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Posted by: Lynn ® 05/08/2002, 23:09:17 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi, my name is Lynn. I thought I'd join in to see what many of you are discussing. I left the religion I was raised up in because I found someof it's teachings conflict with God's word. When the Lord's Evening Meal was celebrated, I, like so many others, would pass the bread and the wine without taking a bite of the bread nor a sip of the wine, WHY? Because a church leader taught it was only for a few (144,000) and not for me. But after my own Bible studies, I could see the calling from heaven is for all men who have faith in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ. They claim Christ's presence has been here since 1914 and so since the early thirtys, the door has been closed. If one partakes of the emblems now, especially if one is not an active member of the religion, one is looked upon very suspiciously as though you are an imposter, not really a Son of God. You are probably scratching your head right now, wondering what I am talking about, but they teach only 144,000 can be a Son of God and the rest, the 'great crowd' seen in (Rev.7:9) are not called by God so they do not get to be a Son of God until after the great test, where Satan is let loose after the thousand years and they have proved their integrity and faithfulness.(as though they couldn't now? sigh) I am ashamed! I bought it! I swallowed this false doctrine hook line and sinker. and do you know why? >>>>>Because I trusted men to teach me truth. I did not seek it because for years, I believed I already had been given it by church leaders who claimed Holy Spirit revealed to them what is the truth. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Has anyone else had an experience like it? Haven't we all found false doctrines within our church teachings? In the past two years, there had been a number of changes in church doctrines, that I began wondering if they actually had God's spirit teaching them truth. If so, then why the tacking back and forth? Why had what they called Light back in the year 1984, 1914-1918-1940-1959-1975 'old light now? Does light, if it is light ever become darkness? I began doing a deep study of God's word. And I found the key to knowledge is in Christ Jesus, given to him by The Father. With God is all knowledge. It is dangerous to put faith in the teachings of men. (Jerimiah 17:5)"This is what Jehovah has said: "Cursed is the able bodied man who puts his trust in earthling man and actualy makes flesh his arm and whose heart turns away from Jehovah himself." (Jerimiah 17: 12-13) "There is the glorious throne on hight from the start; it is the place of our sancturary. O Jehovah, the hope of Israel, all those who are leaving you will be put to shame. Those apostatizing from me will be written down even in the earth, because they have left the source of living water, Jehovah." see also (Ps.62) I realize now, that it is in God I must put my trust. Men can make mistakes and teach error. It is up to me to make sure of all things. And I should examine all things. Like the Bereans, it is up to me to compare these teachings with the scriptures of the Bible. I must go to the 'source of living water.' Now I think I understand why it is that 'few' are the ones finding it. (Matt. 7:14) "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction and many are the ones going in through it; whereas, narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life and few are the ones finding it." Is this because men are prone to go to men for truth and not to God? And right after this scripture Christ says, "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep's covering but inside they are ravenous wolves, by their fruits you will recognize them. and verse 21 "Not everyone saying to me Lord Lord will enter into the kingdom of the heavens but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heaven." I noticed that God's will is that we should 'listen to his Son.'. In the transfiguration, God said, "This is my Son, whom I have approved, LISTEN TO HIM." (A great big sigh) I was not really listening to Christ Jesus. These instructions are meant for me too, as well as all who have the faith. I know this because of what Jesus instructed his followers to do. (Matt.28:19) Jesus said, "Go, make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and in the Holy Spirit, teaching them to 'observe all the things I have commanded you' and Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things." Have we seen the conculsion of the system of things? Perhaps the Jewish system but we haven't seen the 'end' yet. After considering this scripture and meditating upon it, I could see, I too, should have been eating the bread (Christs flesh) and drinking the wine (Christ's blood). Who told me it wasn't for me? Was it God or his Son? NO! So I can imagine when Christ comes, he will ask, "Who told you not to obey my words?" He will ask those who pay attention to misleading doctrines of men. and who choose to listen to them rather than to God amd his Son. I realized what the disciples recieved back then was enough before Christ's return. How do I know? (Jude verse 3)"Put up a hard fight for the faith 'that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones." according to this scripture, it seems to me, the faith was preached once for all time and was recorded for us living today. What we have is enough to give us faith. And, the angel said, (Rev. 2:25)"Just the same, hold fast what you have until I come." Hold fast what you have until I come? What Truths did the early Christians hold? It was enough? Then what he is saying, is nothing more is needed before Christ's return. Has he returned yet? We know he has not returned. The nations have not beaten themselves with grief because of his return have they?. And so we are