DEAR EXITING, EX- AND CONSCIENCE CLASS JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, YOU CAN NOW GO TO CHRIST IN THE "FREE WITNESSES MOVEMENT," We help arrange and encourage continuing fellowship for the community of former Jehovah's Witnesses and Friends freed from the Watchtower; this is not another organization like Watchtower with a hierarchy of officials but instead is a way to arrange fellowship in Jesus Christ the Son of God (Yahweh/Jehovah) via the internet, telephone conferences etc, and we use the Bible itself, not the Watchtower Society, as our Teacher.  Following is a Statement Of Beliefs. WHAT "FREE" WITNESSES BELIEVE, A STATEMENT You do not have to believe all the following things to fellowship, but rather these are what we believe most FREE WITNESSES (Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses and Friends FREED from the Watchtower at least mentally and spiritually) do already believe about subjects such as paradise earth, holidays, the kingdom etc, or what they can readily accept upon having exited from the Watchtower Society.  There are also some details about how to arrange for fellowshipping in Christ without dictating officials or another dictating organization.  We know first-hand what it's like to have gone through the Watchtower experience.  We are your friends in a movement (not a church) for fellowshipping called Free Witnesses, and this is a website called christianwitnesses.com.  If you have questions or want to give other input, use jmasonemerson@yahoo.com or telephone 913 492-1564 and ask for Joe now.  A. 1.) All who still love Jehovah can now enjoy this easy fellowshipping arrangement as Christian individuals who are connected by internet social networking, email, and phone conferencing, and/or with a little loving work form your own local Bible Study groups meeting in homes or elsewhere.  2.) Christ is present wherever two or more Christians gather including Christian former Jehovah's Witnesses and Friends. (Matthew 18:20)  3. We believe in reasonable common sense Christian freedom to differ on Bible views (Romans, chapter 14), our unity being by love (Colossians 3:14), allowing each to make his/her own decisions about personal matters such as how much education to get (Acts 7:22), medical treatments (1 Samuel 14:31-35, Matthew 12:7), whom to associate with although each can also offer counsel from the Bible to help prevent the stumbling of others (Proverbs 27:17), etc.   B. 1.) Christ is Jehovah’s MOST faithful, discreet slave. (Matthew 24:45-51)  2. The one Christian faith has good, average, bad branches, and absolute unity can only exist when imposed by force as with cruel and extremely applied shunning or disfellowshipping, which is not early Christians had but what the Pharisees had.  3. Our only name as Christians is Christians, but Free Witnesses is descriptive of our movement.  Christianwitnesses.com is the easy-to-remember name of this website providing helpful Christian items such as numerous Bible tracts (leaflets), a song book etc that help witness to the kingdom of God under Christ and to God's glory.  C. 1.) Although now free to differ as Christian freedom grants (Romans 14), most of us believe the following: It is great news that because of Christ all can be resurrected on paradise earth or to heaven including “righteous and unrighteous” (Acts 24:15, John 3:16) people, even agnostics, atheists, Buddhists, etc who never knew about Christ, not just people in only one group.  2.) Further, all who have not offended Holy Spirit will be resurrected, perfectly judged, disciplined fairly as God determines to be fair and just, next reconciled with God, taught and given a second chance.  3.) We also believe in water baptism and allowing the partaking of the wine and bread of the Memorial of the Last Supper at least once a year. (John 6:53, 54)  4.) Most believe the Father (Jehovah/Yahweh), His Son Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit are not the same person but are one in Godship (Romans 1:20, NWT), meaning that they share in being holy.  Most also think of Holy Spirit as Jehovah’s power used to create, help and comfort although the Bible also calls Holy Spirit a comforter or helper. D. 1.) Some prefer to call God by the endearing term "Father" as Christ and Paul say to do so (Matthew 6:9, Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6), the respectful title "Lord," by the common name "Jehovah" used in the English language in some translations for one example at Psalm 83:18, a form that may more accurately reflect the original Hebrew such as "Yahweh," the short form Jah or Yah in words such as HalleluJAH (Praise Jah/Yah/Yahweh).  2.) Since most know Paul says don't let others judge us as Christians or not over celebrating holidays (Colossians 2:16) they tend to not find it so hard to accept celebrating Christ’s birth once this is pointed out and also that angels and shepherds celebrated Christ's birth at Luke 2.  Probably most oppose Halloween or darker doings of it in the United States such as when some people sometimes use vandalism, give poisoned candy, wear witch and demon masks etc.  3.) Although most do not believe in wanton or forced use of blood, many to most do believe that it is a matter of individual conscience regarding the use of whole blood for emergency medical treatments. (1 Samuel 14:31-35, Mt 12:7)  United by love in Christ, we are free to hold different views. E. 1.) Christ says no one but the Father knows the exact hour or day of the end so those stressing dates for the End have all been wrong.  (Mt 24:36)  2.) Instead of 1914 bringing Armageddon as a one-time event "within one generation or life-time of modern people," it brought World War I followed by WW II, the Cold War, Gulf Wars etc.  3.) Many believe God threw Satan onto earth and so Satan has been helping cause many of these woes here. (Re 12:12) 4.) Christ may have returned invisibly, all people are increasingly able to see or perceive his presence at least by such events, and there is no denying that scriptures show too that every eye shall literally see him returned. (Re 1:7) 5.)  Interestingly in 539 A.D. the Roman Catholic Church became a political power under Pope Leo I, but its political power mostly ended in 1799 when Napoleon imprisoned Pope Pius VI.  6.) Scriptures speak of 1260 day periods and 1335 day periods. (Daniel 12; 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 13, 14; 13:5-6)  7.) The Bible sometimes equates days to years and adding 1260 years to 539 A.D. gives 1799 A.D.   8.) Adding 1335 years to 539 A.D. gives 1874 A.D., for example at Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6. 