learn with your videos. They are the truth and you always put references directly from the JWS books or review to prove it. La partie triste c'est qu'ils sont formé à l'avance de vous etiquetter un apostat, ce que vous n'êtes certainement pas. Vous êtes un homme qui montre les choses telles qu'elles sont et pour cela merci pour votre incroyable travail monsieur.
It says in Matthew,one baptism,so say i was to be baptised as a jw which im not then decided i wanted to be baptised as say a roman catholic would the second baptism be invalid?im an ex jw,left when i turned 16 but at 51 am searching for the correct religion god wants me to follow but is easier said than done when so utterly confused
Thank You ..Thank You...I've been struggling with this for some time ..I have family members that are JW"s.....I've studied many different times ..I do believe that Jesus Christ is the TRUE GODS" SON.....There are many things that conflict the watchtower teaching with the BIBLE...I WANT AND CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THE BIBLE....My husband has always said that we do not need to follow any organized religion..To keep it simple..FOLLOW THE BIBLE...Yet when the time comes..how do I find a like minded place for baptism baptism...THANK YOU AGAIN..😊😊
@marchascott3498 You could check out our online bible study at beroeans.net/events/. Perhaps you'd be able to find someone nearby your area who could do the baptism.
It's more than 30 years ago that I was baptised. Some 20 years ago I started fading and was on a (ex)jw forum. Some who had already left choose to be baptised again 'in the name of the father, son and HS'. Personally my baptism felt like what is written in 1 peter 3:21 'a good conscience towards God'. And that's what I said the last times elders came at my door. The bureaucratic one said 'but you know your baptism was a dedication to the organisation'. He 'invited' me to come for a committee but I refused, since they have no authority from God over me. When they wanted to expell me for apostasy that was their choice. Then covid came. It was a weird conversation (about an hour I think) and I'm grateful to the holy spirit for putting words and bible verses in my memory and mouth. So different from exercising with the reasoning book of how to respond. Yes I'm alone as a Christian in real life, but found some lovely friends through Internet from different denominations to chat about bible passages. Thanks for the videos.
I'm amazed that the elder actually said that. So, at least some of them knew the "scam" from the "get go". Satan must be laughing when he watches the JW baptisms.
@@vintage6346 Maybe satan is laughing, but God sees the heart and will have the last saying. And yes, it was surprising that the elder said that. Pretty honest 😂
Right after I listened to this discourse I was moved to read revelations 2:20-29 Your words helped me to see from the scriptures how this"Jezebel" (WTBTS) has influenced people to believe that they are worshiping Yehovah God when in actuality they are engaged in spiritual idolatry as is pointed out here in the book of revelations. We are told what we must do to free ourselves and there are somethings I have questions to, but I'd like to ask privately, could this be possible? Thank -you for sharing.
I was a jw’s for 25 years, 2 years ago I realized I was in a false religion, I begged God and Jesus for forgiveness for being a witness, the next day I was full of Holy Spirit, I was happy, peaceful, loving, joyful, I couldn’t believe it, being a jw I was always depressed and anxious, I’m assisting to Seventh Day Adventist now and got baptized again, I’m closer to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit than I ever was before, I’m even keeping the sabbath, thanks Eric because you was one of the first activists I started watching Mark Martin too
@@deanpixx when I asked God for forgiveness and next day I was full of Holy Spirit, I didn’t even know if God has a real church on earth, it was the Holy Spirit that guided me to the Seventh Day Adventist church, 2 things convinced me, keeping the sabbath and preaching the second coming of Jesus Christ, Christ in the sanctuary and the Bible being our only guide, like I said I’m closer to God than I ever was being a witness, I bought a new Bible too, and in prayer I can feel the Holy Spirit, that’s my testimony, theirs only one truth and the sabbath is the mark of God. So I don’t agree with you saying from one cult to another, jw’s is a cult, not SDA!!
Jesus is our Sabbath. The Holy Spirit put you there for a reason. Rest in HIm. No condemnation for those who are in Christ. Keep the oil in your lamps until that day. The bride is getting ready! 💪🔥
@@vintage6346 Catholic Church changed the day of the Lord Sabbath for Sunday in 325 ac. The 4 commandment is the longest and the one God said remember it because I blessed it and sanctified it, Jesus said he was the lord of the Sabbath, I’m certain that God hasn’t changed his mind
Then why even mention that being baptized identifies you with an earthly organization run by men? "Jehovah's Organization" occurs over 2,000 times in WT publications. For Witnesses, obeying the Organization is obeying Jehovah, and being dedicated to the organization is being dedicated to Jehovah.
I like SDAs teaching on Baptism, they seem to get it right. Here it is: By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.)
The problem with that definition is what is meant by "His church". Do you take that to mean the SDA church? Would that invalidate baptism that is not made in connection with a particular church or Christian denomination, like the SDA church.
@@LosBereanos By his Church they mean body of Christ. They dont believe only SDA will get saved. Btw i appreciate all the good work you do, my hats off to you my brother in Christ. Half my family is JW and i had that belief system up until i was 30 years.i prayed to our heavenly father to show me the truth even if it ment what i believed on was false and uncomfortable to leave, right after that i started seeing cracks in JW doctrine and how blind they were during the pandemic.i started reading the Bible and asking the holy spirit(the helper Jesus would send to reach us all things)for guidene instead of the Watchtower and i got revelation after revelation, om really free on Christ and happy.I will baptised in the name of Jesus Christ soon but i will also become a member of SDA because they have such great community and i love their health message. Keep up the great work brother 🙏
There is no painless way to exit. You can fade away, but if you do, your family and friends will shun you anyway. You can formerly resign, but that just results in a stronger, quicker shunning. If you want to show love for all those you know in the Organization, write them all a letter explaining what you now know to be true. Essentially, preach to them as they do when they go door-to-door. You'll still end up being shunned, but you'll have a clear conscience. And when the fecal matter hits the ventilation device, as it inevitably will at some future point, no one will be able say to you, "You knew all along this was all false and never told me?"
Are you saying that if bad things are said about you, you must be doing what is right? In that case, I'm on solid ground because Witnesses say all kinds of bad things about me.
This text was never discussed before baptism. Romans 6: Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 So we were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in a newness of life. 5 If we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be united with him in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old personality was nailed to the stake along with him in order for our sinful body to be made powerless, so that we should no longer go on being slaves to sin. 7 For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin
Hi Eric. Personally, I was baptized in 1982. There is no mention of even Jehovah’s Witnesses or the organization until the baptism question changes since 1985. Therefore, to me, it would not be necessary to be rebaptized prior to the 1985 questions. On the other hand, if a person is baptized since 1985, and feels that his/her conscience bothers them, then they could definitely choose to be rebaptized. Some even might feel that they never made a dedication to an organization anyway, and choose to not get rebaptized. At the end of the day though, it’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit that leads to salvation. Water baptism is something a person does; baptism by the Holy Spirit is something only God can do.
In John 3, Jesus uses the phrase “born of water” in answer to Nicodemus’s question about how to enter the kingdom of heaven. He told Nicodemus that he “must be born again” (John 3:3). Nicodemus questioned how such a thing could happen when he was a grown man. Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).
I was baptized in December of 1963 so I tend to feel the same way about my baptism, the only reference to the organization was the phrase that your baptism also served as your ordination as a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses.
@@aiercooledengine In my case, I disassociated in 2020, and since then I am following Christ only. How about you? Were you able to keep your faith or did you decide in favour of other choices?
Dont forget guys...those baptised prior 1985 answered 2 DIFFERENT questions, focusing on JC, HSpirit and Jah.....look it up! Does that mean those baptisms r invalid? I for 1 have NOT BROKEN MY VOWS! And many of u who r now HERETICs like me NOT APOSTATE, (as that requires u to turn yr back on God and JC), are honouring our vows by NOT bowing down to men! ❤👏👋
The bible say we are Children of God but i had some JW say they are people ofJehovah,the bible say we are Church of Christ and we are His witnesses but they say they are Jehovah's organisation.i dont understand them especially since they say they are only true Christians but they are not Christ witnesses but Jehovah's Witnesses
I was babtised when I was 13 years old..left the Truth when I was 17..I am now 64..trying to come back to Jehovah?? But listening to your videos.. Im totally confused now!! I just want whats real,,right..the truth?? NOW IM SO LIKE WHAT?? jUST ridiculous..I do not like this confusion..and Jehovah I know is not a God of confusion...Soo I need to study more and ask my father Jehovah to help me..this is my life..as millions of peoples life..HELPPPP!!
I am 68. Been a very very dedicated witness since age one. The reason you’re confused is because the organization that we would’ve given our life for has been twisting the Scriptures. Keep praying to Jehovah and notice how Eric always backs what he says up with God’s word. And the confusion will go away. I’m about to have no friends or family just because I decided to deeply study the Bible and no longer agree with some of the false teachings. Does that sound like love to you? The kind of love Christ talked about? And if you need to seal it in your mind go watch the Australian council where Jeffrey Jackson lied on the stand and said they weren’t the only channel God was using today. That’s an outright lie from what the watchtower says and what we all believed.
