Luke 21:8, my discussion with an elder.

drew sagan

Well everybody, it has been accomplished. I have revealed my feelings to the Elder I talked about in some of my last posts. Things didn't go so well, but I dosn't really matter now. I've seen as proof the WT is false, their reasonings corrupt as I will further explain.
I focused on Matthew 24 and Luke 21. I said my conscience was bothered. I said I couldn't go out in service anymore because I felt that there where teachings that did not come from the Bible and that I didn't feel comfortable in teaching and telling them to others.
We read Matthew 24. I pointed out that historically the response Jesus gives to his disciples is seen as a WARNING not to be mislead. That his coming would NOT be seen by such signs, but instead would be instantly upon us. I said we can learn alot from what history has shown us about groups and individuals who have looked to such things as a sign that the "end is very close", "righ around the corner". All of them eventually have failed in their predictions even the Witnesses themselves. He agreed with this.
I then went on to Luke 21:8. Jesus clearly states that there would be those who announce that 'The time is very near now". The warining is very clearly given, Jesus continues to say "do not follow them". I asked if such a warning applied to the Witnesses who have claimed for decades that the "end is just so close", "right around the cornet", or that "we are living DEEP into the time of the end". After his reply I knew the entire disucssion would be of no purpose.
He simply stated that such council did not apply to the Watchtower because God had chose them. The warning was that we should not follow those who are not appointed by God. Needless to say we did not agree on this point.
I don't know what is really going to happen, nor do I really care at this point. I think it is quite obvious that we believe what we want to believe. Such reasonings are not based on the Bible, they are based on ourselves. Based upon what we want to believe. What a lesson all of this has taught me.
I'm doing good though guys, don't worry about me. My family hasn't been broken up by this, instead we have actually gotten closer. I'm not going to go to any more meetings, there is no use. Simply wait and see what happens. Thanks for all your support. Take care!
-drew

Narkissos

Congrats Drew. That was a simple and powerful approach. I'm sure whatever he does now, your "elder" friend will never forget about it.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Highlander

Thanks for the update Drew. I've been patiently waiting to hear the latest.

I'm glad to hear that you are ok with any result that comes from the 'discussion' with this elder.

Wish you the best,

jstalin

Congrats Drew. I know those kinds of confrontations can be tough, but you won't regret it!

unique1

Excellent points. I am glad this has brought you and your family closer together.

fullofdoubtnow

Well done Drew, it sounds like you handled that well, and whatever action is taken because of it won't worry you unduly. I am so glad your family are with you on this as well, that has to make things a lot easier.

take care

Linda

freedomlover

Excellent Drew!

glad to hear the "good news!" How is your wife doing? Was she there during the conversation?

Narkissos

The warining is very clearly given, Jesus continues to say "do not follow them".

If they really got that one and had some sense of humour, they might disfellowship you for not disassociating...

lovelylil

Drew,

you made some excellent points with that elder. He totally missed the main point though of those texts that when Christ comes it will be suddenly - not as the WT teaches he is here but inactive since 1914. There are some bible student groups that feel the same way, and I like to use Matthew 24 with them. Even in the end Jesus himself says that the signs you will see show he is "near", not that he is already here and invisible. Whether they teach since 1874 or 1914 - both are false. They like the witnesses just do not get this point: the the signs are markers to look for but will not tell us the exact date of Christ's arrival. What kind of test of faithfulness and watchfullness will it be if the thief tells the householder when he will break in? Remember this illustration? Christ's arrival clearly will be swift and the date unknown to anyone until it comes so that he can see if we are watching and ready.

I liked your point too that we are warned not to listen to those who say he IS here already. In that verse where it says "if they say here he is in the inner rooms..." It always reminds me of the governing body who sit in the "inner rooms" at Bethel and try to say they are given special knowledge since 1914 by Jesus that no one else has. And like you said, the WT continually says the day is any day now, they are doing it again at the conventions this year. I feel sorry for those trapped in this cycle. There are things that have to happen first prior to Christ coming, like the man of lawlessness being revealed, mentioned in Thessalonians. And the image set up for the earth to worship, mentioned in Revelation. And even these things are just markers to show the time is close at hand. Still, we have to wait patiently for the Master to return.

Anyway, sorry for going on. I loved your points. How does your wife feel about the verses you brought out? Do you think you will be called into a JC soon? I will keep you in my prayers Drew, and I thank the Lord for releasing you from the WT by his words in the bible which are the only truth, Halleluljah!

freedomlover

Drew -

when I first started reading the bible on my own there were a few scriptures I couldn't get out of my mind that continued to bother me about the WTS. They are on the same lines as your reasoning...

About not knowing the time of the end -

Acts 1:7
Mark 13: 32,33
2 Peter 3:10
1 Thess 5:1,2

Deut: 18:20-22
Mark 13: 32,33
1 John 4:1

Luke 21:8, my discussion with an elder.

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