9.) This was about when Jews began more and more traveling back to settle in Israel and many people in general began traveling about more, increasing humanity's knowledge and bringing about notable new discoveries and inventions ranging from the bicycle and airplanes to rocketships and the internet. (Da 12:4) F. 1.) As with many groups including for example the Disciples of Christ we do not force a written statement of beliefs (a creed) upon one another and can baptize based simply upon if a person shows s/he has truly accepted Christ as lord and savior.  2. So what you are reading here is helpful but not a list of required beliefs for those Freed from Watchtower; although Paul lists does also list the very most basic beliefs for Christianity at Hebrews 16:1 and the "Apostles' Creed" written some 50 years after Christ is also okay.  3. Where we differ some in views about the Christian Bible we do not shun or act unkindly but encourage each other to read and continue reading the Bible so that God's Holy Spirit will inform us all better not only as to knowledge but loving Christ-like conduct.  4. All older Christians are "elders" but groups may decide if and when to certify who one or more are so that they can perform official weddings, funerals etc.  5. Older Christian sisters who serve and minister by doing so are automatically elders, ministers, servants but each group must decide if for example to legally certify them as such in light of scriptures (Ro 16:1, Titus 2:4) but also in view of the reality that in some lands in the most anti-women parts of the Middle East, doing so may endanger their lives or some places and times cause major divisions in congregations. (Ga 3:28, Ac 10:34)  6. Again, autonomous (local) governance is a structuring that works without the need for any power-focused hierarchial organization of officials.  7. Ancient Israel functioned with great freedom for centuries before unwisely demanding to have kings, most of whom proved to be tyrants even as God warned them would happen.  G. 1.) This is not a time today for trying to make other people fearful but instead a time for stressing to humanity the Good News of the Kingdom that is bringing more and more blessings, especially the general resurrection for mankind.  2. The universal nature of the resurrection for both "the righteous and unrighteous," (Acts 24:15) needs to be lovingly stressed.  3. It may or may not be that the "first resurrection," which is of saintly ones who showed the greatest of love by dying to save others as Christ did, is now ongoing.  4. Besides the literal or symbolic number of 144,000 "chosen" or anointed to rule with Christ for a healing of the nations (Re 22:2), Revelation 19:1 says there is a great multitude or great crowd in heaven, which by speculation might mean additional millions or billions of persons invited to strive for the hope of going to heaven.  5. Christ said "many are invited but few are chosen." (Mt 22:14) H. 1.) Elders are reputable older (adult) Christians who form and serve congregations or groups of congregations, and groups can decide whom they may certify as elders for conducting marriages etc by voting with a raising of hands or else however they decide is best.  2. At writing meetings are often by social networking or phone conferencing and can also be in person for example in homes, at parks etc.  3. We generally read and discuss a chapter per meeting for an hour; any interested can give short 3-5 minute talks on Bible topics.  4. Groups can enjoy up-building songs and music, regular "love feasts" for example like pot-luck parties or picnics with visiting for fellowship, working together to help the needy and our communities.  5. Salvation is by grace but "faith without works of loving-kindness is dead" and "love never fails." (James 2:14-26; 1 Cor 13:8)  I. 1.) Each Bible Study Group determines its own activities to do for when it gathers.  2. These generally include getting together an hour or two weekly, having opening and closing prayers, enjoying music and or songs; reading a Bible chapter, encouraging participation for spiritual growth for example by permitting those interested after the Bible reading to offer questions, comments or views about what was read, permitting the giving of short 2-5 minutes talks even when those views differ from the majority's views.  3. Groups also are usually keeping and gently encouraging distribution of literature that helps society for example by praising what is good as well as exposing dark abuses in bad religion, business etc; committee or whole group projects to help the needy in the group and the greater community, for example by sharing emergency relief food, clothing, shelter, survival skills such as for language communications, etc.  4. All the fine works and good deeds done by those who remember to gather are not limited to the preceding. (Heb 10:24, 25)  5. To stay alive, happy and growing each of us as individual Christians and Christian groups must stay focused on showing LOVE. (Jn 13:34, 35)  6. Christ said houses not served with loving-kindness fall. J.  1.) Baptists and other groups have been similarly structured as local independent groups for hundreds of years.  2. For nearly 100 years the similiarly arranged, gentle Bible Students movement has functioned perfectly well having local self-governing ekklesias (congregations) without any dictatorial central body.  3.) We are not Bible Students but Christian Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses and Friends happy to for examples, informally (or otherwise as individuals or groups may choose) witness about the Good News of universal salvation because of Christ, arrange new fellowshipping to better enable people to go to Jehovah's Christ.  4.) Those people include friendly, listening people in general as well as Jehovah's Witnesses exiting the Watchtower organization.  5.) Without such an arrangement we see that a lot more people fall into atheism, confusion, depression etc, and our conscience will not permit that to continue.  CONCLUSION. 1.) Although you can arrange fellowshipping independently you can also get in touch and get more tips in order to get encouragement, arrange fellowship via phone conferencing, emails, social-networking, in person get-togethers etc.  2. Contact Joe Emerson  jmasonemerson@yahoo.com, 913 492-1564 (more phone numbers of others in association to be added later) 3.) Thanks to the internet, Facebook, phone conferences etc, leaving a high control group now means no one anymore has to leave our heavenly Father Jehovah or His Son Jesus Christ, or have to study alone but we can enjoy having fellowship that also sparks many fine works. (He 10:24, 25)    Do you want a certificate of appointment, literature, ideas to help your congregation??  Click here! FREE WITNESSES SONG BOOK FREE PUBLICATIONS FOR EASILY LEAVING ABOUT IN KINGDOM SERVICE (100+ TRACTS) MANUAL OF IDEAS AND ITEMS TO HELP BIBLE STUDY GROUPS AND INDIVIDUAL SERVANTS GOD'S PLAN BIBLE STUDY LAST SUPPER MEMORIAL BIBLE STORIES BOOK AND WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE KIND DEEDS

