SOME COMMON QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS QUESTION 1: WHAT IS YOUR NAME?   ANSWER 1: We read at Acts11:26 that the first Christians were called Christians at Antioch.  Therefore our name is also simply "Christians" although this particular website, christianwitnesses.com, promotes a fellowship of Free Witnesses, not an organization with a hierarchy of officials but an arrangement for Christian friends including Christians who used to be Jehovah's Witnesses. QUESTION 2: WHEN DID YOU BEGIN?  ANSWER 2: The general Christian faith began about 2000 years ago.  Luke 2 tells that at that time angels and shepherds celebrated the birthday of Jesus Christ.  Paul noted in his time as today there is only "one faith" for Christians.  When he said this he meant Christianity in general.  It still exists but, similar to a big tree, it has good, many average and some bad branches.  This particular fellowship began in the autumn of 2005.  QUESTION 3: WHAT ARE YOUR BELIEFS?  ANSWER 3: Paul tells us the most basic beliefs for Christians at Hebrews 6:1.  Please read them there.  Also, as Christians we have freedom to differ about non-essential beliefs, but we believe that in particular God wants people to give and receive much love, joy, peace and other good fruits.   His main desire is for us to show love for one another. (Read all of Romans 14, also Galatians 5:22 and John 13:34, 35.) God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ.  He was born from Mary, lived perfectly, was slain by Pilate but was resurrected so that we can enjoy the hope of resurrection.  John 3:16 says he gave his life so that ALL might live.  Many to most of us as Christians hope to go to heaven to be with Christ, although some as Christians also believe there will be a resurrection of some people on earth as happened in the past with Lazarus and others.  Paul says we all sin so we all die but the Good News is the resurrection hope for ALL because of Christ's ransom sacrifice.  Our unity is by LOVE not forced, dictatorial uniformity which some groups require and falsely call unity.   (Read 1 Corinthians 15:22 and Colossians 3:14) QUESTION 4: WHO IS YOUR MAIN LEADER? WHAT DOES HE TEACH? ANSWER 4: The one and only Leader over us and all Christians is Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  He is the Son of God, our Lord and Savior.  Only Christ is between each Christian and His Father in heaven.  God the Father is holy, Christ the Son of God is holy, and the  Holy Spirit is holy.  The Father is greatest but all three including Christ are equally holy.  So in this sense Christ is equally divine and has divinity.  He teaches the same as the Father.  The emphasis is for us to try to show genuine love.  Real love is more than words.  Christ not only spoke to all people, but he also sometimes fed real bread and fish to large crowds of people who no doubt had all kinds of beliefs. QUESTION 5: HOW ARE YOU STRUCTURED?  ANSWER 5: Each local group of two or more Christians makes its own important local decisions such as places to meet, when to meet, how often to meet, what kind of regular activities besides reading the Bible, what kind of music and songs, charitable deeds for helping the poor, sick and other people.  Christ said he is present wherever two or more Christians gather. (Matthew 18:20) QUESTION 6: DO YOU HAVE CLERGY WHO CONTROL OTHERS?  ANSWER 6: There are no officials who can be an overlord, no person who controls everyone else.  There are older reputable Christians who enjoy serving other people.  Groups may vote to certify or re-certify who some are for the legal performing of marriages etc.  Parents and friends naturally give guidance and help younger ones and each other.  Groups that do not show enough love will die.  Groups that show much love will grow.  Groups are welcome to associate, fellowship and work together for mutual benefit. QUESTION 7: HOW DO GROUPS HAVE WEDDINGS, FUNERALS AND OTHER SERVICES? ANSWER 7: Government agency and laws often require that a person have a paper saying they can conduct weddings, funerals and other services in order for the government and law to recognize that those are legal.  So any group of Christians can decide if and how they formally recognize, that is vote for or appoint, who the people are who give services.  The Bible has examples of Christians voting and appointing other Christians to perform services.  QUESTION 8: HOW MANY BELIEVE THE SAME AS YOU BELIEVE?  