Why did you profess?

[trigger]

Hi everyone...

Here's a question for all of you who are, or have at some point been , professing: Why did you make your choice? Did you feel God's call to your heart? Did you feel pressured by parents, workers and friends? What's your personal story on why you professed and would you mind sharing it with us? I know some of you will jump on me for asking this and say that I'm just some noisy busy-body, but lately I have been looking back on my own professing story, why I did it and how I felt, and it has caused me to wonder how it has been for others.

Before I go expecting others to reveal their stories, I suppose I should share mine:

I professed when I was 14, and although at the time I did believe to some degree that the truth was the right way (I did have some questions in my heart but felt guilty about them and so ignored them and scolded myself for being so evil) I professed largely because I felt it was the right thing to do. I also did feel pressure from certain professing people, not so much from family members and close friends, but from the workers and others in the meetings I attended. I recall a worker asking my mother if I was "thinking about making my choice". I also remember a professing neighbor who, when they tested the meetings, would look at me like "come on" and then later make remarks about how he sure would like to see me stand up and make my choice. When I finally did profess I felt a huge wave of relief that I mistook at the time for Gods approval and reward for committing my life to him, but now recognize for what it was: the end of the peer pressure. After I professed everyone was so thrilled with me, but it only lasted for a while because I guess I didn't continue to meet their expectations like they hoped. Sometimes I regret professing, sometimes I look at the whole system of it and think "why the heck did I do that? that is so wrong" but I know that it lead to me seeing things the way I do now, seeing things for myself, I know it was an intregal part of my spiritual life and progression, so I can't really regret it because of the affects it had and where it has lead me to.

All's wll that ends well, I guess...


Trigger

[liz]

I was 12.... mom had professed a few months earlier, when my sister, who is 1.5 yrs. older than I, stood up & professed in a gospel meeting. I remember being so shocked! I guess I thought that I, a 'mere child, should profess never even crossed my mind.

I looked at my mom, tears of joy running down her face and realized that I'd have to do the same.

I professed the next Sunday. I remember the seriousness of my stand, although I really had no idea what it all meant. I do remember being happy that my mom was sooo happy....

[justmeandyou]

I felt God dealing in my heart and I tried so hard to keep my seat for several years I was successful, but not happy. That one night I stood up, I just couldn't sit any longer. Tears of joy and relief flowed from my eyes and heart.

[withopeneyes (Mandy)]

I professed when I was 10, I was almost 12. <<hahaha, whoops... obviously I meant 11.

Actually, I didn't even know I had stood up, until I looked up from my hymn book, heart pumping, and saw that I was above everyone's heads.

At that age, there wasn't any pressure for me to profess. It was a heartfelt choice.

[withopeneyes (Mandy)]

I meant to add onto that, but accidently posted.
I professed because I really, honestly, and innocently loved God and Jesus. I was passionate about Him. I wish I could just bottle that innocent desire I had back then... and my goal is to feel that passionate in my worship once again.

[hmm]

withopeneyes said:

I professed when I was 10, I was almost 12.

so, withopeneyes, i'm wondering why you were never 11 like the rest of us? just skipped right from 10 to 12? amazing!

[withopeneyes (Mandy)]

Hahahahahaha, wooooo....
Can you tell I've had a busy day? Yeah, I was cool enough to skip 11.

[IQ]

withopeneyes said:

Hahahahahaha, wooooo....
Can you tell I've had a busy day? Yeah, I was cool enough to skip 11.

Yeah, she IS!!!

[bowhunter]

I was reminded by a worker that the meeting woulbe tested that night and what would I do?Boyden,1978.Frank Tyson,Dan sherrick and others were to speak.God gripped my mind and made me totally conscious of my sinful life(even at 14) and I couldn't shake the guilt and feeling of need.For the first time I really prayed and called out to God to make me clean.He stirred on me all that afternoon.Frank spoke of helfire and alost eternity and damnation and I was so conscious of my need for His forgiveness.I surrendered to Him that night-I felt reliief and believe that was my moment of re-birth.I had no understanding of what it meant to profess except to speak and pray in meeting.It came to mean more over time but only occasionally was I conscious of God's dealings with me except for guilt and repentance each time I took bread and wine.Thankfully I was really saved and God showed me His Grace in 2000 and my life has not been the same.I believe I stood to my feet for the right reason and even tho I don't belong to the 2x2 church anymore I don't regret how my walk with God began.