warned there will be false teachers, drawing away disciples after themselves and false prophets. Anyone predicting something that does not come true is a false prophet. I disowned much of what I had been taught and began really listening to all of what Christ said, and to his Apostles. And I continue to study the scriptures daily (if possible) praying for Holy Spirit to direct me. I have found that I have a true thirst for God's word. I have drawn ever closer to him and I trust his words more than ever. The church leaders told me, the Bible is not for me to privately interpret. Therefore, I cannot read and understand unless I have someone to explain it to me. So this makes me powerless. Didn't the scriptures tell us we can only have the faith because of holy spirit giving it to us? (Rom. 12:3 "Tell everyone there among you not to think more of himself than what is necessary to think , but the think so as to have a sound mind. each one as God has distributed to him a 'measure of faith'" (Romans 15:13)"May the God of peace 'by your believing,' that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit." (Ephesians 1:12-13)"We should serve for the praise of his glory, we who have been first to hope in the Christ, But you also, hoped in him after you heard the word of truth, the good news about your salvation. By means of him also, after you believed, you were sealed with the promised holy spirit, which is a token in advance of our inheritance for the purpose of releasing by a ransom [God's]own possession, to his glorious praise." And it is God who gives us wisdom. (Ephesians 1:17) "the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the 'accurate knowledge of him, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened that you may know what is the hope to which he called you, what the glorious riches are which he holds as an inheritance for the holy ones and what the surpassing greatness of his power is toward 'us believers.'" Time will not allow me to give more scriptures. A concordance to the Holy Bible is what helped me to find these. It looks as though I've written a book, sorry. But I just had to share what I've personally experienced in my Christian walk. Warm Christian Love, Lynn
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Welcome Lynn! Re: Seeking Truth -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
05/08/2002, 23:59:46
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Hi Lynn,
I just want to welcome you to the forum! Your story and outcome are not unlike many of the Saints who come here. If I'm not mistaken you are the first ex-Witness I've seen here. There are very few believers posting here right now, please stay? I would like to question you perhaps tomorrow? See you then!
Vicki
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Re: Seeking Truth Re: Seeking Truth -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Martin ®
05/09/2002, 02:47:08
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Congratulations, Lynn! You have taken a vitally important step into a greater world. First steps are so special because they open up new pathways before you that you might never have noticed. Your courage and self-honesty are certainly praiseworthy, and they will serve you well in the years to come. Well done! How fresh are these new insights of yours? Have you spoken of them to others? To your family? How have they taken the news?
Now is the time for strength and independence, Lynn! Don't commit yourself to any destination just yet, but rather set your sights on getting out and enjoying the travel. Don't just walk out of one church and into another without taking a look around and enjoying all the beautiful sights and vistas! Breathe in the fresh air of freedom; relax and take a good long time to take stock and rest your soul.
Spiritual liberty is too sublime to surrender too soon!
- Martin
Modified by Martin at Thu, May 09, 2002, 04:44:22
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Re: Seeking Truth Re: Re: Seeking Truth -- Martin Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/12/2002, 09:43:42
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The Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in trinity (neither do I, for I do not find it's teachings in Christ's words, nor the Apostles) They do not believe a loving God would torment imperfect men forever in a burning infurno. (nor do I) They do not believe we have a spirit-soul, the soul is simply the body (I agree on this point, for the scriptures say the soul can die (Joshua 10:39) (Ezekiel 18:4) They believe we are living in the last days, and until recently, they had to admit the generation that was living in 1914 would not be the generation to see the end. For many of them are very very old and most are dead. So that doctrine is a thing of the past now. So much for God's spirit telling them what to teach. Also, they dropped the teaching that they were doing the separating of the sheep and the goats, that this separating work is why they had to go door to door. Anyone rejecting their message was a goat and a sheep was anyone who accepted a Bible study and who became a Jehovah's Witness. But one did not have the right to eat the bread or the wine because the door is shut (Christ's brothers had been already chosen and it won't be you, the new student) How does one know one is chosen? Well, they say you just have this feeling. Christ Jesus talked nothing about the spirit giving you a feeling , 'God's spirit joins with your spirit' see Pauls' teachings (Rom. 8:14-17) I believe our Father is either God or Satan. Jesus told the Scribes and Pharisees, "You are from your Father the Devil, he was a liar from the beginning." So the doctrine that only 144,000 are the Children of God is not true according to my understanding of the Bible. For one thing, (Galatians 3:26) says," For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."
