i Just left The Jehovah's Witnesses and am asking for help please

[SonOfThunder]

I've been using Christian forums for a while, getting some very good answers to my questions on doctrine and one on one help from a great guy from America.

I made the move, and first was put on probation and then when I didn't attend meetings had an interview and now have been disfellowshipped. It started when my cousin died fro want of blood and then has continued with reading The Bible alone and studying.

I know that false teaching is wrong and cant stay but a few things are on my mind now.

1. I have left and my whole family are still in 'the truth' (Jehovah's Witnesses).

Dad is an elder and they support me through uni. It is getting hard at home as they now wont pray with me and my dad is being asked to step down as an elder because of me. I fear that I will be asked to leave soon as life is getting strained within the family. That is pressure from the organisation on my family based on teachings that a christian should keep seperate from the world and they think I am now of the world, that they will not mix with me as in 2 Cor 6:14-17 and 11:13-15. Gal 5:9 and Deut 7:1-5 .

I was reading Romans and what happens is not Biblical at all. The Bible says to bless those who persecute you, and to be of the same mind toward one another. if your enemy is hungry feed him, if he thirsts give him a drink. and in Romans 14:1 it says to receive one who is weak in the faith and not to judge..I hate this, I hate the feelings I get inside about 'maybe they are right" maybe I am wrong. is losing my family worth it all. if possibly losing the support with my education worth it for a few false teachings? Maybe they all have false teachings?

2. I took on this new nick with help from admins and now I am thinking about the cross symbol. I picked that I am non denominational, but I dont know what I am really. I feel a bit confused and also dont know where to go from here.

3. I really cant declare in all honesty i agree with the Nicene creed but I know I am Christian and love GOD a whole heap. I really can say that I cannot declare that Jesus is God and I cannot declare He isn't. I do know I love Him and without Him I can have no way to the Father and that spiritual things and God is way beyond my understanding for He is so marvelous and GREAT. I have made the moves now and here I am, my first post really about spritual things in this area. Erwin set it all up for me and I thank him.

4. I asked for prayer and someone said go to the new christian area. I dont think I am a new Christian so I am a bit shocked at that. and wonder if I am? there is so much I dont know, so much mixed up in my head with some Bible teachings. I want to explore them all at once NOW but I know it is slow. Meanwhile because of family I am a bit upset and cant study and concentrate. How shall I approach this? Maybe someone can help please?


james

 

[Rafael]

I feel for you. I must be a real hard situation to go through. The Bible tells us that families will be seperated because of Jesus.
You have probably seen the standard verses supporting the deity of Christ, so I'll not mention them but give you a link to read about it.
Here's my view of God's ability to be three persons: Why do we as men have to limit God to the frame of man? What number of persons or amount of words can tell us all that He is? From the begining of scripture (Gen. 1:26) God refers to Himself as plural in "Let us make man in our image". How can God be three persons? Well, if we are going to question His ability to be three persons, we might as well question every power that He has or how we live and have our being inside Him (Acts 17:28). We look through a glass darkly, and limiting God to the powers and dimensions of man is a mistake, but so many do it - and why? The clay is always pridefully seperating itself over issues and things they have no power or right to question, and most of the time it is because of the pride of life that we inherit in the fallen nature.
Now I'll bet that you are not the one disassociating yourself from your family, but they are doing it to you. So now what choice have you got but to go on and find the rest of God's will for your life. Go knowing that it was no easy thing for Jesus, being rejected by all men and hanging between heaven and earth bearing the sins of all men. We have been warned and told the cost of following Christ. It is worth it? Well, if we gain all the things we want in this world, including family, but lose our souls, that would be quite a price.
Now I wouldn't judge them, but would love them and believe the best for them. Love covers a multitude of sins, and only the Lord can judge people's eternity.
Pray for your family and love them, but trust God and stick close to Him. Go ahead and believe that Jesus is the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and that you are complete in Him (Col. 2:9) Let God have His power to awesomely be three persons or more if that is the number He wanted. We have benefited because of this power, as the Father raised the Son to New life as the firstborn of many brethren to follow and begin the spiritual Church of the firstborn (Rom.8:29; Hebrews 12:23).
Calm down and just let God minster His love to you, and be assured that He will work grace and mercy into your life and your families.
God bless.... and here's that link:

http://www.carm.org/questions_Jesus.htm

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

 

[Asherz]

((((((((((((((((((((((((SonOfThunder))))))))))))))))))))))))

I'm praying for you brother.