James 2:23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham put faith in Jehovah,* and it was counted to him as righteousness,”+ and he came to be called “Jehovah’s* friend.”+
But Abraham was not a Christian. Jesus had not yet opened the way for the adoption of humans as God's Children. Now things are different. The Org loves to quote James 2:23 but how often do you see John 1:12, 13 applied to the other sheep. “However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name. And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.” (John 1:12, 13)
@tonywalker5538 Always nice to quote what you cite. Here it is: "But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:63, 64 ESV) Are you asking because you think Jesus was speaking literally? That the High Priest would literally see Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, as Stephen did when he was being stoned?
Thanks for your answer Eric Sorry I should of be more precise...here Jesus answers under Oath when asked by the high priest if he was God's son What's your thoughts on him answering when put under Oath? I think in writing out my question for you I have got the answer Eric lol He's merely responding to ,not taking the Oath 😊 If you feel you can add to this I would appreciate your comment, thanks and love your work Eric 😊
The April 2017 Watchtower that you cite asks for devotion to YHWH, she cited to support her assertion: Matthew 16:24 Now this verse says, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his torture stake and follow me continually." TMN Christ speaks of himself, not of his Father. - Romans 14:8 Jehovah's Witnesses attribute it to Jehovah. Now, verse 9 shows that it is spoken of Christ to whom we owe everything, for he is Lord over the living and over the dead. Their biblical references do not support their claims. Nicole - France (Avec Google translate)
Interestingly, Scripture does not focus very much on the person who baptizes Christians. John 4:2 teaches, "Although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples." Jesus had His disciples baptize His followers rather than doing it Himself. Apparently Paul did not personally baptize many people either. In (1 Corinthians 1:14-16) It appears Paul allowed other believers to baptize people as part of their service to the church. One might question the validity of John's baptism of Jesus because John's baptism was one of repentance rather than salvation. But Jesus replied, “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Mt 3:15
@@BeroeanPickets 🙂🤝🤗 Эрик, мне можно писать по-английски. Будьте добры, пожалуйста, очень прошу Вас, прочитайте моё письмо здесь рядом. 🙂 Eric, you can write to me in English. Please, please, I beg you, read my letter here next. 🙂 --
@@VitaliyII Vitaliyll, Я думаю, тебе следует держать в секрете свое точное местонахождение. Не публикуйте свое местоположение здесь публично. В мире много мошенничества. Но тебе следует написать Эрику по электронной почте. Адрес электронной почты Эрика указан в описании к этому видео. Программное обеспечение не позволит мне опубликовать его адрес электронной почты здесь, в моем комментарии. Сообщите Эрику свое местоположение. В будущем, по молитве, возможно, кто-то сможет прийти к вам на крещение. Vitaliyll, I think that you should keep your exact location a secret. Do not post your location here publicly. There is much fraud in the world. But you should email Eric. Eric's email address is in the description of this video. The software won't allow me to post his email address here in my comment. Tell Eric your location. In the future, with prayer, someone may be able to visit you for baptism.
Interestingly, while jw's call themselves Christians, Jesus is not central to their theology. At best, Jesus is a sideline. How do you love an organization?
Interesting, if baptism is a public symbolism or statement of your dedication to Christ or in this case to the organization then logically someone passing on the emblems at the Memorial each year would be a public symbolism or statement of your rejection of Jesus and his life saving blood which would mean you are not covered by the forgiveness of sin nor a Child of God thereby sealing your future resurrection with the unrighteous !? 🥺 From my point of view if you’re not baptized in the blood of the lamb, ie the Father, Son and Holy Spirit like the Bible tells us to baptize people then passing on the emblems each year would be totally appropriate it seems.
If any followers of the org were paying attention: they admitted they are not always right. Never the less obey everything. They had just admitted they were blind guides. Huh I was baptized as a teen in the church of Christ and later with Jehovah’s witnesses. Double dipped. Wonder where that puts me?
@@albertafine9445 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:15 Jesus was then born again, now of water and spirit just as we are. Now Jesus' was CHRIST (Anointed) His spiritual mother was "The Jerusalem above, our mother." Likewise for His followers, we are born again of water and spirit' from the same womb (adelphos), heavenly Jerusalem our mother, as is Jesus Christ. Gal 4:26
All you need is a body of water and a person to perform the baptism. Ideally, it should be someone who believes in Jesus Christ, but in the absence of anyone like that, just a good friend, whom you can trust.
@@BeroeanPickets Ok, I will do that. Thx. I did believe all the right stuff at my JW B. but I think its important that to do the baptism according to my growing knowledge.
Eric, if swearing Oaths is so bad, why does God himself swear an Oath at Genesis 22:16? Wouldn't Jesus be condemning his father if this was the correct understanding of his words in Matthew 5? If anything beyond yes and no is from the wicked one then your teaching would have you accusing God of doing something from the wicked one. Your teaching on it doesn't seem to harmonise with the rest of the scriptures. Or are we also to understand that God operates on a "Do as I say, not as I do" directive? 🤷♂️
It isn't my teaching nor understanding, but that which comes from our Lord. If God says Yes, then it is Yes. He can never go back on his word. If he swears an oath, it is not because he needs to, is it? “. . .For when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could not swear by anyone greater, he swore by himself, saying: “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” So after Abraham had shown patience, he obtained this promise. For men swear by someone greater, and their oath is the end of every dispute, since it is a legal guarantee to them. In this same way, when God decided to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, in order that through TWO UNCHANGEABLE THINGS in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to take firm hold of the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:13-18) What are the "TWO UNCHANGEABLE THINGS"? God's promise and God's oath. His promise to Abraham was all that was needed, but he new our weak human character would need a little more, so he also issued a legally binding oath. He did that for us, not because he needed to. Jesus' words regarding making oaths must be taken within the historical context. He was not making a blanket condemnation of the act of swearing an oath, no matter who does it or under what context. If you are in court and are required to swear under oath that you will tell only the truth, you would not be in a circumstance such as Jesus is addressing, would you? But, to swear an oath of dedication to Jehovah God and then symbolize that oath by water baptism is clearly doing something God does not require nor ask for, and it perverts the true meaning of baptism as clearly explained in 1 Peter chapter 3. So that is undoubtedly covered within Jesus' condemnation of making vows because we can see from the result that the "vow of dedication" comes from the wicked one.
@Thecrazygamer2 BeroeanPickets said: "Jesus' words regarding making oaths must be taken within the historical context. He was not making a blanket condemnation of the act of swearing an oath, no matter who does it or under what context. If you are in court and are required to swear under oath that you will tell only the truth, you would not be in a circumstance such as Jesus is addressing, would you?" I agree with this point. Some of that context is helpful because it allows us to consider the state of things back at that time when Jesus was addressing those religious leaders, and how they had 'changed' what belonged to God, by means of many, many of their own traditions. These included 'short-cuts', cop-out clauses, that would allow for them to renege on oaths they had made; they cheapened the importance, the value and seriousness of an oath. Their self-imposed traditions gave them various ways out of obligation. By the time Jesus arrived, these religious leaders had strayed far away from the spirit of the law of God. They had added so much more, unnecessary extras, that it weighed heavy on the people in general. These were invalidating Gods ways; and Jesus saw all this first hand. In Matthew 5:34-36, we are given a clue as to how easy, off-the-cuff, oath-making had become; for they were swearing (making an oath) by means of many different things, as if this would add some weight to their frivilous promises; things such as 'by heaven, 'by earth', 'by Jerusalem', and by their own 'heads'. Today, people do something very similar, don't they; they may say things like: "Hand on heart, I swear by my.....( eg a close relatives) ...life." Then how often, that that 'sworn oath' proved to be worthless. Oaths are only as good as the one making the oath. And within the nation of Israel, it appears that there was very little, if any value, on oaths being made. And so Jesus let them know. "But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: *either by heaven, for it is God’s throne* ; *or by the earth, for it is his footstool* ; *or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King* . And do not swear *by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black* . All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:34-37 "Anything beyond this.....", their frivolous oath-making, which had 'cheapened' the serious matter of an oath, "...comes from the evil one." Their oaths were without substance; they had drifted so far from the seriousness and importance placed on an oath, by God Similarly, the Jews drifting away from God, into stubborness and hard-heartedness, was the reason Moses allowed for them to issue a certificate of divorce. "Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. *But it was not this way from the beginning* ." Matthew 19:8 Now again, here, regarding oaths, Jesus says: 'Don't even make an oath; not by heaven, not by earth, not by Jerusalem, not even by your own heads.' And as we know, '...it was not this way from the beginning.' I believe this would also include 'no oath-making' to an organisation just because it claims to be 'the channel of God'. I find it encouraging to consider the words of the writer of Hebews chapter 7, on the importance and true value of an oath that *DOES* please God. This ties in nicely with Eric's reference to Hebrews chapter 6. Gods promises and oaths had already been discussed in two important places in the book of Hebrews, with the mention of two oaths ("...two unchangeable things" - guaranteed) made by God, regarding 1) Melchizedek and 2) Abraham. Hebrews 5:5+6 and Hebrews 6:13+18 "For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” "And *it was not without an oath* ! Others became priests without any oath, but *he became a priest with an oath when God said to him* : “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” *Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant* ." Hebrews 7:14-17; 20-22 What a difference, then, between the oaths of men and those of God.