They teach too, the Great Crowd of 'other sheep' are not Christ's brothers, only the 144,000 can be Christ's brothers. I do not believe them because Christ Jesus said, "Anyone doing the will of my Father in heaven, is the same my brother, my sister, and my mother."
Thanks again for your kind words of encouragement.
Love in Christ,
Lynn
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Re: Seeking Truth Re: Re: Seeking Truth -- Martin Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/17/2002, 21:51:52
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Thanks again, Martin for your kind words of encouragement. And I send you the same! Apparently, you are on the same path.
Love in Christ,
Lynn
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Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t Re: Seeking Truth -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: The Vines ®
05/10/2002, 21:09:15
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.
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Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t -- The Vines Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/12/2002, 10:50:19
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Then, I understand you to be saying, 'I'd not have to seek truth had I been with the LDS?
In light of the following scriptures, I cannot accept all of the LDS teachings.
(1 John 1:5-6) "God is light and in him is no darkness at all!" If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not the truth," (King.James.translation)
(Gal 1:6-8) "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel; Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
(Rev. 2:25)Christ Jesus said,"But that which ye have already, hold fast till I come."
I don't believe Christ has come yet. And what the early congregations had is enough until Christ comes and he commanded us to hold fast to what they've already recieved."
(Rev. 3:3)"Remember therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast and repent."
How had they recieved? From what source? Was it not through the Apostles of Christ?
(Rev. 22:18) "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of tis prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life and out of the holy city and from the things which are written in this bookl"
Lynn
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Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t Re: Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: sansfoy ®
05/12/2002, 13:43:51
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Nah, I don't think The Vines is saying that. He's always struck me as a truth-seeker himself. I think he's just making an observation, since most members of the board are current or former Mormons.
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Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t Re: Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: The Vines ®
05/12/2002, 20:07:08
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Dear Lynn:
I was just pointing this out for clarity's sake because many do not know JW doctrine or LDS doctrine, and by reading your post in the context of this Board it could seem that you were speaking of the LDS Church when you were not. You didn't specify so I took it upon myself to do it.
I believe people should make choices based on correct information, that's all.
As to your belief and your desire to defend it, that's fine. I have nothing against your ideas, though as I can see you were very prompt at defending your territory. I share some of your values imparted by Christian religion, but I must clearly state that any religion that divides people into immaginary categories of saved and lost, based on self-imposed theological and moral standards, is, in my opinion, fundamentally dangerous.
I invite you to take your zeal a step further to analyze deeply your theology to see if it really is just, merciful, equal, loving, etc... Good luck.
TV
Modified by The Vines at Wed, May 15, 2002, 23:05:49
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Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t Re: Re: Obviously you were JW and not LDS..n/t -- The Vines Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/17/2002, 21:45:36
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Dear Vines,
I am no longer joined to the Jehovah's Witness religion. I believe I do not have to be joined to any other than Christ. To my JW local congregation, to them, I am a dreaded Apostate because I disassociated myself. Their action of disfellowshipping me, prompted my doing so. I got into trouble with them for searching for truth, they did not like my telling others what I had found. So, I have been a Truth Seeker for some time now, pouring through the scriptures, prayerfully asking God for his help, and I found John 14:6.'Jesus said, "I am the Truth"
and he said,"Come to me"
and like so many others,
I have.
Lynn
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I'm back Lynn Re: Seeking Truth -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
05/11/2002, 00:36:53
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Lynn,
Sorry for the delay. Can you outline, briefly, the path to salvation according to Jehovah's Witness teachings?
