Why I Am Here

[DoubtingThomas]

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Why are you here at this Discussion Board? I am new to this DB, so I thought I would share a little about my spiritual history and what has led me here. I do believe that I found this place as an answer to my prayers, and that God’s Holy Spirit led me here. I have been “lurking” around here for about 2 years now, so I feel that I already know some of you. There are many new members here who have joined recently, and I look forward to getting to know you better too. </span>


<span style="font-family:Times New Roman">I was baptized in 1972. I was 17 years old. It was a real miracle and clear answer to my prayers that Jehovah led me to the Watchtower organization. That is an entire story in itself (How I Came To The Truth) so I won’t go into detail about it at this time. But suffice it to say that I was led to Jehovah’s organization by Holy Spirit and as an answer to my prayers, just as clearly as I have been led to this DB by Holy Spirit and as an answer to my prayers. They (WTS) have taught me many precious truths from the Bible that I will be eternally grateful for.</span>



After finding this web site on the Internet, I read (devoured is a better description) all of e-watchman’s essays, blog’s, commentaries and listened to all of his podcast. I have read and studied his book Jehovah Himself Has Become King. I have been carefully praying, studying and meditating on all of these for the past two years. I have been praying to Jehovah for many months now about whether I should become a member of this DB. At this time I do believe that I am listening to God’s voice, and following the guidance from His Holy Spirit by joining this DB. Jehovah usually speaks softly to us though. He never shouts. So we have to listen very carefully when He is trying to lead us and guide us what to do. But I do believe that I will have His blessing by joining this DB. Time will certainly tell. While I am not 100% convinced yet that all of e-watchman’s prophetic interpretations are “right on the money”, I would say that I am convinced that he is at least 80% correct, and it is most certain that he is closer to the truth than the WTS have been with their prophetic interpretations of the “end times” prophecies. My slight hesitation to jump onto this DB, and my reservations about e-watchmans explanations of the prophecies being 100% right on, is probably the reason for my Board name DoubtingThomas (my real name is Thomas btw). Also … I have doubts regarding many of the political “conspiracy theories” espoused by some on this board.



But like many here, I first started surfing the Internet several years ago, because of my total disgust and lack of trust in what I saw going on within the organization of the WTS. I needed answers. The quality of spiritual food being served at the “table of Jehovah” (as the WTS likes to call it, but I call it the “table of the WTS”) has been clearly on the decline too. While the handling of the Child Abuse problems, and the UN NGO matter are certainly marks against the organization, giving us a “black eye” so to speak, I am not as troubled by those scandals as I am about an apparent withdrawing of God’s Holy Spirit upon our spiritual leaders (the GB and many of our local congregation’s elders). At this time we are being feed only the milk from God’s Word. Where is the solid food and meat that many of us so dearly love to feed on in God’s Word? Where is the beef?



The problems within this organization (an organization that has been used as a tool by Jehovah to spread the good news) and our spiritual decline as God’s people have come from the top on down to the local level. The “evil slave” is likely the cause of these problems, and the “man of lawlessness” has certainly made inroads within the very House of God at this time.



<span style="font-family:Times New Roman">That is why I am so happy to have found this site. These are difficult times for God’s people. And as the WTS crumbles to the ground because of it’s wrongdoing and its need for discipline from Jehovah, my prayer is that many of us here at this site who have a clear understanding of what the future holds, will be there for our many brothers and sisters who will come out of the WTS totally bewildered and shocked and lost spiritually when it comes crashing down. We shall be there to point them back to a more personal relationship with Jehovah God and His son our Ransomer Jesus Christ, rather than the worship or idolization of an organization.

[Kenneth]

Hi Thomas

I came upon the site as a result of the Watchtowers lack of insight on the King of the North. I figured someone must have done research on it and then I found it. No man gets it right all of the time, but only time will tell on that one. I&#39;m not a very emotional person and when individuals say Jehovah did this and that I just look on and gape. However, what I find interesting is my situation is of a similar nature to yours as I also loitered for two years, yet we both joined at a similar time.