[my choice]

I professed at the tender age of 10,to the surprise of my parents and friends.(who I overheard say that I didn't understand).I do remember that I made my choice on purpose because I felt the Presence of God and heard His Voice.I will never doubt that God can speak to a little child,and I can share the sentiment "with open eyes" of the "innocent desire" and may I add,"pureness of heart".
Just a little while ago I shared with someone about the faithfulness of God all through my life,since the first time I was conscious of God's Presence.I can remember the words of a hymn that came to mind one day "Be not afraid whate'er betide, God will take care of you".I must say that this is true even until today.God never fails.
It is a choice I have made forever and I trust that God will always keep His promise.

[a believer]

I professed because I thought it was the thing to do at my age. I also professed because I was afraid of going to hell and I professed because I knew nothing else.

When I got older and was invited to a church, my eyes were opened and I could see that these people had something we did not have in meetings. The preaching was life. Their faces showed the joy of Jesus. Their religion was not a burden worn on the back of their heads. The people in churches did not need man made rules to keep them in line, but they had Jesus.

So I professed in meetings because I knew nothing else. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior away from meetings.

[botany]

I was going to profess at age 9 (I think), though I can't remember exactly if it was because others +/- my age were also professing, or if I truly felt it for myself, or if I just "knew" it was the "right thing" to do. At any rate, word got to my parents that I was planning on professing at convention that year. My dad talked to me with concern that I might be a bit young (I can't remember too much else what he said) although he did say that it was a good thing to do. So, I postponed my professing. The next year was hell. I was afraid that I would die before I got to profess. I often hoped that god knew that I wanted to profess and he wouldn't banish me to hell in the event of death. Well, wouldn't you know it, convention rolled around again, and when that 3rd verse came around, I couldn't stand up fast enough. (Somewhat random memory, but I remember that the blanket on the bench in front of me was green.) It was a relief to know that I could then "safely" die, without fear of hell.

andy

[withopeneyes (Mandy)]

Isn't that silly, that you thought you wouldn't make it if you died and hadn't had the chance to stand up in the conventions or meetings to make your choice known.

Seems a lot of children don't understand that professing is something between you and God at any time, anywhere. Churches may ask you to stand or come forward, but that's just to make your choice known to others in a more public way.

[botany]

withopeneyes,
The issue of children being able to really fully understand the implications and details of professing is one reason why I can no longer be a part of 2x2. I do not have any joy when a 9 year old professes. Hell, I can't really imagine that the average 13 year old really understands much more. Yet, there is enormous pressure to rope in the young -- before they are able to think for themselves (my own take on it).

andy

[towit]

asv420 said:

withopeneyes,
The issue of children being able to really fully understand the implications and details of professing is one reason why I can no longer be a part of 2x2. I do not have any joy when a 9 year old professes. Hell, I can't really imagine that the average 13 year old really understands much more. Yet, there is enormous pressure to rope in the young -- before they are able to think for themselves (my own take on it).

andy

Hi Andy,

I agree with you that most kids don't understand much regarding the call of God to profess their lives to Him. I didn't understand much. But I did gain a healthy respect for my Father in heaven and began praying each morning and night asking for his guidance/thanking Him for His love and care for me. I can't think of a more appropriate time then when one is a pre-teen to begin a walk with the Lord. I do not believe that it is a master plot to get the young committed into a denomination/faith. Jesus rebuked His disciples for not allowing the young children to be brought to Him.

Most Christian (and Jewish) faiths have the concept of an age of accountability whereby a child/pre-teen commits themselves to the Lord. I believe Jewish custom/tradition suggests the age of 13 as the age of accountability, but it varies among other religions. Roman Catholics are typically confirmed between the ages of 12 - 16, although Catholic canon law allows confirmation as early as 7.