Vicki
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Re: I'm back Lynn Re: I'm back Lynn -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/12/2002, 09:54:52
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Don't worry about your delay, Vickie, for I too too long to reply to the forum.
I have a full time job and I don't always have the time to get online. And the other morning, instead of turning on my computer. My study time is most mornings around 4:30 a.m. and then at around 6:00 a.m. , I must hurry to get ready for work. I have to be on the job at 7:30. and I have a half hour drive to get there.
How long have you been out of the Mormon religion and may I ask how it was you were able to see the light and depart?
Lynn
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Your future. Re: Seeking Truth -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: jesse ®
05/13/2002, 14:05:35
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I've noticed from your posts that you have a few decisions to make. Possibly in the near future. What I mean is that from your stated beliefs I don't see you fitting into any existing belief system. I'm not saying that you have to fit into any system but your post indicates that you are looking for truth - possibly meaning that you may be looking for a place that you can attach yourself to - a place with THE TRUTH.
You don't believe in the trinity. This excludes you from 98% of existing systems. There are the Pentecostals, and I'm not sure who else (besides the Witnesses) that don't subscribe to the trinity. This for sure excludes the 7th Day. Plus you may not subscribe to the Sabbath connection. You make it clear that LDS does not fit. A look at the Methodist, Catholic, Presby. Etc. Etc. Etc. --- all trinitarians. And I think all believe in a "spirit-soul" that doesn't die.
Looks like you'll, like many, end up with no system connections. Or if you have to be connected, you'll end up forcing yourself to believe in something like the "spirit-soul", or trinity, or another of those (as you listed).
And as you don't believe in a "spirit-soul" then even other religions like Buddism Etc. are excluded.If you decide you can't do that, because you have more integrity than that, you may decide that there is no God. Many have chosen this route.
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Re: Your future. Re: Your future. -- jesse Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/17/2002, 09:22:50
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I understand what you are saying. No, I love God and his Son too much to become agnostic or lose my faith in God. I understand this is the path we choose when following Christ. You seem to understand it. How I came to this conclusion is from God's written word and I believe his spirit. (Matt. 7:7) "Keep asking, keep seeking and you will find, keep on knocking and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking recieves and everone knocking it will be opened."
Jesus said, "Get in through the narrow door." (Luke 13:24) and he also said, "I am the door." (John 10:9)
(Rev. 3:8)"I have set before you an opened door."
(Rev.3:10)"I am standing at the door"
(Rev. 3:20)"Whoever hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me."
(Prov. 8:32)"Keep awake at my door day by day."
(Acts 14:27)"He had opened to the nations the 'door' to faith"
(1 Peter 4:14)"If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory even the spirit of God, is resting upon you."
(1Peter 4:16)"If he suffers as a Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this name."
This is not an easy walk for no one wants to be thought of as an apostate. Apostle Paul was accused of being an apostate, (Acts 21:21)and Christ was considered the same. And so, if we Follow the lamb no matter where he goes, follow his steps closely then what can we expect? We will not be popular with this world's religions. There is so much division out there and many many false teachings that Christ himself, did not teach. Apostle Paul said,"I know that after my going away, oppressive worlves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." Therefore, keep awake," And now I commit you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which [word] can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones." So we can see why there are so many 'religions', a confusing Babylon the Great! speaking many different religious languages, strange and different than what Christ and his Apostles taught.
(Rev. 2:25) "But that which you have already, hold fast until I come. And he that over cometh, and keepeth 'my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations."
And Christ's coming isn't yet. The nations are not beating themnselves in grief over him. So this means, what Christ gave, and taught, is what we as Christians must hold onto." It is faith in Christ, from the Father.
(Acts4:12) "Neither is there Salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, wherby we must be saved."