Эрик, что делать, если рядом со мной нет *ни одного* единоверца? Как мне креститься? Я живу на острове в Тихом океане почти в стерильной социальной изоляции (да, почти как Робинзон Крузо), ибо сильно нездоров и почти не выхожу из дома. 🤷♂️😒
@VitaliyII Главное, чтобы вы крестились во имя Господа нашего Иисуса. Все, что вам действительно нужно, - это водоем и кто-то, кто опустит вас в него и поднимет. Поскольку вы живете на острове, думаю, найти место, где вода достаточно спокойна, чтобы можно было креститься, не составит труда. Если вы не можете найти единоверца в Иисуса, то, возможно, за вас это сделает друг.
@@BeroeanPickets Эрик, я с огромным трудом выхожу из дома один раз в один месяц, чтобы сходить в ближайший магазин за едой (в моём городе нет доставки). Вследствие болезни я стал ненужным никому - меня покинули жена и ещё 11 близких людей. Совсем просто говоря, у меня нет ни водоёма, ни друга. Можете представить Робинзона Крузо до появления Пятницы? Если да, то Вы представили меня. 🤷♂️🙂 И ещё… Эрик, пожалуйста, очень Вас прошу, сделайте отдельное видео, полностью посвящённое крещению. Пожалуйста, внесите в эту тему полную ясность. Как вижу, это очень важно не только для меня. ☝️🙂 Eric, I have a hard time leaving the house once every month to go to the nearest store for food (there is no delivery in my city). Due to illness, I became unnecessary to anyone - my wife and 11 other close people left me. To put it simply, I have neither a body of water nor a friend. Can you imagine Robinson Crusoe before Friday? If yes, then you introduced me. 🤷♂️🙂 And one more thing... Eric, please, I beg you, make a separate video entirely dedicated to baptism. Please bring complete clarity to this topic. As I see, this is very important not only for me. ☝️🙂 --
@BeroeanPickets Эрик, я с огромным трудом выхожу из дома один раз в один месяц, чтобы сходить в ближайший магазин за едой (в моём городе нет доставки). Вследствие болезни я стал ненужным никому - меня покинули жена и ещё 11 близких людей. Совсем просто говоря, у меня нет ни водоёма, ни друга. Можете представить Робинзона Крузо до появления Пятницы? Если да, то Вы представили меня. 🤷♂️🙂 И ещё… Эрик, пожалуйста, очень Вас прошу, сделайте отдельное видео, полностью посвящённое крещению. Пожалуйста, внесите в эту тему полную ясность. Как вижу, это очень важно не только для меня. ☝️🙂 Eric, I have a hard time leaving the house once every month to go to the nearest store for food (there is no delivery in my city). Due to illness, I became unnecessary to anyone - my wife and 11 other close people left me. To put it simply, I have neither a body of water nor a friend. Can you imagine Robinson Crusoe before Friday? If yes, then you introduced me. 🤷♂️🙂 And one more thing... Eric, please, I beg you, make a separate video entirely dedicated to baptism. Please bring complete clarity to this topic. As I see, this is very important not only for me. ☝️🙂 --
@@BeroeanPickets Эрик, я с огромным трудом выхожу из дома один раз в один месяц, чтобы сходить в ближайший магазин за едой (в моём городе нет доставки). Вследствие болезни я стал ненужным никому - меня покинули жена и ещё 11 близких людей. Совсем просто говоря, у меня нет ни водоёма, ни друга. Можете представить Робинзона Крузо до появления Пятницы? Если да, то Вы представили меня. 🤷♂️🙂 И ещё… Эрик, пожалуйста, очень Вас прошу, сделайте отдельное видео, полностью посвящённое крещению. Пожалуйста, внесите в эту тему полную ясность. Как вижу, это очень важно не только для меня. ☝️🙂 --
@@BeroeanPickets Eric, I have a hard time leaving the house once every month to go to the nearest store for food (there is no delivery in my city). Due to illness, I became unnecessary to anyone - my wife and 11 other close people left me. To put it simply, I have neither a body of water nor a friend. Can you imagine Robinson Crusoe before Friday? If yes, then you introduced me. 🤷♂️🙂 And one more thing... Eric, please, I beg you, make a separate video entirely dedicated to baptism. Please bring complete clarity to this topic. As I see, this is very important not only for me. ☝️🙂 --
Jesus never told us to go from door to door. That's a misinterpretation from the mind of J. F. Rutherford. For a consideration of what the texts he used really mean, please check out this three-part series of articles: beroeans.net/category/door-to-door-ministry/
@@Darrinnewlife 2001translation.org/notes/matthew28-19 There's nothing wrong about making disciples. However, the Witness idea that only by going from door-to-door can we obey Jesus is based on false reasoning.
Have you ever done a video about those leaving the Jehovah Witness faith then becoming trinitarian? I notice a lot of JW's that leave join in with the belief of the trintiy.
I've seen this phenonmena and it baffles me. That the trinity is a false doctrine was one of the few worthwhile things taught by Watchtower. Smh. How can exjws be so gullible as to now extoll the Trinity doctrine?
And sadly others leave with a bitterness towards God and lose all faith! Mt 23:15: “Woe to you, hypocrites, because you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a convert, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are."
It amazes me how many exjws have adopted a belief in the Trinity doctrine. Had they never thought about this doctrine when they were active JWs? Watchtower finally got something "right" and that's what exjws reject. Smh.
Am I understanding you correctly when you say water baptism is not necessary? A person can be brought to Christ through the prayer of salvation. Once that is done, is water baptism necessary or just something you can do publicly if you desire to?
I don’t Think baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism = work. No work can save us. The thief on the cross was not baptised. But offcourse we SHOULD get baptised as a symbol of our faith in Christ and that we have been born of the spirit.
@@JKV84 I agree that if baptism is not possible--for instance, because we're nailed to a cross or some such--then we can still be saved. But if the reason you're not getting baptized is because you think God has already poured out his spirit on you so that you can be born again without taking the step of baptism, then you're ignoring what the Bible says. Baptism is necessary for our salvation based on what Peter says. “. . .Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . .” (1 Peter 3:21)
@@BeroeanPickets i respectfully disagree brother. It says it right there in the verse you quoted. “Not by the removing of the filth of the flesh but by the request to God for a good concience”. No work can save us. Christ has done it all. th-cam.com/video/5-IOSK5jWd4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PRFLX2ZeiOhFCiFI But would love your take on salvation and what it requires. I am open to be corrected.
no one has been baptized in the spirit, those who are baptized in the spirit have the power to work miracles and resurrect the dead, the rest is just talk.
If you are so concerned with being controlled, then why are you less concerned with some god controlling you, telling you what you can an cant do, and what will happen to you if you disobey? Religous people have no logic.
Those with faith in God don't need organized "religion", just fellow believers "the body of Christ." "Wherever 2 or more" are gathered in Jesus name, he will be there." But some people have no faith in anything but themselves.
Water baptism symbolises someone being born again. Water baptism doesn't save. Only Jesus saves. Charles the Third became the King when his mother - Queen Elizabeth the Second - died. He did not become King at his coronation. A coronation for William or George would be nonsense as neither of them are King.
I kinda think..you are interperting the bible..what you think God is saying..just like jws..they interpet how they see it!!! Im totally confused!! Beginning to think I do not know whats right or wrong!! I hate it!! But I do know that Jesus said,,you will know my people..because they will have LOVE among themselves!! But listening to you and what the governing body says has only brought me confusion..in my mind!! I do not know what the hell I believe anymore!! But yeah I think we can be friends with Jehovah.. Abraham was his friend!! so why cant we be friends with Jehovah..and our father??? so im not sure what to think anymore????
There are the church of god general conference churches, the ones who run Atlanta Bible college , they are non trinitarian and there are the oneness groups they are modalist which is what JWs think the trinity is.. The best understanding of the trinity comes from knowing the name of God, Was Is Will Be Causes To Become The Eternal, time exists in him, The Son, is his imager and through the Spirit we can image God through the Son, that’s the trinity, Jesus went to The Father after he was resurrected and this means he was The Angel of The Lord in the Old Testament who’s “name was in him”.
@@tzaphkielmelekiyah1518 Describing the Biblical relationship between the Father and Son and the holy spirit and then calling that "the Trinity" is like describing a pickup truck and calling it a jet plane. You can't slap a label on something hoping to find legitamacy. It's the game the judiazers used to try to placate the Jews into not persecuting Christans by getting the gentile Christians to be circumsized. The early Christians preached the Good News. They didn't preach the Trinity. So the Trinity is not part of the Good News. That means anyone preaching it is accursed. Read Galatians 1:6-9.
@BeroeanPickets the bible refers to mystery of Christ, I believe over time his identity was being revealed. With the right translation, you can't deny that Jesus was worshipped, called God, and prayed to directly. They will call him Emmanuel "God with us" how could you not see that the writer of Mathew knew his true identity. My original question regarding a place to worship for ones who don't believe in the trinity is that the bible encourages fellowship Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" I never knew the beauty of a church until i started attending one that actually cared about the sick, the hungry, the widow.