Sincerely,

towit

[spiderman]

I was 20 and a long way from home. I had just begun to read a New Testament that my dad had given me when I left home and was really feeling the spirit of God move in my heart. Then I met the workers. Three of them at that time. I was convinced by all three that this was God's true way on the earth. I don't remember them telling me it was the only way, but I did feel that because there was no name, and that it was not started by man, but rather an extension of the first 12 apostles that it was no doubt the truth.
When I raised my hand in the little gospel meeting it was not emotional. It had already been decided that this is what would happen that evening. They told me how they would test the meeting and that I should set up front and then raise my hand. I did, and everyone else was really emotional. Women even brought pies and cakes to the meeting to celebrate. They were wonderful old folks and I'll never forget those days or regret them either.
I don't really think that I was ever indoctrinated to the extent that some have been, however I did leave one very huge decision in my life to the workers. My marriage. I'm glad William Lewis said yes. To this day I don't know what would have happened if he'd said no. I do feel strongly that God's hand was at work then and I feel just as strongly today that God has lead old Spiderman to this place. I love all of you, believe it or not.(yes that means you too Nate)
I may disagree with some at times but knowing God is so much bigger than our disagreements here on earth I'll press on here for the time being.
My days in the "way" are numbered.
Good night to all,
Spiderman

[nathan7]

spiderman said:

I was 20 and a long way from home. I had just begun to read a New Testament that my dad had given me when I left home and was really feeling the spirit of God move in my heart. Then I met the workers. Three of them at that time. I was convinced by all three that this was God's true way on the earth. I don't remember them telling me it was the only way, but I did feel that because there was no name, and that it was not started by man, but rather an extension of the first 12 apostles that it was no doubt the truth.
When I raised my hand in the little gospel meeting it was not emotional. It had already been decided that this is what would happen that evening. They told me how they would test the meeting and that I should set up front and then raise my hand. I did, and everyone else was really emotional. Women even brought pies and cakes to the meeting to celebrate. They were wonderful old folks and I'll never forget those days or regret them either.
I don't really think that I was ever indoctrinated to the extent that some have been, however I did leave one very huge decision in my life to the workers. My marriage. I'm glad William Lewis said yes. To this day I don't know what would have happened if he'd said no. I do feel strongly that God's hand was at work then and I feel just as strongly today that God has lead old Spiderman to this place. I love all of you, believe it or not.(yes that means you too Nate)
I may disagree with some at times but knowing God is so much bigger than our disagreements here on earth I'll press on here for the time being.
My days in the "way" are numbered.
Good night to all,
Spiderman

Thanks, Spidey. You take care of yourself, Ok.

[No More Friends]

I professed because I was young and stupid. The Truth looked like a nice 'church' and the kids were very friendly. Being a teen looking for friends, I would have joined the Mormons, Jim Jones or JW's if they had got ahold of me first.
My end began when in a REAL Church with some relatives, and looking at the Church hymn book, I say that they were stealing some of the Workers Hymns! What a SHOCKER!
We had been told that the Workers wrote all the hymns in our hymn book.
Bad information.
It is harder to get out than it is to get in.
Thank GOD I am out now!

[How about]

Fear of a lost eternity? Guilt and shame! To me it was a rite of adulthood. Making your choice enabled you to speak in the fellowship meetings.

[Ieee]

Iee professed because one day some guys (two of them) came to my door and told me I was a sinner and they wanted to teach me the truth. I listened and felt based on what they said, I was missing something in my life. I wanted to go back into the house but they grabbed my arm and forced me into their car.

I was really afraid for my life but for some reason I could not scream for help. It was like they were little grey men from another world. Their eyes just had me under their control. I thought they were moonies.

Well they drove very fast and then stopped at this place to feed me food. I am not sure if it was a restaurant or some spaceship. They fed me some kind of mixture of Well I think it was potatoes and meat stuff but I am not sure. Oh yes before they fed me they meditated in musical chant. Well to get on. They took me to their ship which looked like a big tent. There were a lot of others their. I was in a trance and every little bit one of those beings would say something which kept me in a trance.

So there was this mass meditation going on and I was force to stand up in the middle of it. I just don't know how that happened. I think they used some kind of ray gun on me which forced me up. This was really scary.
I thought they were going to do experiments on me.
But all of a sudden the doors opened up on the space ship and all the captures were let go. We all wandered about in a daze, at least I was.

Soon I was at home waking up. I am not sure what happened. I called the Air Force, FBI and police and told them that I had been abducted by aliens. I told them that they used mind control on me or some kind of ray gun. I told them that they had planted things in my mind which allowed me to see beyond my sh-ty life. Needless to say not one of those agencies believed me.

Now I am afraid that those agencies are in on it and know about those beings. Wow I was forced to my feet by unknown forces used by aliens. That is scary.

[trigger]

I'll say! What a dreadful experience!