The past few weeks have been somewhat unpleasant and as you are no doubt aware some changes have been made. But going back to Jehovah I don&#39;t know why but I really do feel that Jehovah&#39;s spirit led me here for some reason; I haven&#39;t figured it out yet completely. Why did I wait for two years as I was reading the board daily, and why now? I have a theory on his. If Jehovah is using Robert King then Robert King is going to need some support. Over the past week or so many here have left the board for personal reasons and don&#39;t agree with Watchman, well that&#39;s their choice and we won&#39;t condemn them for it, each to his own as they say. However, I came on board as a deferring of opinion reach its high point. Now I&#39;m not a prolific writer in fact my writing skills are somewhat poor in comparison too many, but what I lack in ability to write I make up in personal passion and zeal. So why are my here, is it all in the mind or has Jehovah&#39;s some how manoeuvred it so individual such as myself have come to the board to lend some support in these trouble times. I have noticed a number of new names here in the past week and I&#39;m sure many more will join in the future. As I have stated I&#39;m not a emotional person and don&#39;t go around claiming Jehovah has done this and that for me, but I real wonder if this wasn&#39;t spirit directed.

I also ask myself how many out there are avid readers of e-watchman, but for some time have held back from joining the forum. If you are likeminded and now that the board has had a change its directions why not join. The site receives thousands of hits by interested ones and no doubt many are active JWs. Thomas we are just two of a kind, but I&#39;m convinced that there are many more like us asking should I join the forum.

Kenneth

[Jeshurun]

Welcome to the forum, Brother Thomas. There&#39;s nothing wrong with doubting. I believe Paul called it "testing the inspired expressions".

We&#39;re very happy you decided to join us! Here you can express your opinions freely, and we look forward to them.

Lou

[Nash]

Hi Thomas! :D

Welcome to the forum!

Excellent post.

Nash

[stayawake]

The above posts prompted me to get on the key board.
You dear ones that are lurking and reading, even though you may be too shy to post, believe me you are still here and with us ,and thats all that matteres. I too believe Jahs spitit not only directed us here but that this is a place of rest for HIS SPIRIT. I am sure every one lurking and has read all the essays, commentaries, etc can honestly admit to themselves that they must have been lead here. In other words every one has a story.. My getting here is another story, that would be almost impossible to copy.
Now back to you dear ones who are too shy to post. Don&#39;t worry about it. We are not in the ministry school. where it is expected that every one give a talk. You don&#39;t have to sign up for anything. The important issue is that your here, your wecome, and we hope you stay and become or already are a part of the family. Just to know your here makes us happy.
Have you ever been among a crowd, and just enjoyed listening, well thats how my daughter and grandaughter are and they are lurking right out there with you, so relax and never feel obligated to do do what you feel your not ready for. Just stay close by.
Now the reason i am saying all this is to keep you upbuilded.
I slowly drifted away from the KH when i found out about the NGO. but i was not alone as my family and their spouses did the same. None of us were d/f.
When visits were made i knew not to mention anything about what i knew, as i was aware from this board if you knew the sins of the WT you would be cut off in order for it not to spread thru the cong. Being i had many years of faithful service i also had good standing in the cong was allto my benifit.
I took advantage of this and looked up the many who left thru the years because of being stumbled for one thing or another. I became friends with these ones as they had become marked for not attending meetings. Which i am sure i myself am marked for the same reason. What i am getting at ,is there are about 12 of us from the same cong now that is aware of the true meaning of the Wheat and the Weeds. out of the 12 0nly the two from my family have computors, so the other ten are unable toeven lurk.
I have printed out the NGO issue and Roberts essays and they are thrilled that they have the grand oppertunity to still be friends with Jah. Of course each one in his due time. II am really thrilled myself as it turned out that those on the outside who felt lost are alive now with Jahs spirit, as they understood every thing i was , and am presenting to them. .So this is where the witness work can begin, if one does not have a computor, believe me they are just as happy as those who are lurking. They keep saying , "this all makes sense.&#39;
love stayawake

[Cricket]

How do you all handle talking about the information on this site with other JWs? Do you wait until you see they are having doubts?