When you get baptized as a JWS you have to make a vow of loyalty to the top GB men which isn't in scripture, making a vow of loyalty to false prophet apostates is a very egregious sin. 😳
Thank you, Eric. I asked God to fill me with him Holy Spirit through his beloved son Jesus and put me on the right path. Some time later, one of your videos came up on TH-cam, and now I know I'm on the right path, your friend Olive from Ireland
Wonderful! I love to hear accounts like that. Thank you.
Can you describe how you felt the holy Spirit? I'm very curious about that
@@asapstan The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Romans 8:23,26
@@mamajan99 thanks for the reply.but it doesn't really answer my question.I guess what I'm asking is do you actually feel anything? Physically? Or is it a feeling of euphoria or a rush of calmness.some people described a burning sensation in the chest.
@@asapstan God's Word answers, "The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Romans 8:23,26
In 75 I got dunked as JW and when I came up I silently said “I really do love you Jehovah” to God. I didn’t do it for men so when I left 34 yrs later , God was with me.
When I first saw what they had to say before baptism I was shocked!!!! Instead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost they say to Jehovah and his organization 🤦♂️🤯 just WOW!!!!
Pray for these good people to wake up from this cult 🙏🙏🙏🙏
“Spirit directed organization”
In other words, a business contract to sell magazines and help build their real estate empire.
@@deanpixx
They don’t even say “spirit directed” any longer. It’s simply “in association with Jehovah’s Organization.”
Excellent, excellent points
My niece is 8 yrs old and was baptized JW. I asked my mom why so young if Christ was baptized in his 30s.. she replied, we don't have to follow Jesus's example.
I was speechless.
What?!
Bro . Eric . . I am One (of Many) . . Who TRULY APPRECIATES
the Time and Trouble taken by You and your Associates
to Research and put together These Timely Videos !! 👏😌
Thank you so much, @akatheheretic.
I was a baptized witness from 1984. But I never felt like I belonged to the org. or its rank and file. I always thought I felt close to God. But now I realize I never developed a relationship with Jesus. And now that Im learning the actual bible and not watchtower rags, I see how important that relationship is.
I am indebited to Eric and all the folks who bring the best bible study group Ive ever belonged to. I am going to get baprized again, or actually for the first time. Even thinking about this brings tears. At age 65, I'm finally where God wants me to be. So i guess its never too late.
@kariberger4978 It's never too late, because the Father knows us and knows when we are ready and so he has guided us all along, though we never realized it at the time.
💃💃💃💃💃it's never too late my dear to come to Christ,you are welcome in the family of love,Jesus is the truth not any religion but Him alone
Your talk is right on brother Eric. I debated as I was waking up if my baptism was what “I thought it to be; a personal commitment to follow Jesus.” But recently I realized that there are “hijacking words in my past baptism vow.” Now, having been freed from the false prophet and learn the truth in the scriptures, I realize I must find a Christian to baptize me again only in the name of Jesus Christ. Thanks for the work you do. Kelly
Yes, we're not children who kiss the pinky ring and serve the 'Godfather'. We are not a part of a mafia 'family'. That's what cult-y groups demand. I enjoyed this info on vows, and baptism, and belonging - learned a lot today! Thank you so much for posting this video!
You're most welcome.
I'm neither JW nor ex-JW but have friends who are. Always well grounded videos in the Bible and the grace from Jesus. Never judging...just swinging the door open to undistorted message in the bible. Thanks
My sincere fiends thank you I’m a PIMO … leaving slowly.. but to add to your comments… the GB… has even gone against Jesus own words when he said in one of his last commandments “ baptize them In The name of the father , son , and Holy Spirit,( Matthew 28:19-20)
The organization did this till about 1985 then they changed Jesus spoken words…
They did this change till about 1985….
Many of my older fiends got baptized in the words of Jesus but not any more …. So sad it’s all the glory of the organization… I believed but this one woke me up..
Such an enlightening talk here and eye opening for those wanting to leave the organization to not be in fear of doing so
My first red flag occured each time I hear the organisation of JWs "dedicating" a new Kingdom Hall for use. In order words, "dedication" before baptism indicates getting set to be used by the man-made organisation falsely claiming to be owned by Jehovah. It can't be clearer that their so-called "dedication" is a ploy to men and women for enslavement into GB arrangement. Thanks so much Eric. Viva!! 👍👏👏
Then they sell them all to Christendom
Many of those "Dedicated" Halls (which I freely helped build and contributed to), are now Marijuana Dispensaries and New Age Churches, and who knows what else. Some "dedication" to Jehovah...
@@mamajan99 Exactly. I was about to write similarly 👍
@@mamajan99 O yes! Those charlatans keep shooting themselves on the feet with their obnoxious cult terms.
So much food for thought here, it made me think of the Ethiopian eunuch when he said what prevents me from getting baptised, can you imagine Philip saying anything as ridiculous as what is said today.
The Eunich was reading the scriptures when Philip came buy. Philip said nothing about reading a WT book for 6 months before getting baptised. He went under at the very first body of water they came to! The same with Silas and Paul's Jailer. He and his entire household were baptised that night. Acts 16:33
Religion is still "a trap and a snare!" Get out of her My people!!!
@@mamajan99 my thoughts exactly 💯
Blessings Eric. Thank you for the timely information. I pray and hope that many JW's find this page and heed this life saving message.
As always, pure waters of truth backed up by the Holy Scriptures. You are a godsend my brother.
Thank you, so much, but I'm just doing what is my duty to do. (Luke 17:9, 10 ESV)
No works and vows can save us.
May the truth set them free.
That we can be saved by believing in Christ by gods grace.
Then we can become baptised as a symbole of us being born again by the spirit.
This will produce good fruit that hopefully will draw others to Christ and the one true God the father.
The JW (and many others) have overcomplicated the good news.
Very well presented, Thank you brother 🙏
I deleted my comment because I've listened to you twice, I get it. Thank you, Eric, it's clear to see the Holy Spirit working through you. I'm thankful to Jesus for faithful servants as yourself. ❤
Mr. Eric,
I have listened to you for a couple of years. I teuly appreciate you attentiob to detail and the “behind the scenes” work you put into your videos. I am not super twch savy but i am sure it requires much work. Even though I may not agree with all the stances you have on certain topics. I do see the love GOD have placed in your heart thru Christ Jesus and you worry about us enough to make you best efforts to communicate precisively news and biblical information so we cannot have a dearth of understanding ofnthe spiritual devices the enemy uses against us.. In the actions of the WT, i can only deacribe them as “spiritual cannibalism” . They also consume each other to make a group of men happy. That is the best way to describe this constant consumption of human resources. much agape love in Christ Jesus….jay
As always Eric you are helping so many exjw ❤
I do not know what to do. I had a feeling my baptism was a sham and now I realize it was because it was a contract with the organization. Coming out of this religion has not been easy and the more I learn bible truth the closer to Jesus I feel, but I am starting over and have lost so much. Thank you Eric, another great video and very encouraging for someone that is finding their way.
A good way to start over is to talk with others who are going through the same thing you are going through. You can find us every week starting the Bible together online. HTTPS://Beroeans.net/events/
@@BeroeanPickets You are correct, when you leave you have to find a support group as the WT leaves you destitute. I will have to join in on this, thank you!
@@Cfalconeri You won't regret it.
Non è facile. Io dopo 40 anni ho capito che c era troppo uomo e niente Dio. Ho smesso in 15gg. ...poi ho scoperto tutto e mi sono ritrovata sola,..sai com'è...ma Dio e Cristo meritavano la mia lealtà! Non questi massoni satanisti! Ti rifarai nuove amicizie. Il mondo è pieno di brave persone❤ un abbraccio
Had this discussion with my mom and she could not just accept the line of thought it was like talking to a wall
Very true spoken from the Bible. We are God's children through Jesus Christ and indwelling of the holy spirit and we have been set free.
Rud Persson: Excellent teaching Eric!
Thank you so much Rud. I hope you and Birgit are well.
Thank you,Eric for following the leading of the Holy Spirit to explain these wonderful spiritual insights for those who truly want to follow the New Covenant Instituted by the Heavenly Father through is Son and the Holy Spirit. Our means to have salvation and reconciliation, with the Father Yahweh. May you continue to love your neighbor as yourself and share. 😊💛💜🙏🏽
Very interesting and true Stuff !
Thank You so much for this video ❤❤❤❤
You are so welcome!
Thanks brother! I used to tell my dad that Jesus said his yoke was kind and the load was light....so why does it feel so heavy? **Crickets** That religion puts too much on you. I made sure my oldest daughter steer clear of control of that cult!! No way I'd ever shun her
I would never subject my children to that again. Parents should teach their children about our Heavenly Father and Christ without the Pharisees" constant, hypocritical judgement and nit picking.
Thanks for very informative info.
Excellent logic flow and presentation.
