Welcome to the board Dont place Literature. I joined this group a long while ago and have only recently returned. I enjoyed reading your message. Thank you for letting us know a little about you and how you feel. I want you to know that I love the congregation and often pray for them ( sometimes tearfully) You see, I was born and raised in the Watchtower teachings but after intense study of the scriptures, I found much to be concerned about. For example: the question as to whom are Christ's brothers and sisters,...yes sisters. Matthew 12:50..says, "Anyone who does the will of my father, the same, is my brother, sister or mother."
My opinion is that this scripture contradicts what the JW elders are teaching the congregation. Christ says, "ANYONE who does the will of his Father are his brothers, ( sisters) Ok then, who in the JW Org are doing God's will? Only a few men in Brooklyn then? Not the 'JW great crowd or other JW sheep class?
As for 'finding 'The Truth'. No religion can be called, "The Truth". Why? Because Christ said he is "The Truth". John 14:6.
Also Christ said," ( John 10:9) "I am the Door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." The elders told me I could never be one of Christ brothers because the 'heavenly door was closed in the year 1935." And the Watchtower taught for decades that this door was shut??????
I ask,then, how can that be so when Christ said he is 'The Door', and that if ANY man enter in, he shall be saved.'
The more I studied the scriptures, the more I questioned the teachings of the Watchtower.
Christ said, "Come to me" ( John 5:39-41) You search the scripture because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are thy which bear witness of me; and you will not come to me that you may have Life."
(Matt 11:28-30) "COME TO ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and LEARN FROM ME, for I am humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I tell you my brother, I had to leave much (not all ) that I'd learned from the Watchtower and finally began to 'listen closely to Christ instead.' And yes, what he said is true, his yoke is so much lighter! I recommend everyone to do the same.
After all, it is our heavenly Father's command that we must 'LISTEN to his Son'. (Luke 9:35)
Oh, and this scripture really pulled me toward him: ( John 1:12 ) "But as many as recieved him ( Christ ) to them he gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe on his name." ( Gal 3:26)(1 John 5:1)
( Deut. 32:6) "Is this the way you repay the LORD ( Yah ) you foolish and unwise people? Is he not Your FATHER, your Creator who made you and formed you?"If Jehovah is our heavenly Father, then aren't we sons and daughters? The Watchtower teaches, as you are aware, that only 144,000 are son's of God. (Ps 82 )I could add more scriptures that have made me question the teachings of the Watchtower, these are just a few. Ps 40:4 ) (Ps 146:3) I don't see enough support for the trinity doctrine in the scriptures so I do agree with the Watchtower on this issue. But I find there are too many errors taught at the Kingdom Halls, and this have cause me to separate myself from them.I partake of the emblems now and have done so for over a decade. (John 6:54 ) And I do this out of obedience.