ANSWER 8: There are no membership rolls for all of us.  There is no one center of command over us.  So only God knows for sure how many of us there are.  However we have little doubt that around the earth many millions of people believe very similarly or the same.  Also please remember that God sometimes wanted Israel to take a census but at other times He did not want Israel to take a census.  The important thing is to put our trust in God Himself not in the number of humans.   QUESTION 9: IS YOUR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE BIBLE PERFECT?  ANSWER 9: We are not perfect people.  We have imperfect bodies, minds and hearts.  Therefore all humans presently have imperfect knowledge.   Happily while here on earth, though, we do clearly understand that God puts His emphasis on love, and He wants us to also emphasize active love.  Love is God's main characteristic.  (Read 1 John 4:8)  QUESTION 10: HOW DO YOU HAVE DISCIPLINE?  ANSWER 10: The best source of discipline is the Bible with its scriptures.  As we read and hear the scriptures they give us correction.  If anyone does something very bad, the Bible says superior authorities can also provide discipline.  (Ro 13)  For example if a so-called Christian steals or harm children, then we can contact police and the courts can give discipline.  Groups of two or more Christians are also free to decide how to handle situations.  The Bible says people who do good things will be rewarded.  People who do bad things will receive discipline.  The Way of life for Christians is the Way of God.  He gives love and He is the only perfect Judge.  Therefore any discipline He gives after we die will also be perfect justice.  It will not be vicious or cruel, but totally appropriate. (Read Romans 13:1, 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 John 4:8.)  For example one view is that although some scriptures talk of "everlasting" or "eternal" fire, sources also say the word can also be accurately rendered as long-lasting.  The Second Death of Revelation appears to be the sleep-like conditon of death and everlasting.  We are free to differ and yet be friends in Christ. QUESTION 11: HOW DO YOU MAKE NEW CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES?  ANSWER 11: In person or via the internet we can tell family and other people such as friendly neighbors about Christ and the Good News.  We can invite them to our homes or other places where they can meet with us and other friendly people to hear a chapter read from the Bible then enjoy fun Christian activities such as singing, testimonials, prayer and a meal, games for the very young.  We can help older people and handicapped persons with various physical needs.  For example we can get them a plate of food to eat first at picnics.  We need to help widows and alien residents in our lands who do not speak our languages.  The Bible says to invite blind and lame people to parties.  Paul says to not forget the poor. (Ga 2:10) Our Salvation is not based on how many works people do, but acts of kindness are a natural part of being a Christian and "faith without works is dead." (James 2:17)  Christ and the apostles did many, many acts of kindness.  (James 1:27, Matthew 25:34-36, Galatians 2:10, Luke 14:12-14.)  People who become Christians are encouraged to start their own groups as soon as possible including right now. (Matthew 28:19)   You can read many examples in the Bible which prove that people do not have to have a long "study" of the Bible before they are baptised.  It can happen in one day or night, more time or less time.  Remember Phillip and the Ethiopian at Acts 8.  Christ and the apostles went from a house in one town to a house in another town.  They also went to other lands or nations looking for people who welcomed the Good News.  We can do that too in person or via the internet. 12. QUESTION: What about holidays, dressing and grooming, health, diet, medical treatments, education, association etc?  ANSWER 12: The Bible gives countless examples and illustrations, is a perfect teacher and source of correction.  (2 Tim 3:16)  It offers perfect counsel but it also leaves each Christian with freedom to decide about such matters.  For example scriptures say to not let others be judging if we are Christians based on if we do or not observe holy days, and also do not be stumbling others.   