Last summer I was called in for jury duty, they made everyone in the court hall stand up all at once -(300 people +/-), and swear a vow to "tell the the truth, the whole truth..." I didn't do it and when everyone sat down I remained standing as instructed for those who would not swear. When the court clerk questioned me I quoted Matthew 5:33-37 & then pointed out to the entire court that they were making a mockery of God's word by swearing on it when it specifically says not to.
-I didn't get chosen for jury duty but was swiftly dismissed. God's word is powerful and holy.
God set up nations, boundaries and govt. .making a vow to God I ve done in Court. You r a legalist..Matt is to jews. Btw you swear not to lie.
@jackiepowell7513 '...Do not go beyond what is written...'
-1st Corinthians 4:6
"Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil".
-Matthew 5:37
You are not arguing against me but against scripture.
It's true that God set up nations and governments and we should obey those who are leader but if they say we should do what is agaisnt God we should not obey,in anything God comes first we can't compromise Christ.
Thank you Eric, for this fine instruction.
A couple of years ago, I found the full publication (online), referenced by watchtower, in an attempt to support their anointed and 'non-anointed' Christian ('friends' of God) doctrine.
The article is in the Watchtower magazine of December 1st, 1985, page 15 para 10 and quotes from the book, published in 1871, 'Synonyms of The Old Testament', by Robert Baker Girdlestone.
Here is watchtowers quote; found about half way down the paragraph in their magazine:
'Yes, due to his faith, Abraham was declared righteous as a 'friend of Jehovah' and not as a son with the right to perfect human life or to kingship with Christ. Interestingly, in his Synonyms of the Old Testament, Robert Girdlestone wrote regarding Abraham's righteousness: "This righteousness was not absolute , i.e. such as would commend Abraham to God as a rightful claimant of the inheritance of sonship." '
Notice how watchtower ends the quote with a full stop?
Well, in the book from which they make the quote, this is the full statement:
"This righteousness was not absolute , i.e. such as would commend Abraham to God as a rightful claimant of the inheritance of sonship, *because* , in that case, he would not have been said to have been justified by faith; it was therefore relative, and was the result of his faith in God (see Rom. 4:2-4, and compare 2 Sam. 22:21)."
But in true fashion, watchtower chose to only partially quote the author. Not only that, but watchtower failed to faithfully express Robert Girdlestones full explanation on the righteousness of Abraham and its meaning.
In fact, Mr Girdlestones reference to Romans 4, at the end of his paragraph, beautifully describes Abraham as the father of *all* with such faith; AND whats more, that he is the father of such ones, *without distinction* .
Of Abraham, Paul explains: "The words “it was credited to him” *were written not for him alone* , but also *for us*, to whom God will credit righteousness-for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification." Romans 4:23-25
Why would Abraham be described as the father of those being called to God as sons declared righteous by God due to their faith, only for Abraham to be 'symbolic' of a secondary class of 'non-anointed' Christians, described as 'friends of God'? (And therefore (according to watchtower) "..not as a son with the right to perfect human life or to kingship with Christ".)
The whole chapter of Romans 4 is very insightful as to the importance of Abraham.
I believe watchtower imputed its own agenda on to the actual point being taught by Mr Girdlestone.
Thank you so much for that wonderful find and for exposing the dishonestly of Watch Tower scholarship.
❤. Im so glad I found you and appreciate you and Wendy so much!
Thank you, Kimberly. You're so kind to say that.
Respect 💕
Always appreciate your videos and perspectives Eric. Keep up the good work 👍👍
Thanks, will do!
Yes, I don’t recall Jesus and the apostles preaching to repent, make a dedication vow and get baptized to be Jehovah’s friend. And yes, Christians belong to Christ. And yes, Jesus instructed us not to make vows/oaths. And yes, marriage vows originated @ 1549 from the Church of England not the bible. The witnesses had to redefine baptism for the OS due to their excluding them from being Gods children and the baptism into Christ.
A lot of what goes on with the traditional wedding (North America) is rooted in paganism.
In the book of Act, every account dealing with baptism states that everyone getting baptize, are baptize in the name of Jesus. Not in association with an organization
I hope a lot of people's see and learn with your videos. They are the truth and you always put references directly from the JWS books or review to prove it. La partie triste c'est qu'ils sont formé à l'avance de vous etiquetter un apostat, ce que vous n'êtes certainement pas. Vous êtes un homme qui montre les choses telles qu'elles sont et pour cela merci pour votre incroyable travail monsieur.
Ottimo servizio! Grazie di cuore
Hi there Erick! That is right! Everything you said is right.
Luckily I escaped without getting baptised!
God aka ho logos, Jesus wld know u were in a cult. First john 1: 9 then rebound.
Thanks Eric ❤
Welcome
Excellent Eric !!
Their Batism is contractual .
Yes indeed!
It says in Matthew,one baptism,so say i was to be baptised as a jw which im not then decided i wanted to be baptised as say a roman catholic would the second baptism be invalid?im an ex jw,left when i turned 16 but at 51 am searching for the correct religion god wants me to follow but is easier said than done when so utterly confused
Great job Eric as always
I appreciate that
Thank You ..Thank You...I've been struggling with this for some time ..I have family members that are JW"s.....I've studied many different times ..I do believe that Jesus Christ is the TRUE GODS" SON.....There are many things that conflict the watchtower teaching with the BIBLE...I WANT AND CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THE BIBLE....My husband has always said that we do not need to follow any organized religion..To keep it simple..FOLLOW THE BIBLE...Yet when the time comes..how do I find a like minded place for baptism baptism...THANK YOU AGAIN..😊😊
@marchascott3498 You could check out our online bible study at beroeans.net/events/. Perhaps you'd be able to find someone nearby your area who could do the baptism.
It's more than 30 years ago that I was baptised. Some 20 years ago I started fading and was on a (ex)jw forum. Some who had already left choose to be baptised again 'in the name of the father, son and HS'.
Personally my baptism felt like what is written in 1 peter 3:21 'a good conscience towards God'.
And that's what I said the last times elders came at my door. The bureaucratic one said 'but you know your baptism was a dedication to the organisation'.
He 'invited' me to come for a committee but I refused, since they have no authority from God over me. When they wanted to expell me for apostasy that was their choice. Then covid came.
It was a weird conversation (about an hour I think) and I'm grateful to the holy spirit for putting words and bible verses in my memory and mouth. So different from exercising with the reasoning book of how to respond.
Yes I'm alone as a Christian in real life, but found some lovely friends through Internet from different denominations to chat about bible passages.
Thanks for the videos.
I'm amazed that the elder actually said that. So, at least some of them knew the "scam" from the "get go". Satan must be laughing when he watches the JW baptisms.
@@vintage6346 Maybe satan is laughing, but God sees the heart and will have the last saying.
And yes, it was surprising that the elder said that. Pretty honest 😂
@@pije23
A "Freudian slip"?
@@vintage6346 Quite possible- It's a pity that we can't have flashbacks as in movies, I would have be able to listen again. But ... no better not 😂
🙏🙏🙏💯❤💪
Right after I listened to this discourse I was moved to read revelations 2:20-29
Your words helped me to see from the scriptures how this"Jezebel" (WTBTS) has influenced people to believe that they are worshiping Yehovah God when in actuality they are engaged in spiritual idolatry as is pointed out here in the book of revelations. We are told what we must do to free ourselves and there are somethings I have questions to, but I'd like to ask privately, could this be possible?
Thank -you for sharing.
I was a jw’s for 25 years, 2 years ago I realized I was in a false religion, I begged God and Jesus for forgiveness for being a witness, the next day I was full of Holy Spirit, I was happy, peaceful, loving, joyful, I couldn’t believe it, being a jw I was always depressed and anxious, I’m assisting to Seventh Day Adventist now and got baptized again, I’m closer to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit than I ever was before, I’m even keeping the sabbath, thanks Eric because you was one of the first activists I started watching Mark Martin too
I’m sorry, but you went from one cult to another.
@@deanpixx when I asked God for forgiveness and next day I was full of Holy Spirit, I didn’t even know if God has a real church on earth, it was the Holy Spirit that guided me to the Seventh Day Adventist church, 2 things convinced me, keeping the sabbath and preaching the second coming of Jesus Christ, Christ in the sanctuary and the Bible being our only guide, like I said I’m closer to God than I ever was being a witness, I bought a new Bible too, and in prayer I can feel the Holy Spirit, that’s my testimony, theirs only one truth and the sabbath is the mark of God. So I don’t agree with you saying from one cult to another, jw’s is a cult, not SDA!!
Jesus is our Sabbath. The Holy Spirit put you there for a reason. Rest in HIm. No condemnation for those who are in Christ. Keep the oil in your lamps until that day. The bride is getting ready! 💪🔥
Christians have no need to keep the Sabbath. SDA and Mark Martin are mistaken in this teaching.
@@vintage6346 Catholic Church changed the day of the Lord Sabbath for Sunday in 325 ac. The 4 commandment is the longest and the one God said remember it because I blessed it and sanctified it, Jesus said he was the lord of the Sabbath, I’m certain that God hasn’t changed his mind
Sorry that I could only like this video once Eric. But on a more positive note, here are some extras: 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you. I can only heart your comment once, so here are some extras. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@BeroeanPickets Thanks brother E. You made my day!
