The only elder I have any respect for in the congregation came by tonight - haven't had a visit from any for two years or so. I suspected that he was either a decoy - trying to get me to say something that would cook my goose - or he had good motives trying to invite me to Memorial. Any other elder and I would have said get lost, but this guy and I have been friends since 1970. He is always welcome in my house and I just couldn't turn him away. Besides if they decide to Df me sometime he is one of the few I would like to know how I really feel before it gets all twisted into lies and gossip in the congregation. Nonetheless, I didn't know what to expect.
Turns out he wanted to invite me to memorial - but we got talking about other matters and all of a sudden I find myself basically 'witnessing ' to him about what I know about the 'truth'. I took it real cool and collected though and made sure not to raise too much ire. I made sure he knows we don't attend any other church, and that we still considered ourselves Christians, though not witnesses.
The discussions never got heated - but he did get a little defensive when I showed him a copy of the UN press release. He thought it was false. [expected that of course] I ask him how it was that if Joe Publisher joined the Y to get some exercise he would be held accountable, but if the WTS joined the UN as NGO it was just excused away as imperfection and a mistake. He said - and this was classic - well remember how Jehovah put up with Israel through all she did? I reminded him that the end of Israel was destruction for having stepped over the line. His answer was - get this - well if she goes down I go down with her then.. Can you believe that? The old 'My religion, right or wrong.' stuff.
All in all it went well - I even spent some time tying to defuse the 'apostate' issue by letting him know that I did not agree with some things now, but I just wanted a personal relationship with Christ. I pointed to John 14:6 repeatedly in that regard.
I had warned wifey that this might happen and to be prepared if the next wave hits - because the rest of the elders would give me the big Heave-Ho without a thought. Most likely scenario I suppose.
Tired of flying under the radar anyway now. He told me at one point that I sounded like a Church of Christ minister he met once that had an answer for everything he said.
I was very calm and I think that might have impressed him - but my ass is hanging out there now.
I concluded the conversation with "you know I will always love you, brother." He returned the same.
Stay tuned for the next shoe to fall. If it is going to, it will be fairly soon I think.
Jeff