> Introductions, Announcements, and More of Ray's Teachings
Introducing Myself
Samson:
Hello Everyone,
Allow me to tell you alittle about myself. Firstly I love to research Biblical Subjects, always attempting to find spiritual truth. Early in my life, it always troubled me that a loving and merciful God could and would Eternally Torment people based on what they did or didn't do right or wrong in such a short life span (70-90 years, if you happened to live that long). In 1981 I began to read and study some of the Watchtower(Jehovahs' witnesses) literature particularly that of Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Watchtower Society and how early on in his ministry he deplored the teaching of Eternal Torment and how this brought reproach on our Heavenly Father. In the Early 1900's, he publicly debated with many of Christendoms' Clergy, proving that the dead were not conscious in Hell(Hades) and that their future hope was in the ressurection, not inherent immortality. Although Charles Russell didn't believe in Universal Restoration for all, he was headed in that direction early in his ministry, unfortunately he got caught up in End time prophecies, falsely predicting the End of this Age in 1914 and other false predictions. The reason I bring this up is because these initial teachings: ( Soul Sleep, Non-Trinitarianism and no endless torture of the wicked,ignorant and unbelieving) attracted me to become a J.W. I spent twenty years of my life as a Jehovahs' Witness(1983-2003) before writing an extensive letter of resignation to the local body of Elders and to the Watchtowers Governing Body in Brooklyn, N.Y. The main reason for resigning from the J.W.s was due to their extreme legalism on every personal or doctrinal matter where the Scriptures are either silent or not explicitly clear. In their case, they make these matters rules that must be followed or the individual could be subject to expulsion and considered spiritually dead to the congregation with prospects of Eternal Death at Armageddon. After coincidentally stumbling at various sites emphasizing the Universal Restitution of all approximately 8-12 months ago, I began to realize that the Watchtower is almost as reprehensible as the other denominations in that, instead of sending everyone, except them to never ending Torments, they send every one else besides themselves to never ending death. Everyone who dies at Armageddon, regardless of ignorance will be Eternally dead, except the Jehovahs' Witnesses. I reasoned with myself that a Loving and merciful God(1John4:8) wouldn't do that. After reading an article written by John Wesley Hanson about the meaning of the Greek Words Aion(age-lasting) and Kolasin(the pruning of the luzurian tree, chastisement, disipline with a view to correction) and how they were originally defined in the New Testament, I was on my way to further research, hence my finding Rays site about two weeks ago, I visit this site every day since that initial discovery. I have one question for KAT, before I conclude this post, Did you in the past ever post at Randy Watters free minds site guest book, the reason I ask is because I read some posts from that web-site by someone who referred to themselves as KAT. With Christian Love to All, Samson.
DuluthGA:
Hi Samson...
It's great you dropped in! Cool intro, thanks. 8)
I tip my hat off to you for making the effort to write that extensive letter to the JW authorities. BRAVO!!
You sound like a well-rounded individual and that's a GOOD SIGN!
Christ's joy to you!
Janice
hillsbororiver:
Hi Samson,
Welcome to the Forum, you have certainly been on an interesting journey and one of the few things we can be sure of in this flesh (other than God's promises) is that it is going to get a whole lot more interesting as you/we continue. ;)
There are a wide variety of experiences here from folks all over the globe, we look forward to fellowshipping with you!
Peace,
Joe
Samson:
Good Morning to Janice and Joe,
Thankyou for your speedy and welcoming responses. Sometimes after spending all these years searching for truth and reading all the variety of Bible information, I feel like the Apostle Paul at Acts. 26:24-29, where Festus says to Paul, " Now as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice: You are going mad, Paul, Great learning is driving you into madness." Yes, one can overwhelm themselves with all this information and learning, but you have to want it. My real name is Brad, but I chose the name Samson, because he's one of my favorite Bible characters and I can identify with him regarding the naggers and the weepers, ie- Delilah and the woman that proceeded her in Samsons life. He seemed like such a good guy, trying to do his best to serve God and please Delilah, but he emotionally caved in, poor fellow. The strongest man that ever lived, but a woman did him in. Of course nothing personal towards any one, just having alittle fun. Believe it or not, this is my first home computer, purchased this past December of 2007, with a printer too. Used to go to the Library to do my Bible Christian research, now look out. Heard about Universal Salvation in the distant past, but dismissed the possibility of it being true, as it seemed to good to be true, however when you've been subjected to extreme Legalism and Judgementalism as I have in my former religious experience, you grow very tired and weary of mortal men trying to decide the fate of someones eternal destiny, reducing our Heavenly Father to their level. Shortly, I'm on my way to the tennis courts, no I don't live in Florida or California, instead its' Easton Pennsylvania. My days off are during the week, most of my working hours are on the weekend, less people to deal with. With Christian Love to all of you and hope to hear from more of you, Samson.
Kat:
Hi Brad,
I'm glad you have joined us :)
It is so interesting the journey that leads us here, different, but the same. I was in church for 25 years, 15 of those in WorldWide, so I know about the "Legalism and Judgementalism."
That wasn't me at the other site. I came to BT and studied many months before I would even join this forum. I love the fellowship I have here, it is such a blessing. But I have no desire to join any other forum.
God brings us here from different experiences and that gives us all a little different perspective. That makes the discussions interesting and helpful. So I hope you will join in and share with us here.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
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