❤
Baptism is not about a physical Baptism, it's a spiritual Baptism
1 Peter 3:21 talks about PROMISING God a good conscience. This means you can make promises to God, you just need to try to keep them. Ecclesiastes 5:9
Not DEDICATED to the organisation Eric. "Identified as J.W. in ASSOSIATION with J's organisation. 😊
Then why even mention that being baptized identifies you with an earthly organization run by men? "Jehovah's Organization" occurs over 2,000 times in WT publications. For Witnesses, obeying the Organization is obeying Jehovah, and being dedicated to the organization is being dedicated to Jehovah.
I like SDAs teaching on Baptism, they seem to get it right. Here it is: By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.)
The problem with that definition is what is meant by "His church". Do you take that to mean the SDA church? Would that invalidate baptism that is not made in connection with a particular church or Christian denomination, like the SDA church.
@@LosBereanos By his Church they mean body of Christ. They dont believe only SDA will get saved. Btw i appreciate all the good work you do, my hats off to you my brother in Christ. Half my family is JW and i had that belief system up until i was 30 years.i prayed to our heavenly father to show me the truth even if it ment what i believed on was false and uncomfortable to leave, right after that i started seeing cracks in JW doctrine and how blind they were during the pandemic.i started reading the Bible and asking the holy spirit(the helper Jesus would send to reach us all things)for guidene instead of the Watchtower and i got revelation after revelation, om really free on Christ and happy.I will baptised in the name of Jesus Christ soon but i will also become a member of SDA because they have such great community and i love their health message. Keep up the great work brother 🙏
Another question..want to write me out of a jw, but it seems impossible. Ones in, you never go out..do you have a sugestión? Thx
There is no painless way to exit. You can fade away, but if you do, your family and friends will shun you anyway. You can formerly resign, but that just results in a stronger, quicker shunning.
If you want to show love for all those you know in the Organization, write them all a letter explaining what you now know to be true. Essentially, preach to them as they do when they go door-to-door.
You'll still end up being shunned, but you'll have a clear conscience. And when the fecal matter hits the ventilation device, as it inevitably will at some future point, no one will be able say to you, "You knew all along this was all false and never told me?"
Thx but i mean by law quite with them
Tell us what good things have ever said about the witnesses.
Even , when Jesus was on earth ,what did people not say about him?
Are you saying that if bad things are said about you, you must be doing what is right? In that case, I'm on solid ground because Witnesses say all kinds of bad things about me.
This text was never discussed before baptism.
Romans 6: Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 So we were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also should walk in a newness of life. 5 If we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be united with him in the likeness of his resurrection. 6 For we know that our old personality was nailed to the stake along with him in order for our sinful body to be made powerless, so that we should no longer go on being slaves to sin. 7 For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin
Excellent point!
The scripture is not discussed because they aren’t baptized into Christ.
Hi Eric. Personally, I was baptized in 1982. There is no mention of even Jehovah’s Witnesses or the organization until the baptism question changes since 1985. Therefore, to me, it would not be necessary to be rebaptized prior to the 1985 questions. On the other hand, if a person is baptized since 1985, and feels that his/her conscience bothers them, then they could definitely choose to be rebaptized. Some even might feel that they never made a dedication to an organization anyway, and choose to not get rebaptized. At the end of the day though, it’s the baptism of the Holy Spirit that leads to salvation. Water baptism is something a person does; baptism by the Holy Spirit is something only God can do.
In John 3, Jesus uses the phrase “born of water” in answer to Nicodemus’s question about how to enter the kingdom of heaven. He told Nicodemus that he “must be born again” (John 3:3). Nicodemus questioned how such a thing could happen when he was a grown man. Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5).
@@mamajan99 Yup. Born of the Spirit.
I was baptized in December of 1963 so I tend to feel the same way about my baptism, the only reference to the organization was the phrase that your baptism also served as your ordination as a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses.
@@aiercooledengine In my case, I disassociated in 2020, and since then I am following Christ only. How about you? Were you able to keep your faith or did you decide in favour of other choices?
@@ckelly5141 Yes I remain child of GOD and follower of Christ.
It's your job to control not them.
🙏❤️🙏
Dont forget guys...those baptised prior 1985 answered 2 DIFFERENT questions, focusing on JC, HSpirit and Jah.....look it up! Does that mean those baptisms r invalid? I for 1 have NOT BROKEN MY VOWS! And many of u who r now HERETICs like me NOT APOSTATE, (as that requires u to turn yr back on God and JC), are honouring our vows by NOT bowing down to men! ❤👏👋
The bible say we are Children of God but i had some JW say they are people ofJehovah,the bible say we are Church of Christ and we are His witnesses but they say they are Jehovah's organisation.i dont understand them especially since they say they are only true Christians but they are not Christ witnesses but Jehovah's Witnesses
Good points!
I was babtised when I was 13 years old..left the Truth when I was 17..I am now 64..trying to come back to Jehovah?? But listening to your videos.. Im totally confused now!! I just want whats real,,right..the truth?? NOW IM SO LIKE WHAT?? jUST ridiculous..I do not like this confusion..and Jehovah I know is not a God of confusion...Soo I need to study more and ask my father Jehovah to help me..this is my life..as millions of peoples life..HELPPPP!!
I am 68. Been a very very dedicated witness since age one. The reason you’re confused is because the organization that we would’ve given our life for has been twisting the Scriptures. Keep praying to Jehovah and notice how Eric always backs what he says up with God’s word. And the confusion will go away. I’m about to have no friends or family just because I decided to deeply study the Bible and no longer agree with some of the false teachings. Does that sound like love to you? The kind of love Christ talked about?
And if you need to seal it in your mind go watch the Australian
council where Jeffrey Jackson lied on the stand and said they weren’t the only channel God was using today. That’s an outright lie from what the watchtower says and what we all believed.
A better article how christendom uses the lie of eternal torture to shut down critical thinking.
That would make a good article
James 2:23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham put faith in Jehovah,* and it was counted to him as righteousness,”+ and he came to be called “Jehovah’s* friend.”+
But Abraham was not a Christian. Jesus had not yet opened the way for the adoption of humans as God's Children. Now things are different. The Org loves to quote James 2:23 but how often do you see John 1:12, 13 applied to the other sheep.
“However, to all who did receive him, he gave authority to become God’s children, because they were exercising faith in his name. And they were born, not from blood or from a fleshly will or from man’s will, but from God.” (John 1:12, 13)
Great video again Eric
Can i ask your thoughts on Matt 26:63 & 64 😊
@tonywalker5538 Always nice to quote what you cite. Here it is:
"But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:63, 64 ESV)
Are you asking because you think Jesus was speaking literally? That the High Priest would literally see Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, as Stephen did when he was being stoned?
Thanks for your answer Eric
Sorry I should of be more precise...here Jesus answers under Oath when asked by the high priest if he was God's son
What's your thoughts on him answering when put under Oath?
I think in writing out my question for you I have got the answer Eric lol
He's merely responding to ,not taking the Oath 😊
If you feel you can add to this I would appreciate your comment, thanks and love your work Eric 😊
@@tonywalker5538 You've got it right. ❤❤
The April 2017 Watchtower that you cite asks for devotion to YHWH, she cited to support her assertion:
Matthew 16:24 Now this verse says, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his torture stake and follow me continually." TMN
Christ speaks of himself, not of his Father.
- Romans 14:8 Jehovah's Witnesses attribute it to Jehovah. Now, verse 9 shows that it is spoken of Christ to whom we owe everything, for he is Lord over the living and over the dead.
Their biblical references do not support their claims.
Nicole - France
(Avec Google translate)
Interestingly, Scripture does not focus very much on the person who baptizes Christians. John 4:2 teaches, "Although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples." Jesus had His disciples baptize His followers rather than doing it Himself. Apparently Paul did not personally baptize many people either. In (1 Corinthians 1:14-16) It appears Paul allowed other believers to baptize people as part of their service to the church. One might question the validity of John's baptism of Jesus because John's baptism was one of repentance rather than salvation. But Jesus replied, “Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Mt 3:15
See Isaiah 9:6 in the Brentons Septuagint
Thanks for bringing that to our attention. It is now visible on Biblehub.com
Традиционно 👏🤩.
Благодаря ви и ви желая всичко най-добро.
@@BeroeanPickets 🙂🤝🤗
Эрик, мне можно писать по-английски. Будьте добры, пожалуйста, очень прошу Вас, прочитайте моё письмо здесь рядом. 🙂
Eric, you can write to me in English. Please, please, I beg you, read my letter here next. 🙂
--
@@VitaliyII
Vitaliyll,
Я думаю, тебе следует держать в секрете свое точное местонахождение. Не публикуйте свое местоположение здесь публично. В мире много мошенничества. Но тебе следует написать Эрику по электронной почте. Адрес электронной почты Эрика указан в описании к этому видео. Программное обеспечение не позволит мне опубликовать его адрес электронной почты здесь, в моем комментарии. Сообщите Эрику свое местоположение. В будущем, по молитве, возможно, кто-то сможет прийти к вам на крещение.