I'm not an ex-JW, but I am ex-Urantia (lets just say nonbiblical religion). My family was still in that belief when I decided it was wrong and they are only now beginning to decide the same. It was hard for me when I turned from that belief. I had the same feelings you are having now, "maybe I am wrong, maybe it really is right." Those feelings are normal and will fade in time as you grow in your walk with God.

I pray that your family will still accept you, and that your relationship with your family will remain intact. I agree with raphe that you should pray for your family and love them no matter what they decide to do.

If you haven't already, I think you should find a church with sound doctrine and start to get involved there. Hopefully you can develop strong Christian relationships there that can help provide you with support through all of this.

GBU

 

[Suzannah]

Dear James,


I am still praying for you....You know, all the knowledge in the world isn't going to save anyone. No one goes to heaven because they ace a written test. Jesus looks at the hearts of people and only He knows what is there. As others have said, it is important to read, and to study, but most of all prayer....Prayer is the way to draw near to God.

I have read a great deal of theology and I have studied and I think I could pass quite a few written tests...but none of that knowledge makes me a better Christian. We must pray, repent daily, and pray some more for the Grace to :
be more merciful
be more loving and kind
be more open to opportunities to know and love God.
These things are the mark of one who loves Jesus and follows Him...not a boy scout badge that says you passed a written test and did a research project....
Faith is a gift, and you have it, so treasure it and guard it! Pray daily, and remember that there are many praying for you....Pray for your family and ask God to forgive them for what they are putting you through. Pray for healing of yourself and your family...
Pray for God to show you how to be more merciful, kind, loving and closer to Jesus.
in this way, we become His...
Love,
Suzannah
p.s.: As for all the knowledge: relax....take a break...just pray!

 

[BarbB]

And, James, turn yourself over to the Holy Spirit who will "teach" you most of what you need to know. Keep reading the Bible - don't stop for any reason. And find a church - just start going to whatever's close to you. Talk to the people and see what they say about their church and the Bible. If it's not right (and the Holy Spirit can do a lot to make you uncomfortable if it is NOT right) move on to the next one. It's going to take time. We LOVE you!

 

[rogsr]

I will address each problem seperately, and I pray that it will help in some way.

I. Many people take some of Paul's teachings about church life when it invites exclusiveness, but they, often times, ignore the ones concerning love and faith which invites inclusiveness. I don't know your family but I do know faith, and if your mother and father have real faith then there is no way they will punish you for finding God in your own way.

II. This might be really fun for you...try and get around to different churches and different denominations. Try a Catholic Mass, an Episcopal service or two ; try out a baptist church. You have to expierience things before you can know what is right for you.

III and IV. JW doctrine is not main stream Christian doctrine. So, many main stream Christian teachings will be new to you. The only way that you are going to be able to have success at this is if you start over. Clear your mind of all the old teachings and read the bible and pray for clarity. God will make all things apparent to you if only you believe. You are not new to God but you are new to Christianity. JW's use the New World tranlation, correct? Compare that translation to others and you will easily see to difference. It seems to me that many essential things were changed in the New World translation...look up John Ch. 1 in both the NWT and the King James version...you will see.

God bless you my friend,

Sean

 

[seangoh]

sonsofthunder...hmm..i don't know exactly how u're getting on right now..but what i think is that you're searching and are at a lost?..my advice would be for you to continue studying the bible and think of life's big questions and see whether christianity gives a satisfactory answer to them..

 

[sawdust]

I've been using Christian forums for a while, getting some very good answers to my questions on doctrine and one on one help from a great guy from America.

I made the move, and first was put on probation and then when I didn't attend meetings had an interview and now have been disfellowshipped. It started when my cousin died fro want of blood and then has continued with reading The Bible alone and studying.