I would like to point others to this forum, but I am very concerned about their own spirtual welfare and do not wish to cause them harm.

[Nambo]

How do you all handle talking about the information on this site with other JWs? Do you wait until you see they are having doubts?

I would like to point others to this forum, but I am very concerned about their own spirtual welfare and do not wish to cause them harm.[/b]

Hi Cricket, at the very least, or is it the very most?, I would wait for them to ask you.
You dont want to suddenly find yourself accused of being an apostate and having to join us who look on from the wilderness, and you yourself know that you dont want to cause them harm.

If they have allready completely fallen away then by all means you will not incurr any blood guilt and might actually be helping them by showing a more attractive lifeline back to Jehovah and a renewed hope that thier Love for God, might not be in vain.

Otherwise, Iam sure if it becomes Jehovahs will, he will direct those in the position too, to act accordingly.

Maybe if thier is somebody you know completely and can trust them and thier Spiritual strenght, you can tentatively reach out, "Hey, have you seen that e-Watchman site on the net?, some of that stuff the guy is saying makes sense"

[Cricket]

Thanks Nambo!

What you have replied is what I have have felt, as well. I just want to the correct thing. One day, an opportunity came up and I wanted so much to say something, but it was if my mouth was shut and could not speak - afterwards it seemed pretty clear that I was not to say anything to that person. That was a most strange feeling. :blink:

Cricket

[Eli&#39;s Foe]

I am interested in the comments by "Doubting Thomas" - I dont think you are doubting at all but rather require a little more evidence/knowledge to be convinced. The conspiracy theories as you term them, may be flawed only time will tell but there is little to doubt in either the activities of the society or the truth contained in the revision of our understanding of the scriptures. How some of these thing will ultimately play out may be different to that suggested - fact is often stranger than fiction - but that&#39;s ok the basis for the theories is sound at least. As someone living in Britain, the whole ethos of Britain as the King of the North sounds naive, but on closer inspection of the scriptures it is true that this is the only logical conclusion - I therefore suspend my disbelief on that basis.
Glad you are here brother - stand firm and grow mighty with us.

Eli&#39;s Foe

[Steadfast]

Dear Brother Thomas and all the new ones who are coming here,

I just wanted to say welcome. There is a peace and calm that is beginning to settle over this place again, and I for one welcome it.

My story is like many of yours, but I have been here for several years. Please use this time of relative freedom that we have to grow strong and draw even closer to Jehovah and Christ that you may have been in the past.

I&#39;m hoping that administration will put Flash Chat back into the forum as it is a great way to talk in realtime and get to know one another.

Love, :D

Steadfast

[eyes&ears]

Hi Thomas,

So glad you finally decided to join us.

It was wonderful how you MADE SURE OF ALL THINGS as much as posible before jumping in, relying on Jehovah&#39;s Spirit to direct your steps.

I sure do agree with you that we all will need each other in the coming days ahead. So many just do not understand what is happening, and those that do, are not sure how to handle all this new information.

Some lash out in anger and bitterness because they hurt and feel deceived for a lifetime time of service.

I too have had to work through some negative feelings and ask Jehovah for his direction.

So I am here to help if I can, also to share and to grow and learn as much as I can in addition to my meeting attendance and personal bible study.

Welcome again Thomas and looking forward to hearing more from you.

Eyes & Ears

[watchman]

Welcome to the board Thomas. I look forward to your contributions.

[Berean]

Hi,

I think this is a good place to introduce myself (not meaning to hi-jack your thread, Thomas!). I can&#39;t really remember how I found this board, but it was a while back, and I have lurked here quite a while, not always agreeing with what I read, but that&#39;s nothing to be ashamed of. Jesus himself understood that Thomas doubted whether the Christ was really standing in front of him, and instead of rebuking him, he lovingly showed him that in fact, yes, he was Jesus.