KINGDOM MINISTRY, KUDO'S AND "TESTIMONIALS SECTION" AN INVITATION TO HELP As part of our Kingdom Ministry, All Readers of Good Will are invited to help others who need help and healing.   One way is to mail/email copies of the Good News and other information presented here to still others so that they too can come to this website where they will learn even more and in that way be helped.   We are led overall only by the Bible and Christ and the MOST Faithful and Discrete Slave is Christ himself.  The one Mediator between God and all men is not any band of imperfect men but Christ himself.

"LIFE-SAVER" Thanks for mailing me and I was glad to see the website.  It's a life-saver for me and I think a lot of other people who don't believe in Watchtower headquarters anymore but do believe in Jehovah.  Your letter was forwarded to me because I now live in Michigan.  You can also reach me at xxxxx (Note: deleted for privacy)  I will also pass along some copies in email and a few in mail.

FRIENDLY AT ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS You can post this one too.  I'm in one of the Rockford, Illinois congregations and thank you for the invitation I got earlier today.  After looking over christianwitnesses I believe your booklets and other publications already give me a lot of insight and I plan to mail some of what I'm learnng to other friends and hope they do the same.  Bless you many times over.  I already knew about the Bible Students but they didn't seem interested in new disciples with the heavenly hope, thinking those already were chosen. Friendly in Rockford.

MINISTRY TIP FROM T.M. Quick ministry tip.  I like to leave your tracts at these places.  In laundromats inside magazines.  In restrooms.  In books in libraries where people can use them as book markers or read them etc.   I carry some around in my purse and give them away when I'm paying or checking out at a store, restaurant, fast food business, etc.  Mom leaves some at a nursing home, visits interested people there and has micro-studies with some too.  Dad and I go out on weekends to mow the lawn or do other things to help an older relative.  I think someday I may want to become a minister and in school I am studying Spanish. TM in Michigan

MIKE NEAR ATLANTA For a long time I missed having association.  I made a few friends but that seemed it.  Then I emailed and phoned you.  Now I instantly have a lot of internet and phone friends and plan to start a Bible group of my own here in the Southeast.   Together my wife and I make two.  A-ga-pe (Christian Love) from both of us.  Mike near Atlanta. You have my permission to include this email in your Testimonials.