Vitaliyll,
I think that you should keep your exact location a secret. Do not post your location here publicly. There is much fraud in the world. But you should email Eric. Eric's email address is in the description of this video. The software won't allow me to post his email address here in my comment. Tell Eric your location. In the future, with prayer, someone may be able to visit you for baptism.
19:10 Matth 22:37
Interestingly, while jw's call themselves Christians, Jesus is not central to their theology. At best, Jesus is a sideline.
How do you love an organization?
Interesting, if baptism is a public symbolism or statement of your dedication to Christ or in this case to the organization then logically someone passing on the emblems at the Memorial each year would be a public symbolism or statement of your rejection of Jesus and his life saving blood which would mean you are not covered by the forgiveness of sin nor a Child of God thereby sealing your future resurrection with the unrighteous !? 🥺
From my point of view if you’re not baptized in the blood of the lamb, ie the Father, Son and Holy Spirit like the Bible tells us to baptize people then passing on the emblems each year would be totally appropriate it seems.
A good point about the affect of passing on partaking of the emblems.
If any followers of the org were paying attention: they admitted they are not always right. Never the less obey everything. They had just admitted they were blind guides. Huh I was baptized as a teen in the church of Christ and later with Jehovah’s witnesses. Double dipped. Wonder where that puts me?
Water logged?
@@mamajan99 the Bible doesn’t cover double dipping ……?????!!!!!! Jesus didn’t have to get baptized but did anyway maybe for another reason
@@albertafine9445
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:15
Jesus was then born again, now of water and spirit just as we are. Now Jesus' was CHRIST (Anointed) His spiritual mother was "The Jerusalem above, our mother." Likewise for His followers, we are born again of water and spirit' from the same womb (adelphos), heavenly Jerusalem our mother, as is Jesus Christ. Gal 4:26
@@mamajan99 got baptized over 50 years ago before they made baptism corporate.
How do we get baptized ? It has to be by someone to dunk us? A religion? Sorry if this question seems a bit dumb.
All you need is a body of water and a person to perform the baptism. Ideally, it should be someone who believes in Jesus Christ, but in the absence of anyone like that, just a good friend, whom you can trust.
@@BeroeanPickets Ok, I will do that. Thx. I did believe all the right stuff at my JW B. but I think its important that to do the baptism according to my growing knowledge.
@@BeroeanPickets Thank you, I will consider that. (my husband is a Christian)
Eric, if swearing Oaths is so bad, why does God himself swear an Oath at Genesis 22:16? Wouldn't Jesus be condemning his father if this was the correct understanding of his words in Matthew 5? If anything beyond yes and no is from the wicked one then your teaching would have you accusing God of doing something from the wicked one. Your teaching on it doesn't seem to harmonise with the rest of the scriptures.
Or are we also to understand that God operates on a "Do as I say, not as I do" directive? 🤷♂️
It isn't my teaching nor understanding, but that which comes from our Lord.
If God says Yes, then it is Yes. He can never go back on his word. If he swears an oath, it is not because he needs to, is it?
“. . .For when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could not swear by anyone greater, he swore by himself, saying: “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” So after Abraham had shown patience, he obtained this promise. For men swear by someone greater, and their oath is the end of every dispute, since it is a legal guarantee to them. In this same way, when God decided to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, in order that through TWO UNCHANGEABLE THINGS in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to the refuge may have strong encouragement to take firm hold of the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:13-18)
What are the "TWO UNCHANGEABLE THINGS"? God's promise and God's oath. His promise to Abraham was all that was needed, but he new our weak human character would need a little more, so he also issued a legally binding oath. He did that for us, not because he needed to.
Jesus' words regarding making oaths must be taken within the historical context. He was not making a blanket condemnation of the act of swearing an oath, no matter who does it or under what context. If you are in court and are required to swear under oath that you will tell only the truth, you would not be in a circumstance such as Jesus is addressing, would you?
But, to swear an oath of dedication to Jehovah God and then symbolize that oath by water baptism is clearly doing something God does not require nor ask for, and it perverts the true meaning of baptism as clearly explained in 1 Peter chapter 3. So that is undoubtedly covered within Jesus' condemnation of making vows because we can see from the result that the "vow of dedication" comes from the wicked one.
@Thecrazygamer2
BeroeanPickets said: "Jesus' words regarding making oaths must be taken within the historical context. He was not making a blanket condemnation of the act of swearing an oath, no matter who does it or under what context. If you are in court and are required to swear under oath that you will tell only the truth, you would not be in a circumstance such as Jesus is addressing, would you?"
I agree with this point.
Some of that context is helpful because it allows us to consider the state of things back at that time when Jesus was addressing those religious leaders, and how they had 'changed' what belonged to God, by means of many, many of their own traditions.
These included 'short-cuts', cop-out clauses, that would allow for them to renege on oaths they had made; they cheapened the importance, the value and seriousness of an oath. Their self-imposed traditions gave them various ways out of obligation.
By the time Jesus arrived, these religious leaders had strayed far away from the spirit of the law of God. They had added so much more, unnecessary extras, that it weighed heavy on the people in general. These were invalidating Gods ways; and Jesus saw all this first hand.
In Matthew 5:34-36, we are given a clue as to how easy, off-the-cuff, oath-making had become; for they were swearing (making an oath) by means of many different things, as if this would add some weight to their frivilous promises; things such as 'by heaven, 'by earth', 'by Jerusalem', and by their own 'heads'. Today, people do something very similar, don't they; they may say things like: "Hand on heart, I swear by my.....( eg a close relatives) ...life." Then how often, that that 'sworn oath' proved to be worthless.
Oaths are only as good as the one making the oath. And within the nation of Israel, it appears that there was very little, if any value, on oaths being made. And so Jesus let them know.
"But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: *either by heaven, for it is God’s throne* ; *or by the earth, for it is his footstool* ; *or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King* . And do not swear *by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black* . All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." Matthew 5:34-37
"Anything beyond this.....", their frivolous oath-making, which had 'cheapened' the serious matter of an oath, "...comes from the evil one." Their oaths were without substance; they had drifted so far from the seriousness and importance placed on an oath, by God
Similarly, the Jews drifting away from God, into stubborness and hard-heartedness, was the reason Moses allowed for them to issue a certificate of divorce.
"Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. *But it was not this way from the beginning* ." Matthew 19:8
Now again, here, regarding oaths, Jesus says: 'Don't even make an oath; not by heaven, not by earth, not by Jerusalem, not even by your own heads.' And as we know, '...it was not this way from the beginning.' I believe this would also include 'no oath-making' to an organisation just because it claims to be 'the channel of God'.
I find it encouraging to consider the words of the writer of Hebews chapter 7, on the importance and true value of an oath that *DOES* please God.
This ties in nicely with Eric's reference to Hebrews chapter 6. Gods promises and oaths had already been discussed in two important places in the book of Hebrews, with the mention of two oaths ("...two unchangeable things" - guaranteed) made by God, regarding 1) Melchizedek and 2) Abraham. Hebrews 5:5+6 and Hebrews 6:13+18
"For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared:
“You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
"And *it was not without an oath* ! Others became priests without any oath, but *he became a priest with an oath when God said to him* :
“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’ ”
*Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant* ." Hebrews 7:14-17; 20-22
What a difference, then, between the oaths of men and those of God.
Эрик, что делать, если рядом со мной нет *ни одного* единоверца? Как мне креститься? Я живу на острове в Тихом океане почти в стерильной социальной изоляции (да, почти как Робинзон Крузо), ибо сильно нездоров и почти не выхожу из дома. 🤷♂️😒
@VitaliyII Главное, чтобы вы крестились во имя Господа нашего Иисуса. Все, что вам действительно нужно, - это водоем и кто-то, кто опустит вас в него и поднимет. Поскольку вы живете на острове, думаю, найти место, где вода достаточно спокойна, чтобы можно было креститься, не составит труда. Если вы не можете найти единоверца в Иисуса, то, возможно, за вас это сделает друг.
@@BeroeanPickets Эрик, я с огромным трудом выхожу из дома один раз в один месяц, чтобы сходить в ближайший магазин за едой (в моём городе нет доставки). Вследствие болезни я стал ненужным никому - меня покинули жена и ещё 11 близких людей.
Совсем просто говоря, у меня нет ни водоёма, ни друга. Можете представить Робинзона Крузо до появления Пятницы? Если да, то Вы представили меня. 🤷♂️🙂
И ещё… Эрик, пожалуйста, очень Вас прошу, сделайте отдельное видео, полностью посвящённое крещению. Пожалуйста, внесите в эту тему полную ясность. Как вижу, это очень важно не только для меня. ☝️🙂
Eric, I have a hard time leaving the house once every month to go to the nearest store for food (there is no delivery in my city). Due to illness, I became unnecessary to anyone - my wife and 11 other close people left me.