I know that false teaching is wrong and cant stay but a few things are on my mind now.

1. I have left and my whole family are still in 'the truth' (Jehovah's Witnesses).

Dad is an elder and they support me through uni. It is getting hard at home as they now wont pray with me and my dad is being asked to step down as an elder because of me. I fear that I will be asked to leave soon as life is getting strained within the family. That is pressure from the organisation on my family based on teachings that a christian should keep seperate from the world and they think I am now of the world, that they will not mix with me as in 2 Cor 6:14-17 and 11:13-15. Gal 5:9 and Deut 7:1-5 .

I was reading Romans and what happens is not Biblical at all. The Bible says to bless those who persecute you, and to be of the same mind toward one another. if your enemy is hungry feed him, if he thirsts give him a drink. and in Romans 14:1 it says to receive one who is weak in the faith and not to judge..I hate this, I hate the feelings I get inside about 'maybe they are right" maybe I am wrong. is losing my family worth it all. if possibly losing the support with my education worth it for a few false teachings? Maybe they all have false teachings?

2. I took on this new nick with help from admins and now I am thinking about the cross symbol. I picked that I am non denominational, but I dont know what I am really. I feel a bit confused and also dont know where to go from here.

3. I really cant declare in all honesty i agree with the Nicene creed but I know I am Christian and love GOD a whole heap. I really can say that I cannot declare that Jesus is God and I cannot declare He isn't. I do know I love Him and without Him I can have no way to the Father and that spiritual things and God is way beyond my understanding for He is so marvelous and GREAT. I have made the moves now and here I am, my first post really about spritual things in this area. Erwin set it all up for me and I thank him.

4. I asked for prayer and someone said go to the new christian area. I dont think I am a new Christian so I am a bit shocked at that. and wonder if I am? there is so much I dont know, so much mixed up in my head with some Bible teachings. I want to explore them all at once NOW but I know it is slow. Meanwhile because of family I am a bit upset and cant study and concentrate. How shall I approach this? Maybe someone can help please?


james

Hi James,

Sweetheart, look at your signature. God has already given you the answer to your questions.

Now believe, and let Him worry about the mess. His Word is true and He will do it.

Praying for you. lots of love.

 

[welshkarl]

Hi James
When I read your post I felt so humbled by what you must go going through it 's rough to have those who are suppose to love you turn cold on you like your family seem to be doing. I have never been a JW myself but my best-friend used to be until she got disfellowshipped several years back, her father was an elder and was forced to resign his postion because of his daughters disobedience, and he refused to speak to her for several years. However over time he came to realise that his daughter was important to him (my friends mother still kept in contact with her) and now they get along as a family unit once more(he is still a JW but I think he still remains in the fellowship because most of his friends JWs). So I guess time is a great healer, things pass and people change, do what you believe in your heart is true and God will make sure things fall into place (even though it may not seem so at the time!!) I know this may all sound a bit glib in the face of what life is throwing at you at this moment but your situation is almost excatly the same as that of my ex JW friend and that really is working out o.k. You are in my thoughts and prayers, hope it all goes well for you.

 

[desi]

Praying for you, your family, and your persecutors James.

 

[rainbowprism]

Son of Thunder, I just wanted to give you encouragement. About your family, I know it is a big struggle (I am living with a family that for the most part completley disagrees with me believing in Christ, so I know the tension it causes). I'm sure you feel for you father but your father can't be held responsible for your spiritual decisions, and it seems like the JWs use this as a method of control.... I think you are pretty much starting off on a clean slate and need to learn or relearn somethings... Have you looked into finding a church that would suit you? It's is important to find a group of people who will support you during this time. My heart goes out to you and I have to say I'm very proud of you-standing up for yourself takes guts!

 

[SonOfThunder]

I will address each problem seperately, and I pray that it will help in some way.

I. Many people take some of Paul's teachings about church life when it invites exclusiveness, but they, often times, ignore the ones concerning love and faith which invites inclusiveness. I don't know your family but I do know faith, and if your mother and father have real faith then there is no way they will punish you for finding God in your own way.