TESTIMONIAL FROM P.J. Hi, I’m 25.  Left three years ago.  Moved to Canada to get away from my folks badgering me about not going to the meetings.  I have listened to some of your phone conferences where you and other people read a chapter in the Bible and then comment as you go along.  I have learned a lot and hope you, Rick and the other friends keep it up.  Hugs to all.  P.J.

ROY SAYS Thanks for putting me in touch on Facebook.  I converted in the 80s.  I tried to be a helpful elder for seven years in the Watchtower Society but they wouldn’t let me be me.  It was their way or the highway.  I finally quit but always in the back of my mind I still kept wanting to help people to a relationship with Yahweh and His Son.  Now I am back on track and happier than I’ve ever been.  Thanks too for the helpful tracts I get off the website.  I keep some in my wallet, leave others all over with one of my emails for contact and Bible Study.  I plan to go to some conventions to leave some around there, pick up names of anyone who'll talk for mailing some too later, and the like.  What you've done has helped give me back my spiritual life.   You can use this in your new testimonials section. Roy

HOW THE FREE WITNESSES MOVEMENT DIFFERS FROM THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES ORGANIZATION: As the name “Free” Witnesses implies, Christians in the Free Witnesses movement enjoy far more Christian freedom than do “Jehovah’s” Witnesses who might be better called “Watchtower” Witnesses since Jehovah's Witnesses must do whatever the men on the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society over them orders.  "Free" Witnesses are "Freed" Witnesses, meaning freed or liberated from the Watchtower.  What Watchtower has Jehovah's Witnesses call a “Bible Study” is really just a study of Watchtower’s publications such as the magazine called the Watchtower.  What Free Witnesses call a Bible Study is a reading and discussion of the Bible itself. Both teach God is named Jehovah in English, and God wants many to be resurrected on Earth turned to paradise, but thereafter the differences are enormous.   For example Watchtower teaches that adult Jehovah's Witnesses must never take a blood transfusion or allow one for their children even if it means Jehovah's Witnesses or their child will bleed to death.  In fact an estimated 200,000 or more Jehovah's Witnesses including some children have bled to death since 1945.  In sharp contrast Free Witnesses teach that according to 1 Samuel 14:31-35 and Matthew 12:7, it is okay to use blood transfusions during an emergency.  Jehovah's Witnesses preach against all holidays, but Free Witnesses point out that the apostle Paul said that if to observe moons, Sabbaths and holy days (holidays) is up to each Christian’s conscience that has been trained by the Bible. Watchtower has Jehovah's Witnesses to emphasize Armageddon, the end of the world and when it will come, sometimes hinting at or stating an exact year.  Free Witnesses has never done that but instead emphasize put emphasis on teaching that salvation by God is a free gift for virtually every human who has lived because of what Christ did and yet God definitely also wants us to show active, neighborly love for others.  (James 2:14-26; Mat 22:37-39; John 3:16, 1 John 4:16) )  Both believe in making new disciples (Mat 28:19) but how it gets done is very different.  Watchtower stresses going to formally knock on door-after-door at house-after-house and offer magazines, but most Free Witnesses encourage acts of loving-kindness which may include informally offering up-building scriptures to those interested as well as visiting and doing hands-on acts of neighborly love such as mowing the lawn of someone elderly or physically incapacitated.  Free Witnesses feel Witnessing to God’s goodness by Love beats witnessing by how many doors you knock at or magazines that are left.  Free Witnesses point out Christ spoke against going to house after house in one area (Luke 10:7), instead directing followers to go from a house in one town to a house in another town where their message was likely to be well-received. Watchtower is a corporate organization with a top-town hierarchy of Jehovah’s Witness elders who say they aren’t clergy while in fact they are clergy and must blindly do whatever their Governing Body members say or hint.  The movement of Free Witnesses is a Christian movement that arranges for continuing fellowship among Christians, which means that there is no one single human “person” over all Christians, that role reserved only for Jesus Christ.  Among Free Witnesses the word “elder” means an older reputable Christian not a spiritual boss or overlord.  Each elder (caring adult Christian) does not act blindly but joyfully, lovingly as God’s Holy Spirit directs. (Ga 5:22)  Watchtower orders elders to form into formal, secretive Judicial Committees to order the severe shunning of those who disagree with the teachings of its Governing Body men, thereby destroying countless families.  Free Witnesses would rarely suggest limiting association with someone peacefully holding and expressing different views for we believe in Christian freedom (Romans 14, etc).  Watchtower rigidly controls its elders and groups; Free Witnesses stay free and united not because of everyone having to believe the same but because united by love above all. (Colossians 3:14) Watchtower teaches Jehovah’s Witnesses to preach that God will only save from death by resurrection those who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, but Free Witnesses preach that the Good News is that because of Christ’s ransom sacrifice ALL have a chance to be  resurrected including people who for example lived in distant jungles long ago and never heard the Good News or learned what God wanted them to do.  Jehovah’s Witnesses preach that at death the wicked just sleep forever but Free Witnesses preach they are judged, punished fairly in line with what they did so that there is justice for those they wronged, and that eventually all will agree God was fair and be reconciled.  For example please read Acts 24:15; Lu 2:10; 1 Tim 2:1-7; 1 Tim 4:9, 10; John 5:28. Get more free Bible literature at christianwitnesses.com “a name  that, once seen, you can’t easily forget”

