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Greetings,
My name is Andy Weeks. I was raised as an Associated Bible Student believing that Charles Russell was that Wise and Faithful Servant (Faithful and Discreet Slave). I consecrated when I was 18 and was baptized a few months later. If I had to do it over again I would go the Ethiopian Eunuch route, right away).
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I enjoyed a rich atmosphere of studying, especially with a Brother from Staten Island whom I'd visit every Monday night. He talked for 3 hours and I would nod my head. A lot of brethren couldn't take being talked to but I enjoyed it and learned above all the depths of God's word. Of course, if he were alive today, he would not be happy about the course I've taken but more on that later. After "consecrating", I enjoyed thinking that I was special compared to other Christians. But that didn't last very long. Within 6 months, I began to get very depressed about my life before God and would have scraped Christianity altogether if it were not for the verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I knew that I was %100 the opposite in my life and that I was living Romans chapter 7 (defeated in the flesh).
Bible Students answers did not satisfy my desire "to serve God with joy." I decided reluctantly to read other Christian writers on Christian Living. Some of them were Watchman Nee, Andrew Murray and others. I began to see that Christ's power could in fact overpower my own sin. I also realized that most Bible Students did not understand this concept. Thus began the loosening of my belief that CTR was that servant.
By this time, I married Val and moved from NJ to Chicago. I spent the first year of our marriage being a complete idiot husband. I thought Val should do this and that... I learned shortly that marriage is not for what you can get, but what you can give. We have grown very close since that time, largely due to my decision not to change her and to "let" Jesus bring her along... As young people say "like DAH!"
On the spiritual front I started out being combative trying to get brethren to see my points. I learned quickly that this was not a wise course. I only succeeded in alienating others and diminishing my effectiveness. I changed my tactics about a year later. The short of this is that brethren have accepted me not because of my beliefs but because of my fruits, at least that is what they tell Val. Obviously, some Bible Student circles are much more tolerant than Witness ones. There is no formal shunning.
About this time, I was meeting with a group of "rebel" friends studying the types in Leviticus. I was to realize very quickly that the Pastor's view of the Tabernacle Shadows were fatally flawed and concluded that he could not fit the billing of WFS/FDS. Unlike the last time I learned about what Christ in my life meant, I did not clamor about it. I have brought it up when appropriate in our Chicago Ecclesia, mostly in question form. It stirred the pot a bit but the brethren appreciated me not trying to cram it down their throat. I have made great headway with many individuals on this subject as a result. I wrote an essay on the Sin Offering and have given it out to numerous Elders and Deacons who have inquired. I have never heard any feedback from any of them on it.
The Revelation of Jesus:
I began to see that through group Bible Study that the New Testament was not about the "Plan" but about Jesus Christ. I have concluded that the Bible does not present the plan of God and how Jesus fits into it but that the Bible presents Jesus and how the plan fits into him. A subtle but ENORMOUS difference. I hope you all understand what I am saying here.
I began to see that terms of fellowship are seriously flawed in Bible Student/WTS circles. I accept fellowship with anyone who will talk to me about the Bible and accept what I believe. That doesn't mean they have to accept my beliefs or me theirs but we can calmly and rationally discuss scripture. I've learned to not be afraid of changing my beliefs any more. Winds of doctrine do not toss me around because my foundation in Christ anchors my soul.
In 1997 I met up with the Friends of the Nazarene (then Nazarene Saints.) I never imagined being associated with so many like minded brethren outside of my own immediate circles. I have made friends for life as a result.
On the secular front, I have been heavily involved with computers since I switched from Hardware design to Software Quality Assurance. When NCR closed it's doors, I found myself working for AT&T again/still but in the Internet field. As a result, I have learned HTML and such. I have had the privilege of starting the Christian Millennial Fellowship & Free Bible Student web sites and continue to maintain them today. I also have the privilege of maintaining this site as well.
The Internet has opened a new world to me. I never dreamed of "meeting" so many ex-witnesses and having so many as my friends. I'm ecstatic that Jehovah directed my work life to have me become spiritually broadened. I hope to meet many more of you in person some day. As many of you know, this is very rare in the Internet & Email world. Don't be afraid to disagree and present the scriptures as you see it. It will either cement out own understanding or help us to see a better one.
Your brother in Christ,
Andy