Not, 'Seventh Day Adventist', not Jehovah's Witnesses, nor Mormon, nor Catholic etc the list goes on. Or one might go further intimate here, by saying this, not Russell, not Rutherford, not Joseph Smith, B. Young, nor William Miller, and many other men who are preachers today, or yesterday. I believe we must build upon the right foundation and that is the twelve foundation stones with Christ as the corner stone. If we build upon any other foundation, and if we build with straw, hay, stubble etc, (false doctrines) we will not be building with lasting materials. But if we build (our faith) upon lasting materials, Gold, silver and precious stone, (God's written word, the Bible) then we will be able to conquer. So many put their faith upon wrong foundations and when the winds of error blow and her shame is exposed, then one could lose faith in God's word, equating it with a false religion. It is a danger to be drifting in the sea, going with the flow, so to speak. Yes, 98% believe in trinity doctrine. They teach the Father and Son are one and the same individual, thus, eliminating The Almighty God and some have other teachings which place the Son equal with the Father. The Bible does not teach this. It is crucial to examine some translations and compare their words with the Interlinear Greek translation, Diaglott for example.
The King James errored when writing this scripture: (Philipians 2:6) It reads, "Who, being in of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." When comparing this scripture to the Interlinear to the Greek scriptures, it is plain that the translator made an error. It could have been deliberate because of doctrine, I don't know. Non the less, it is in error. The Interlinear and diaglott do not render this verse such. Instead, the
Interlinear of the Greek scriptures reads it thus : "This be you minding in you which also in Christ Jesus, who in form of God existing not snatching he considered the to be equal to God, but himself he emptied form of slave having become; and to fashion having been found as man he made lowly himself having become; and to fashion having been found as man he made lowly himself having become obedient until death, of death but of stake; through which also the God him put high up over, and he graciously gave to him the name the over every name, in order that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend"
It is God's spirit which helps us to examine all things, to keep searching and making sure of all things. This is what I exert myself daily, if possible, and when one does this, I believe God is helping me, and his Son. (Hebrews 13:6)"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (John 14:26)
(John 13:16)"Verily verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him." and now we compare (Mark 9:37) Jesus said,"Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that 'sent me'." see also (Luke 5:43)
(John 14:28)Jesus said,"You 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."
(John 14:31) Jesus spoke,"But that the world my know that I love the Father; and as the Father 'gave me commandment, even so I do."
I don't mean to sound preachy, but want so much to show others how important it is to stand by the word of God which is to 'listen to his Son, and obey his commandments. To Love God with ones own heart and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves. To do all Christ instructed.
If this gets Christians in difficullty, what is new? Why lose faith? How can one lose faith when one puts trust in God and not in men nor nobles?
In God's grace,
Lynn
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Some questions. Re: Re: Your future. -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: jesse ®
05/18/2002, 05:16:46
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Do you think that there might be some existing group that is practicing truth (or at least close enough to be approved by God). If not, then you can't apply Hebrews:10:24,25.
Also Jesus said that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. This should indicate that truth is available somewhere.
I prefer if you would answer this without many scriptures.
Will you search for it? Do you think you'll find it. As I said in the above post, it looks like it might not be an easy search.
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Re: Some questions. Re: Some questions. -- jesse Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/18/2002, 10:01:32
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Dear Jesse,
Jesus told his disciples to let their light shine among a darkened world. In order to be viewed by the world, then one must be where one can be viewed. This can be at our place of work, our home, anywhere for that matter. We find opportunity to talk to others about God's will and his Kingdom, which will replace all these kingdoms on earth. Since I've left the J.W.' religion, I have not found a church to regularly attend. I cannot in good conscience, join myself to any religion, but I can attend their meetings, that is, until they cast me out for not accepting all they teach. I'd imagine this is what Jesus would do, for he went into the Jewish synagogue to teach as did the Apostles after him. They persevered even under persecution. They were thrown out of cities and synagogues as well. We can expect the same treatment.
And there are some Christians I've been priveledged to associate with while attending a Bible Conference in Ontario California. They call them selves, Bereon Bible students. They too, are truth seekers. And they, like stick close to the scriptures and not man's doctrines. They check out and compare what the churches teach and what Christ and his disciples actually taught. This conference takes place once a year and I really enjoyed it. It is very uplifting. The theme last year was "Christian Love,"
They are wonderful people, very hospitable and kind. I wish I was living closer to them. Oregon is so far away. I also visit and encourage fellow Christians on the 'net, like all of you. You encourage me too.