FROM LINDA GAIL IN NEW MEXICO Brother Joe And You Other Friends, Hi from New Mexico.  I authorize you to add my comments here to the Testimonials column.  I will start by saying that I am recommending your site to some close friends I have because it has so much information.  Also I like the colors.  The other sites seem so drab in comparison.  I appreciate your warm displays of love and concern to protect ones whom I still love that are still in the WTS while you also are exposing and exhorting WTS to not be hurting them.  Many of my family are in either Watchtower as Jehovah's Witnesses or one or another of the Bible Students groups. Now about your Free Witnesses movement, I think it’s a good idea because so many people I know who left don’t feel like they have a place to go to for people like us who went through the same Watchtower experience and still want to be Christians. I have been out on my own quite a while now.  I was young and we had sex before marriage so the elders judged that made me “evil” and unfit for association.  I wonder how many of them waited till they got married.   Also a "fine witness" their doing this proved to my husband who says they are religious bigots. There’s just so much hypocrisy and I’m glad Free Witnesses won’t have elders who are appointed to be Judges in Judicial Committees, but they’re “older Christian family members.” I can live and grow with that.  So can my two little girls.  Their lives with be a thousand times more happy this way.  Right now I read from your site's book of Bible stories to them.  Hubby's okay with it and the well-balanced Christian freedom offered in Free Witnesses movement. Linda Gail

TONI Brother Joe And You Other Guys, Hi, I am recommending your site to some close friends I have because it has so much information.  Also I like the colors.  The other sites seem so drab in comparison.  About your Free Witnesses movement, I think it’s a good idea because so many people I know who left don’t feel like they have a place to go to for people like us who went through the same experience and still want to be Christians. I have been out on my own quite a while now.  I was young and had sex before marriage so the elders judged that made me “evil” and unfit for association.  I wonder how many of them waited till they got married.  There’s just so much hypocrisy and I’m glad Free Witnesses don’t have elders who are appointed to be Judges in Judicial Committees, but they’re “older Christian family members.” I like that.  Can live and grow with that.  So can my two little girls.  Their lives with be a thousand times more happy this way.   Toni P.S.  Sure, put this in Testimonials.

SALVATION'S SCOPE CHRIST ABOUT TO SHOW MARY THAT HE WAS RESURRECTED In reading the following some will say the word “all” doesn’t really mean “all” people but that it applies only to Jews, or only to Christians, or only to Christians and Jews.  Note however that most people do believe that “all” means “all,” and besides which the contexts also indicate that ALL of humanity gets benefits from Christ at the will of God Almighty.  Luke at Luke 2:10 says “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’” Paul at 1 Timothy 2:1 says “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.” John 5:28 "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. Paul at 1 Timothy 4:9 says “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” Acts 24:15 “and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked." However, those who behave in truly wrong, unfair or evil ways do first have to receive a just punishment that serves also to discipline and train: For example, Paul at Romans 2:6 says God:   "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism." However, God will not "over-do" matters as if a torturing monster rather than a loving Father.  If you will recall what Christ says in the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man.  He says the rich man could see Abraham with Lazarus, could think, was not screaming but spoke clearly, said he felt great thirst, felt agony in fire and wanted a drop of water.  If a person were burnt on earth, he would not be able to put together thoughts, see or speak as the rich man did.  If the story were literal a single drop of water would not have been enough to give the rich man relief.  Further, the Greek word usually translated as everlasting or eternal can also means of indefinite or long duration, not just forever or for eternity.  Any punishment we get will be fair and merited in line with whatever we did; not unreasonable or counter to the fact that God's main characteristic is love. (Jn 4:24)