Well as a few here know, and for those who dont I've had an ongoing study with a few of the elders from my wifes congregation.
I was quite suprised when one of the elders, I think the less experienced one asked the following question of me.
What is your purpose for getting together for this study, as it seems obvious to me that your not willing to be open minded concerning what we have to share with you today?
I responded that his question really hurt my feelings, and that he shouldnt assume that I wasnt open to what they had to share, simply because I checked everything they shared with scripture.
I pointed out that the Bereans did the same when Paul preached. I went on to explain that his statement made me feel as if it wasnt about my salvation that they were concerned about, but getting me to become a member of the orginization.
Needless to say the older of the two stepped in and tried to dance his way out of this uncomfortable situation, by putting me at ease and trying to reassure me that my salvation was the subject, and not membership in the Society.
They seemed to become uncomfortable everytime I used the word Society, this I couldnt understand. They accused me of having a facination with the Society when they claimed it was about Jehovah.
I asked them why one of the Watchtowers proclaimed on its front cover "Come to Jehovahs Orginization for Salvation" when Christ said come to me.
I asked them if that sounded a bit like the Society was placing the creation before the Creator, to which they responded, "I've never seen that issue. I gave them the information, and asked them to verify wether or not this issue existed.
I went on to ask them why the Society taught that they needed to be members of the Watchtower Society or be annihilated when their own founder warned against allowing anyone to bind your thoughts, and that there was no orginization in existance that could claim to be Gods Orginization, he made this reference concerning the Catholic church and the papacy. Now the Society was following in the Catholic churches foot steps. Boy they didnt like that one.
Again the eldest of the two stated that CT Russel was a prolific writer, who consistantly preached the importance of orginization, and that I had to be mistaken. Again I provided the information, with the idea that they would verify this.
That was two weeks ago, and I havent heard from them since, its really kind of sad though, they both seemed to be wonderful people, confused, but none the less good people.
My wife again showed surprise that her "confused" as she calls me husband gave another set of elders a tough time. She also found the long moments of silence and looks of cofusion on there faces alittle haunting. She felt that they would walk all over me, what she doesnt understand though is that I had help. Thank you Father.
I really hope that they stay in touch, one good thing came out of this. One of the elders from a prior study wants to get together, he explained to my wife, " I dont know why Dana, but their is something about your husband that I really like." I pray that what it is, is the Jesus in me. God Bless.