Friends can offer their own views and share scriptures for our consideration, but God gives each of us the freedom to make our own personal decisions, and in the end God will judge us perfectly about what we did or didn’t do. 13. QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE FOR THIS FELLOWSHIP?   ANSWER 13:  Christianity will always continue because its emphasis is on genuine love.  Love never fails.  (1 Cor 13:8)  Sincere Christians know to put Christ first.  He is the Lamb of God, our spiritual King, the MOST faithful and discreet slave of God.  We must follow him.  We must not follow other living or dead human or group of humans.  Those who are truly Christians, although imperfect, will continue to try to do the things that Christ did.  There is no law against doing acts of sincere love and kindness.  A fellowship called by this name may or may not continue, but that is no problem.  Why?  Again, true Christians are people who show genuine love.  Love will definitely continue, and therefore true Christians and Christianity will also continue. (Read 1 Corinthians 13:13)  We are now free to witness not just by word of mouth but with greater freedom including freedom to do more good things for others. 14. QUESTION: What if I have had or seen bad things happen and I now feel burnt out?  14. ANSWER:  It's like being in a race.  We fall many times and sometimes receive much pain.   It is good to try to stand up again to continue the race on to victory.  Giving love to others who have been in similar pain is a way to heal and gain new joy.  A girl who was an orphan often starved.  A wealthy family adopted her but she still hurt emotionally.  They gave her food to give other children who would otherwise have starved.  This made her happier, and one day she realized she no longer hurt so much if at all.     YOU ARE WELCOME TO MAKE AND SHARE COPIES OF THIS INFORMATION. (MATTHEW 28:19)

THIS WEBSITE offers suggestions for new friendships and, for those still interested in the Christian way of life, numerous Christian options including our online fellowship which offers joy (Ga 5:22) regardless of different beliefs and where unity is by love. (Ro 14:1-5; Co 3:14)   Our only name is Christians, our website's name being Christian Witnesses, the fellowship name Free Witnesses.  We believe God resurrects people to heaven or earth; it is good to be inviting friendly people to Bible readings in homes or elsewhere(Mt 28:19, Ro 16:1), praying, sharing meals, helping the needy. (Ga 2:10)   Lord is a respectful title, God's name is sometimes given as Jehovah or Yahweh, (Ps 83:18, KJ) although Paul says to call God "Abba" which is Dad in Aramaic; and significantly Christ in the Lord's Prayer says pray to "Our Father in heaven."  (Mt 6:9)  Groups of two or more Christians can recognize and appoint to services any to all willing, reputable older ones, that is elders.  (1Tim 3; Ac 6:5)  Even before any human appointment such ones already led by God's Holy Spirit to serve and minister can rightly be called servants or ministers, the older ones of those being elders, again, a description not a title or position for lording it over others with potential unChristian abuses of power.   Christ is our only top, overall Leader, the MOST Faithful and Discreet Slave, loving, loyal and faithful.  (Mt 23:10; 24:45)   God's kingdom (Mt 6:9) is safe in heaven though in hearts and minds amidst Christians upon earth.   Here the arrangement is the Way of Christ, an actively loving Christian way of life, not a mock imitation of the kingdom organization that's in heaven; no rigid, harsh corporate style hierarchy of officials.  As when Paul said it, the one faith is Christianity in the general sense (Eph 4:5), not a little branch or sect of a religious organization within Christianity or outside of it.   The fellowshipping arrangement is effective just as it has been for centuries for many branches of the large tree of Christianity.    Jesus Christ and the apostles literally fed, healed and otherwise did many deeds of kindness.  To declare yourself one in agreement with us is to be one with us at once, your fellow caring brothers and sisters in Christ.  Salvation is from grace not works but works of kindness are natural for he witnessed not by words alone.   You are encouraged to use your new freedom in Christ to also help others. (Jn 8:32, Ga 2:10)  Please return to this website to learn more.  Again, regardless of how you may feel and believe for now, the door is always open for you.