Likewise, like the Thomas that started this thread, I may not always agree with everything I read on Watchman&#39;s site - although I must admit that I haven&#39;t intensively read everything, and the snippets that I do read seem very well thought-out and quite agreeable. Then, I don&#39;t have to read every letter on the site, since all is laid out so very clearly. Let me put it like this: the wolves in sheep&#39;s clothing don&#39;t have a very good disguise, if you know what to look
for and ask Jehovah for wisdom and insight, instead of relying on what other people tell you.

What I am mostly looking for though, is association with fellow Christians who also aren&#39;t afraid to use their God-given brains. I always say that He has given us brains to think, so why not use them? What I also hope to find here is a place that is more upbuilding than what some congregations seem to offer these days. Of course I am still happy to see my fellow brothers and sisters in real life, but there is also the fact that wolves have entered the flock, spoiling it for the sincere Christians, like leaven fermenting the whole lump. But I am glad that I have to live through problems like that, since that is how the Bible says it would be, and I know that I must be doing something right, having my faith tried like this. Oh yeah, and about my user name, Berean, it&#39;s because I hold the Scriptures in the highest regard, and take great pleasure reading the Bible, and I believe that you can find answers to any question there, if only you take the trouble to read and examine it thoroughly, which is a very delightful thing to do.

In other words, I&#39;m glad I found this place. ;)

[Jeshurun]

Welcome, Berean, I&#39;m glad you found it too.

I&#39;ll always be in amazement when I think of how I found this place, but the funny thing is, if I had even the slightest clue that anything was seriously wrong with the Watchtower, I could have just googled it.

The other ironic thing, which encapsulates the nature of the internet, is that if you type in the name of this website in the address bar and fail to put the dash between Jehovah&#39;s and Witnesses, you get a website that is completely apostate, complete with links to the debased world.

Looking forward to your posts.

Lou

[juffowup]

Cricket, you asked how we can share some of these things with fellow witnesses. The comments about inactive ones are very good. One thing I have found is, that as a formerly very active and involved witness, I have been forced to "shrink back" a bit in witness terms. I no longer give public talks, I don&#39;t go out in service as much, I don&#39;t comment nearly as often.

I find these signs have been noticed by some, and that I somehow give off a "vibe" to ones who are troubled and they talk to me. They have doubts, and they are afraid to talk to the elders about them, so they talk to me. And I try to discreetly encourage them with tings I have learned from this site. If they ask more questions, I give them more answers. In this way, I have found I am able to be a source of encouragement without undermining anyone&#39;s faith and happiness.

You may find in time that you will give off a similar vibe, and friends seek you out. My advice is, keep attending meetings if you can take it, don&#39;t isolate yourself, make yourself available to the friends, and see what happens.

[stayawake]

Hi doubting Thomas & Borean a great big wecome!,
Both names are very fitting. One must remember Watchman is a watchman, and not a Leader.
He is directing us to the scriptures , for us to see that the prophets of old were speaking to Gods present people.
The Weeds and the Wheat are found in Gods household.(anointed).1Pet 4:17 .
Watchman is the only person i know in our time that has taken the time to search the scriptures, and doing so he has made the Truth his own, this is what he wants us to do." To make the truth our own.&#39;"
He would never want us, nor would Jehovah want us,to look to Watchman for a 100% sure thing .
Jah only gives us what we need at the present, there is no need for us to know every little detail.
I thank Jah for revealing as much as he has to us mortal humans. What is happening here, is we have found we don&#39;t really need a crutch (WT), that what we need is to make sure of all things and to make the truth our own. I believe that Jah has opened the eyes of Watchman to declare what the prophets ,have wrtten in order for us that love the truth would listen. WHY WATCHMAN ONE MIGHT ASK !!
Who else ,who was still in good standing with the WT would send the Headquarters, Branch Offices , and the congergations,Open letters telling them about the Gross Sin they had committed by becoming a NGO member with Gods Enemy.
Would you had ever thought of doing such a thing ? This was a very BOLD MOVE, and could only come from one who realized, that no faithful servent would have ever done such a thing.
So here we have the Wheat & Weeds and this is why Bro Watchman was able to see what the prophets of old were speaking about. It was the time for it. Didn&#39;t Jesus say the wheat and the weeds would grow together until they both became mature. , Now was the time for lovers of the truth to see all this..
Most of what is taken place besides the Prophets of doom on Jahs sons can be found in 2Thess 2:1-12.
Sorry just got carried away.I just didn&#39;t want one to be looking to a man ,rather then Jah, nor would Watcman ever dream of such a thing. We are here to learn how to worship Jah in spirit and in truth, these are the ones Jesus said His Father would be looking for. Love stayawake