My parents are afraid I am entering false religion, they love me and in obedience to what they believe and think they know are exercising their faith, They believe I have been trapped rather than redeemed, they believe I am in sin and in need of repenting. They are part of the congregation similarly, the Christian congregation is justified in expelling unrepentant wrongdoers from their midst. Why? Because the congregation must be a haven from immoral predators and other willful practicers of sin.
Realizing that “one sinner can destroy much good,” the apostle Paul commanded fellow believers: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18; 1 Corinthians 5:13) This action prevents the sinner from spreading corruption in the congregation, and it protects the congregation’s good name. So this is how I am viewed to those that believe that they and they only have the 'truth'.

So do I leave or stay was the question, I left because The Bible is very clear on not remaining if The Holy Spirit has revealed to you some false teachings.

II. This might be really fun for you...try and get around to different churches and different denominations. Try a Catholic Mass, an Episcopal service or two ; try out a baptist church. You have to expierience things before you can know what is right for you.

I find this comment interesting, to you the freedom to explore is fun, thats good that you feel comfortable doing so. I worry about my 'feelings' being the judge of The Bible, what I mean by that is I might like the people and ignore the Scriptural teachings, or perhaps like the music and feel good in the company of the congregation as they are supportive and kind. But if Scriptural teaching is wrong, then it is wrong. I'm kind of in limbo here, not attending anything right now as there are so many to chose from and I'm a bit emotional about the path I take. I sure would like your confidence and freedom.

III and IV. JW doctrine is not main stream Christian doctrine. So, many main stream Christian teachings will be new to you. The only way that you are going to be able to have success at this is if you start over. Clear your mind of all the old teachings and read the bible and pray for clarity. God will make all things apparent to you if only you believe. You are not new to God but you are new to Christianity. JW's use the New World tranlation, correct? Compare that translation to others and you will easily see to difference. It seems to me that many essential things were changed in the New World translation...look up John Ch. 1 in both the NWT and the King James version...you will see.

God bless you my friend,

Sean

You are right about the differences. If only one can clear the mind and start afresh. When I first started to study trinity I found that so difficult, coming at the study from what I had previously been taught was a habit I had to break through prayer and not using any of the material I was used to ie. a different version of Bible was used. and I first did an extensive study on how to study in context. Then it became interesting and thought provoking how The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to concepts far different from that which I had been taught.

You stated that I was not new to God but new to christianity, I'm struggling with this concept when all I know is love for Jehovah God.

I worry that I am Christian to GOD. because the majority of 'people' put me in their category, or not in it. I worry about posting here in the Christian area when I struggle with trinity concept.

James

 

[rogsr]

I know several people that converted into the JW lifestyle. One man left his wife and children and remarried into the church. This to me seems really fishy. I also know a man who works two full time jobs so that he can make room for the heafty tithe requirements. This too seems fishy. Some people consider JW a cult. I don't know if that is entirely accurate because I have not expierienced much of that denomination. All that you can do is trust your heart, because that's where God is inside you. Exclusivness breeds intolerance. You seem like a smart guy, I'm sure that you will come to the right conclusion. If you honestly feel like God is leading you out of that church then go, don't be afraid.

God bless,

Sean

 

[JVD]

You know...the trinity is an important doctrine. I believe, but do not understand it. I don't think it can be understood by us.

However, Christ did claim to be God many times. He is also worshiped as God in the word.

Everything really depends upon who Christ is and what Christ did. If he was not God, then we as Christians have no hope. You have been wise to leave the JWs. It will not be easy for you but I recommend that you spend the next few years focusing on Jesus Christ, who is he and what did he do for you. After you accept his as God, your love of Jehovah will grow.

 

[wayfaring man]

Greetings Son ,

Once when I was facing trying times , involving conflict with people who were close to me ; this word came to me saying :

" In the confessing of your weaknesses shall be your strength ."

Now this can be applied on several different levels . but the way it was expounded unto me was : when someone confronts you over your action or inaction , instead of rushing to come up with a defense , confess the difference as something due to your own weakness .

For example : Someone approaches you and says , " why are you being so obstinate , why don't you just accept what you are being told "

Now instead of saying , because it's wrong what they are telling me ...