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The name Christianwitnesses is the name of our website which arranges for largely internet-based Christian fellowshipping, a Free Witnesses network which emphasizes showing loving-kindness, joy or happiness and having some fun in Christ.  The idea of having an enjoyable Christian brotherhood, association or fellowship goes back nearly 2000 years to Christ and the apostles.  Of course this website and related websites like the one you see here are modern.  This particular website was only built in 2005.   It and the other locations help thousands of people enjoy fellowship although they are in many parts of the earth such as India, the United Kingdom, Africa, and South America.   The only Bible-given name for Christians is "Christians." Therfore it is our only overall name although those who wish to use the name Christian Witnesses to be distinctive are also welcome to do so.  You will find that we put much emphasis upon showing loving-kindness and allowing great Christian freedom.  This brings more happiness to one another and others.  We stress that Christ himself is the "MOST" Faithful and Discreet Slave of God rather than, for example, the men on the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society or any other human group.  God's perfect true organization is in heaven but directs the minds, hearts and lives of all true Christians on earth.  Any Christian can enjoy fellowship in Christ without having to "join" or stay associated with any intervening organizational hierachy of human officials on earth.   Christians can be "organized" in the sense of having an arrangement which recognizes which local elders lead in providing local services.   Although it is not necessary to be an "official" in a group, in some nations and situations, groups of Christians are required by law to have elders who are officially recognized as local leaders.  In such cases, any group can decide who its main servants are and obey the law. However, we must not forget that God's Kingdom is the only perfect organization.  It stays secure in heaven although its power already extends directly onto earth into and in the midst of the hearts and minds of true believers.  Any group on earth that claims to be its representative is simply a mock imitation, not to be followed.  True Christians follow only the Lamb, not an organization and not any single human who might seek self-idolization.  That's why this website directs readers to and only to Christ, never to any human "leader" or writer, etc.  Only Christ was perfect as a human and only Christ remains perfect! If you are a person with great love and you want to form your own house church, this website can help you a lot. For example, you can click "Christian Packet" to learn how to form a local group(s) and it will also give you handy documents to form one or more groups, keep your locally formed groups going and growing.     The free services here also include a number of leaflets (tracts) using Bible scriptures to counter the many wrong Watchtower mis-teachings.  For example 1 Samuel 14:32-35 shows God forgave Saul's men who ate unbled meat to stay alive.  That shows that Watchtower's claim that Acts 20 is against emergency blood transfusions is false as well as dangerous.  We're here to help and save the lives of JW adults and kids, so we are supportive of the mistreated ones, while exposing the wrongs of the Watchtower Society.  Not all but some Christian Witnesses still have JW family and friends endangered by the Watchtower tragedies.  Many others never were JWs but have natural Christian concern, wishing to help out of loving-kindness. So, again, our fellowship's main overall goal and reason for existence is to offer joy (Ga 5:22) and happiness regardless of different beliefs; and Christian Witnesses' own beliefs are freedom to differ united by love (Ro 14:1-5; Co 3:14); resurrection to heaven or earth; inviting friendly people to Bible readings in homes etc (Mt 28:19, Ro 16:1), praying, sharing meals, helping the needy (Ga 2:10); overall unity is by Love and basic Christianity (Hebrews 6:1).  Paul said there is one true faith (Eph 4:5), Christianity, though like a tree its branches have produced average and also some very bad and some very good branches. Two or more can determine who the reputable adult elders are among them (1Tim 3; Ac 6:5) but Christ himself is our only top Leader, the MOST Faithful and Discreet slave,  (Mt 23:10; 24:45) in the spiritual kingdom safe in heaven although extending into the hearts and minds of those on earth putting Christ first, including above the heads of all religious organizations on earth.  Please pass along the name of this website by mail or email etc to caring persons who never were JWs, also to former JWs and fading or active JWs.   Even when seen just once, "christianwitnesses.com" is a name few people are likely to ever forget.  Freely make and distribute copies of items written here.   With your help more will be coming to learn more here.  We haven't paid any service for advertising, so need your help for it.  Thank you in advance for your assistance.  It will help save and improve lives.  In many cases for years it already has. Respectfully And With Christian Love As A Servant In Christ, Joe Joe Emerson jmasonemerson@yahoo.com

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