[DoubtingThomas]

Hi Kenneth,

Yes it does appear that we have similiar situations and almost parrallel paths as to how we got here. Perhaps you are correct, that God&#39;s spirit may have directed or motivated us to be here in support of Brother King and the other brothers and sisters who are looking for a more accurate and truthful interpretation of the prophecies in the holy Scriptures. If Jehovah is using us in that way, then I am happy, honored and pleased to be used as a tool for Jehovah in any way that he so desires to use me.

I also agree that many others may soon be joining this forum in the future, as they too see the shortcomings of the organization.

BTW - don&#39;t sell yourself too short as far as saying you are not a prolific writer. I have enjoyed reading your post as much if not more than any others posted on this site. They are well though out and written as good or even better than most posted here.

[fruitage]

Hello Doubting Thomas...how are you...

I was babtized in 1974 and during these 30yrs plus....I&#39;ve never doubted the JW had the truth as close to the bible as can be for us imperfect searching people...but a little over 2 yrs ago I purchased a computer and could not believe all the things I was learning concerning the WTS....but through it all I never once doubted my love for Jehovah and for Christ Jesus....

I&#39;ve gone through many stages during these 2 yrs....even planning on going to another place of worship...somehow I could never make that move...during all that time Jehovah never let me go, and now I see the good of staying with my brothers and sisters dispite all the things I know that have taken place within the WTS....I know where I need to be, and until the wicked system is gone and all institutions put in place by men are gone...we as brothers and sisters should stay close to one another....praying for the Kingdom to come and Gods will to be done on earth as it is in heavan....

When all else is falling apart all around us..we should be drawing close to our heavanly Father Jehovah and to Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour....praying for our brothers and sisters and for the whole world to come to know their heavanly Father..

I hope and pray for all to endure

Take Care

[Excaliber]

Hello,
I am also happy to have found this sight. It seems that there is a level of spiritual strength here...stronger then most JW&#39;s.

Most here are loyal to Jehovah....and not only to the watchtower.

[fruitage]

Hello,
I am also happy to have found this sight. It seems that there is a level of spiritual strength here...stronger then most JW&#39;s.

Most here are loyal to Jehovah....and not only to the watchtower.[/b]

Hello Excaliber....this is the key....being able to separate the WTS from Jehovah and Jesus...and being able to be there for our brothers and sisters, and by helping them , we are helping ourself also...

Take Care

[Kenneth]

I was just looking at the amount of pages being viewed up to date it&#39;s over 23,000. I know we make a good few clicks on the counter and I&#39;m no statistician but it seem like a good start. It gives the impression that the site is going in the right direction, also the comments have been fair and balanced.

The idea of giving commendation where commendation is deserved is a worthy one, such was the case in Sundays Watchtower. However, on subjects that one feels passionate about in relation to justice then positive critical analysis is no doubt called for. If everything we read is of a negative nature it will only drag us down. All here have either known ,seen or experienced the heavy hand of the Watchtower, however if we allow it to fester it will make us bitter.

When Jesus rebuked he did so with authority and in a loving way. Why do I write this, because on the old board I was going down a slippery slop of total negativity of which I am not proud. Anyone can criticise but it takes intelligence to be constructive. As Dale Carnegie once stated :"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do." So "why are my here" for me the tempo has to be upbeat and constructive, so as to be an encouragement to others.
Kenneth</span></span> </span>