To put it simply, I have neither a body of water nor a friend. Can you imagine Robinson Crusoe before Friday? If yes, then you introduced me. 🤷♂️🙂
And one more thing... Eric, please, I beg you, make a separate video entirely dedicated to baptism. Please bring complete clarity to this topic. As I see, this is very important not only for me. ☝️🙂
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@BeroeanPickets Эрик, я с огромным трудом выхожу из дома один раз в один месяц, чтобы сходить в ближайший магазин за едой (в моём городе нет доставки). Вследствие болезни я стал ненужным никому - меня покинули жена и ещё 11 близких людей.
Совсем просто говоря, у меня нет ни водоёма, ни друга. Можете представить Робинзона Крузо до появления Пятницы? Если да, то Вы представили меня. 🤷♂️🙂
И ещё… Эрик, пожалуйста, очень Вас прошу, сделайте отдельное видео, полностью посвящённое крещению. Пожалуйста, внесите в эту тему полную ясность. Как вижу, это очень важно не только для меня. ☝️🙂
Eric, I have a hard time leaving the house once every month to go to the nearest store for food (there is no delivery in my city). Due to illness, I became unnecessary to anyone - my wife and 11 other close people left me.
To put it simply, I have neither a body of water nor a friend. Can you imagine Robinson Crusoe before Friday? If yes, then you introduced me. 🤷♂️🙂
And one more thing... Eric, please, I beg you, make a separate video entirely dedicated to baptism. Please bring complete clarity to this topic. As I see, this is very important not only for me. ☝️🙂
--
@@BeroeanPickets Эрик, я с огромным трудом выхожу из дома один раз в один месяц, чтобы сходить в ближайший магазин за едой (в моём городе нет доставки). Вследствие болезни я стал ненужным никому - меня покинули жена и ещё 11 близких людей.
Совсем просто говоря, у меня нет ни водоёма, ни друга. Можете представить Робинзона Крузо до появления Пятницы? Если да, то Вы представили меня. 🤷♂️🙂
И ещё… Эрик, пожалуйста, очень Вас прошу, сделайте отдельное видео, полностью посвящённое крещению. Пожалуйста, внесите в эту тему полную ясность. Как вижу, это очень важно не только для меня. ☝️🙂
--
@@BeroeanPickets Eric, I have a hard time leaving the house once every month to go to the nearest store for food (there is no delivery in my city). Due to illness, I became unnecessary to anyone - my wife and 11 other close people left me.
To put it simply, I have neither a body of water nor a friend. Can you imagine Robinson Crusoe before Friday? If yes, then you introduced me. 🤷♂️🙂
And one more thing... Eric, please, I beg you, make a separate video entirely dedicated to baptism. Please bring complete clarity to this topic. As I see, this is very important not only for me. ☝️🙂
--
So do you still go out from door to door as Jesus told us to do I know this is off subject but just asking.
Jesus never told us to go from door to door. That's a misinterpretation from the mind of J. F. Rutherford. For a consideration of what the texts he used really mean, please check out this three-part series of articles: beroeans.net/category/door-to-door-ministry/
@@BeroeanPickets So Mathew 28:19,20 is wrong.
@BeroeanPickets just asking because it is hard for me to believe being a witness.
@@Darrinnewlife 2001translation.org/notes/matthew28-19
There's nothing wrong about making disciples. However, the Witness idea that only by going from door-to-door can we obey Jesus is based on false reasoning.
@BeroeanPickets So what about James 2:23 where it says Abraham was called Jehovahs friend help me understand that.
Have you ever done a video about those leaving the Jehovah Witness faith then becoming trinitarian? I notice a lot of JW's that leave join in with the belief of the trintiy.
I've seen this phenonmena and it baffles me. That the trinity is a false doctrine was one of the few worthwhile things taught by Watchtower. Smh. How can exjws be so gullible as to now extoll the Trinity doctrine?
And sadly others leave with a bitterness towards God and lose all faith!
Mt 23:15: “Woe to you, hypocrites, because you travel over sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a convert, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are."
It amazes me how many exjws have adopted a belief in the Trinity doctrine. Had they never thought about this doctrine when they were active JWs? Watchtower finally got something "right" and that's what exjws reject. Smh.
Yes, many exjws have accepted the Trinity doctrine. It's bizzarre that they do this.
@@mamajan99 Very true
Am I understanding you correctly when you say water baptism is not necessary? A person can be brought to Christ through the prayer of salvation. Once that is done, is water baptism necessary or just something you can do publicly if you desire to?
I don’t believe I ever suggested that water baptism is not necessary. Why would you not want to be baptized?
@@BeroeanPickets I’m sorry. I thought that’s what I was hearing. That’s why I questioned it. It was at 8:33 where I felt you were stating that.
I don’t Think baptism is necessary for salvation. Baptism = work. No work can save us. The thief on the cross was not baptised.
But offcourse we SHOULD get baptised as a symbol of our faith in Christ and that we have been born of the spirit.
@@JKV84 I agree that if baptism is not possible--for instance, because we're nailed to a cross or some such--then we can still be saved. But if the reason you're not getting baptized is because you think God has already poured out his spirit on you so that you can be born again without taking the step of baptism, then you're ignoring what the Bible says. Baptism is necessary for our salvation based on what Peter says.
“. . .Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. . .” (1 Peter 3:21)
@@BeroeanPickets i respectfully disagree brother.
It says it right there in the verse you quoted. “Not by the removing of the filth of the flesh but by the request to God for a good concience”.
No work can save us. Christ has done it all.
th-cam.com/video/5-IOSK5jWd4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PRFLX2ZeiOhFCiFI
But would love your take on salvation and what it requires.
I am open to be corrected.
Is it not remarkable that Jezus never mentioned the name of God. Like you can read in the original Griek text.
We don't know that for sure. All we know is that it doesn't appear in Greek manuscripts. However, his name Yeshua, does contain the divine name.
J w s werent taught hermeneutics. Very vital! " rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
no one has been baptized in the spirit, those who are baptized in the spirit have the power to work miracles and resurrect the dead, the rest is just talk.
If you are so concerned with being controlled, then why are you less concerned with some god controlling you, telling you what you can an cant do, and what will happen to you if you disobey? Religous people have no logic.
Those with faith in God don't need organized "religion", just fellow believers "the body of Christ." "Wherever 2 or more" are gathered in Jesus name, he will be there." But some people have no faith in anything but themselves.
Water baptism symbolises someone being born again. Water baptism doesn't save. Only Jesus saves.
Charles the Third became the King when his mother - Queen Elizabeth the Second - died. He did not become King at his coronation.
A coronation for William or George would be nonsense as neither of them are King.
I kinda think..you are interperting the bible..what you think God is saying..just like jws..they interpet how they see it!!! Im totally confused!! Beginning to think I do not know whats right or wrong!! I hate it!! But I do know that Jesus said,,you will know my people..because they will have LOVE among themselves!! But listening to you and what the governing body says has only brought me confusion..in my mind!! I do not know what the hell I believe anymore!! But yeah I think we can be friends with Jehovah.. Abraham was his friend!! so why cant we be friends with Jehovah..and our father??? so im not sure what to think anymore????
Paul came not to baptize but to teach us gentiles. Top tier scholarship. Bob thieme rev gene kim les feldick through the bible fyi.
What churches do you visit since you don't believe in the trinity?
Doubt he denies the Godhead???
I stay away from organized religion. (A tautology, I'm coming to see.)
There are the church of god general conference churches, the ones who run Atlanta Bible college , they are non trinitarian and there are the oneness groups they are modalist which is what JWs think the trinity is..
The best understanding of the trinity comes from knowing the name of God, Was Is Will Be Causes To Become The Eternal, time exists in him, The Son, is his imager and through the Spirit we can image God through the Son, that’s the trinity, Jesus went to The Father after he was resurrected and this means he was The Angel of The Lord in the Old Testament who’s “name was in him”.
@@tzaphkielmelekiyah1518 Describing the Biblical relationship between the Father and Son and the holy spirit and then calling that "the Trinity" is like describing a pickup truck and calling it a jet plane. You can't slap a label on something hoping to find legitamacy. It's the game the judiazers used to try to placate the Jews into not persecuting Christans by getting the gentile Christians to be circumsized.
The early Christians preached the Good News. They didn't preach the Trinity. So the Trinity is not part of the Good News. That means anyone preaching it is accursed. Read Galatians 1:6-9.
@BeroeanPickets the bible refers to mystery of Christ, I believe over time his identity was being revealed. With the right translation, you can't deny that Jesus was worshipped, called God, and prayed to directly. They will call him Emmanuel "God with us" how could you not see that the writer of Mathew knew his true identity.
My original question regarding a place to worship for ones who don't believe in the trinity is that the bible encourages fellowship
Hebrews 10:24-25
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near"
I never knew the beauty of a church until i started attending one that actually cared about the sick, the hungry, the widow.
Abraham friend of God partook of the bread and wine provided by Melchizedek the priest picturing Jesus but not so the other sheep friends.
What's your point??
Jews had a priesthood. Which Jesus s lineage goes back to; fulfilling His promise to Abraham. We re grafted in ( the Church).
@@jackiepowell7513 If you are a JW or been one you would understand the point.
When you get baptized as a JWS you have to make a vow of loyalty to the top GB men which isn't in scripture, making a vow of loyalty to false prophet apostates is a very egregious sin. 😳