Jesus made disciples to fellowship with, and I believe this is what we all must do. We are following in his footsteps, doing what he did, and one of the last things he told his disciples to do, was to make disciples of people of all the nations. And to teach them to observe all the things he commanded them to do. (Matt. 28:19)
So, as long as the church elders allow us to associate, we can upbuild but let others know we cannot accept all of the Churchs' doctrines and why. If we are thrown out, then we go on to another. This is what I plan to do,(God willing)
I've been taking time out to prepare myself for this. (smiling.)...................But, this is a hard for a woman. Yet, I know I can do nothing on my own but what God's spirit allows. I will not be able to stand upon the podium and teach, but I can incidental witness for Christ.
I hope this helps answer your question.
In the brotherhood of Christ,
Lynn
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Re: Some questions. Re: Re: Some questions. -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: jesse ®
05/20/2002, 23:41:45
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Thanks for your answers. You don't have to answer this one but I wonder why you would wait until they throw you out. If they are teaching false doctrines aren't they involved in false worship. Wouldn't that be bad association?
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Re: Your future. Re: Your future. -- jesse Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/17/2002, 09:29:44
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I understand what you are saying. No, I love God and his Son too much to become agnostic or lose my faith in God. I understand this is the path we choose when following Christ. You seem to understand it. How I came to this conclusion is from God's written word and I believe his spirit. (Matt. 7:7) "Keep asking, keep seeking and you will find, keep on knocking and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking recieves and everone knocking it will be opened."
Jesus said, "Get in through the narrow door." (Luke 13:24) and he also said, "I am the door." (John 10:9)
(Rev. 3:8)"I have set before you an opened door."
(Rev.3:10)"I am standing at the door"
(Rev. 3:20)"Whoever hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him and he with me."
(Prov. 8:32)"Keep awake at my door day by day."
(Acts 14:27)"He had opened to the nations the 'door' to faith"
(1 Peter 4:14)"If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory even the spirit of God, is resting upon you."
(1Peter 4:16)"If he suffers as a Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this name."
This is not an easy walk for no one wants to be thought of as an apostate. Apostle Paul was accused of being an apostate, (Acts 21:21)and Christ was considered the same. And so, if we Follow the lamb no matter where he goes, follow his steps closely then what can we expect? We will not be popular with this world's religions. There is so much division out there and many many false teachings that Christ himself, did not teach. Apostle Paul said,"I know that after my going away, oppressive worlves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves." Therefore, keep awake," And now I commit you to God and to the word of his undeserved kindness, which [word] can build you up and give you the inheritance among all the sanctified ones." So we can see why there are so many 'religions', a confusing Babylon the Great! speaking many different religious languages, strange and different than what Christ and his Apostles taught.
(Rev. 2:25) "But that which you have already, hold fast until I come. And he that over cometh, and keepeth 'my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations."
And Christ's coming isn't yet. The nations are not beating themnselves in grief over him. So this means, what Christ gave, and taught, is what we as Christians must hold onto." It is faith in Christ, from the Father.
(Acts4:12) "Neither is there Salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, wherby we must be saved."
Not, 'Seventh Day Adventist', not Jehovah's Witnesses, nor Mormon, nor Catholic etc the list goes on. Or one might go further intimate here, by saying this, not Russell, not Rutherford, not Joseph Smith, B. Young, nor William Miller, and many other men who are preachers today, or yesterday. I believe we must build upon the right foundation and that is the twelve foundation stones with Christ as the corner stone. If we build upon any other foundation, and if we build with straw, hay, stubble etc, (false doctrines) we will not be building with lasting materials. But if we build (our faith) upon lasting materials, Gold, silver and precious stone, (God's written word, the Bible) then we will be able to conquer. So many put their faith upon wrong foundations and when the winds of error blow and her shame is exposed, then one could lose faith in God's word, equating it with a false religion. It is a danger to be drifting in the sea, going with the flow, so to speak. Yes, 98% believe in trinity doctrine. They teach the Father and Son are one and the same individual, thus, eliminating The Almighty God and some have other teachings which place the Son equal with the Father. The Bible does not teach this. It is crucial to examine some translations and compare their words with the Interlinear Greek translation, Diaglott for example.