Say something like ," I cannot for the life of me understand how such a thing is God's will , can we pray about it ? "

In the first case one is finding fault with the other(s) ; but in the second case no blame is being assigned besides your own confession of the truth .

It makes a Big difference to people whether they are being singled out as in error or not , mostly because deep down under the bravado , most of us are quite vulnerable and less certain than we would like others to recognized us as being .

This will help much , if we can consistently employ it !

**********************************************************

Now with regards to " Jesus as God " , I submit to you this post which was written to a Muslim man regarding the Divinity of Jesus Christ and His Heavenly Father ; It doesn't go into The Holy Spirit ; but let it be briefly said that the Holy Spirit is The Spirit of God , The Spirit of Christ ( for God The Father gave it to Christ " without measure " that is to say in the fulness thereof .

As it is written :

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. <-----> John 3:34+35

Spirit - is described as " the vital principle ", The life giving component . The animating dynamic .

I hope and pray you receive the help you need and are all the more grateful and devoted to God and Christ as a result of having been brought through , and up out of this difficult , trying time .

In Jesus Name . Amen.

The above mentioned post starts below , and will close out this post .

Peace and good will ,

wm

--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Now concerning your questions :

When Jesus is next to The Father , The Father is greater .

As it is written :

<-----> John Ch 14

28: Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.


<-----> 1st Corinthians Ch 15

27: For he [ God -The Father ] hath put all things under his feet [ Jesus' ]. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
28: And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

However , this is not to say that Jesus is far beneath the " Level " of God , indeed He is on God's Level !

For it is written :

<-----> John Ch 5

17: But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18: Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
19: Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20: For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21: For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25: Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26: For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27: And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28: Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29: And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30: I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

This passage of Scripture shows clearly that God ( The Father ) and Jesus ( The Son ) are inextricably linked together ; so that the power and authority of God ( The Father ) flows freely through Jesus ( The Son ) .

It's hard to draw upon a human parallel , quite frankly , because there hardly is one : but if a ruler like the Pharaoh of Egypt put someone like Joseph in charge and said to him , only in the throne will I be greater than you - ( See Genesis Ch . 41 )

<-----> Genesis Ch 41

38: And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
39: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
40: Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
41: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.
42: And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
43: And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
44: And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.

This is about as close of a parallel as we can find and was undoubtably recorded to help us understand this matter , among others .

So if I'm living back in Egypt , and Joseph tells me to stop picking on the homeless , and I disobey him , and continue to harass a local hobo , I am in violation of defying not only Joseph's authority , but Pharaoh's as well : for it was Pharoah who decreed that all his people would be ruled according to Joseph's word .

Even so , if we disregard Jesus' sayings - we are disregarding God !

 

[Bonhoffer]

Son of Thunder,

I have so much respect for you and what you have done. You have left the JW in search of The Truth. The JW's are difficult for anyone to leave. But not only have you left the JW but you a searching for the REAL Jehovah and He is right there waiting for you.

I beleive you are well on you way to a wonderful eternity with our Lord. God bless you Son of Thunder

 

[Peguero]

Hello brethen, my name is Edwin, my mother, sister and brother in law are all jehova's witness and i feel your pain. My brother was dying once of a gun shot and my mother with tears in her eyes denied blood for my brother. If it was not for my father he wouldn't be alive.(Email address and invitation deleted by Moderator Suzannah)

 

[TheMainException]

1. Yes, losing your family and your education is worth living for God...at least you have not being physically tortured by masked men in China or another anti-christian country. We are called to live for God and this means sometimes doing things that will create gaps between us and our family and friends...it hurts, that's true, but we will be rewarded for our faith in God when we get home to heaven.

2. It really doesn't matter what denomination you are...have faith that if you are saved through grace by faith because of Jesus Christ's death upon the cross, you are saved, that's all that matters.

3. Pray over the Nicene Creed and ask God to reveal the truth to you.

4. Ask for prayer just like you did...and that's exactly what I'll be doing...I'll be praying for you.

It's awesome to have you as a follower in Christ dear brother!