The King James errored when writing this scripture: (Philipians 2:6) It reads, "Who, being in of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." When comparing this scripture to the Interlinear to the Greek scriptures, it is plain that the translator made an error. It could have been deliberate because of doctrine, I don't know. Non the less, it is in error. The Interlinear and diaglott do not render this verse such. Instead, the
Interlinear of the Greek scriptures reads it thus : "This be you minding in you which also in Christ Jesus, who in form of God existing not snatching he considered the to be equal to God, but himself he emptied form of slave having become; and to fashion having been found as man he made lowly himself having become; and to fashion having been found as man he made lowly himself having become obedient until death, of death but of stake; through which also the God him put high up over, and he graciously gave to him the name the over every name, in order that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend"
It is God's spirit which helps us to examine all things, to keep searching and making sure of all things. This is what I exert myself daily, if possible, and when one does this, I believe God is helping me, and his Son. (Hebrews 13:6)"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (John 14:26)
(John 13:16)"Verily verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him." and now we compare (Mark 9:37) Jesus said,"Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that 'sent me'." see also (Luke 5:43)
(John 14:28)Jesus said,"You 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."
(John 14:31) Jesus spoke,"But that the world my know that I love the Father; and as the Father 'gave me commandment, even so I do."
I don't mean to sound preachy, but want so much to show others how important it is to stand by the word of God which is to 'listen to his Son, and obey his commandments. To Love God with ones own heart and soul and to love our neighbor as ourselves. To do all Christ instructed.
If this gets Christians in difficullty, what is new? Why lose faith? How can one lose faith when one puts trust in God and not in men nor nobles?
In God's grace,
Lynn
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Re: Your future. Re: Re: Your future. -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/17/2002, 09:55:09
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opps! I didn't mean to reload this message again. Ha!
I may add while back, I trust my future will not be shakey for if my feet are on the right path, following God's lamb, then no matter what happens to me, God will help me to conquer. I feel as though I have to an extent, for I have been able to shake off chains of darkness. Christ said, "I am the light' so if we go anywhere else for Truth, we are in darkness. I trust God has preserved his word, the Bible, down to this day, so that we who had not been born yet, around the time the Apostles lived, that we too can be instructed with correct teachings. If we have an intimate relationship with God and pray for holy spirit to teach us the truth while digging deep into his word, I trust he is teaching us who are alive during this time.
I am so happy many of you have this same spirit. It is fine to meet you! And haven't we been through alot? Yes, We all have different backgrounds, but no matter, as long as we continue to walk with Christ and with our Father and God, Jah, we can make it, yes, we can conquer.
It is lonely sometimes. but that is what makes me draw closer to God. And I know, in time, I will be prepared to assemble with others who have faith in God, but who are being mislead into not carrying out all of what Christ commanded. I understand Jesus' words, 'I teach nothing of my own, but every word God teaches or gives me." So who can say anyone is greater than the other? We have nothing unless God gives it to us. Don't we have a burning desire to share Christ's teachings with others? When I left the Org.......(yours the Borg.....ha!) I knew I could not turn back. If I did, just so I could get approval from men, then I could not partake of the bread and wine, I could not do what Christ instructed. Nor could I be teaching the same Truth, the same kingdom message Christ and his disciples taught. How could I continue to tell others Christ's commandments are not for you, but for a certain others.? Once really knowing the Truth, it would be selfish to keep silent. I could see that God was being robbed of his inheritance, his Sons, but for God's sake, I know he will not be thwarted. His will will be accomplished.
How are you doing in your Christian walk? How is your future?
Lynn
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(aside to Lynn) Re: Re: Your future. -- Lynn Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Jersey Girl ®
05/17/2002, 10:42:36
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Lynn,
I noticed you are making multiple posts...did you try the edit feature yet? With that you can go back and add to your first post.
Vicki
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Re: (aside to Lynn) Re: (aside to Lynn) -- Jersey Girl Top of thread Archive
Posted by: Lynn ®
05/17/2002, 21:38:24
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Yes, Vicki I have. This is a very useful feature!
Thanks,
Lynn
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