> General Discussions

Greatest Challenge - own house

<< < (2/8) > >>

gmik:
Hi Tau and greetings!

Have you been reading Ray very long and just new to the forum or new all around?? ;)

Your dilemma is serious in your family.  It was a few months after being dragged to Ray's site that I quit going to church-but my husband was in complete agreement.  Could I have done it on my own??  I honestly don't know. 

I can't stand to hear drivel that I don't agree with.  But, your wife is precious to you and hasn't had her eyes opened yet.  If you are a strong longtime Christian and can read the Bible during the sermon or sleep or whatever maybe you could go.

I still attend a bible study (just so I can go out to lunch w/ my old girlfriends) and somethings drive me nuts but I just don't say anything. But I have been studying this truth for over 5 years and feel pretty confident in what I believe.  At lunch, I may insert a kindly word or too about a translation error (aion -age instead of eternal), but mostly my friends remain clueless.  One time I even said "I don't believe everything she teaches" and they all just looked at me like my spoon missed my mouth or something!!!  Clueless....but I love these gals and want to keep seeing them.

Tau, you must be in prayer and trust your heavenly Father to let you know when, where, what for your life.  We can only share our stories, give advice, or show you scripture.

One thing for sure, READ, READ, READ everything over and over again from Ray's site.  Keep your Bible handy.  Have e sword and the interlinear in Greek/Hebrew on your desktop.  And Walk In Love, always!!!

Keep posting on the forum as you struggle thru this.  You are not alone!!!  Nor are you the first one or unique in this problem.

God Bless you and your wife.  You will be in all our prayers!!!!

DougE6:
Hi Tau
Church with your wife is an hour a week. It is not that much to sacrifice. It certainly is NOT going to affect you, once you have left. One can never go back. At least, I am sure I could not. I would go insane thinking the reality that they blindly accept.  It all comes down to what your wife expects.  If she thinks you are to change your mind and believe/agree/think as her, then I would have to draw a line. If she knows you are agreeing to accompany her even if you do not agree with all that is said, that seems like a nice compromise.  It seems like a loving thing to do. Try to find some common ground. I have many Christian friends who know quite well what I believe and I speak of it often, when I can. I socialize with them. I debate sometimes. But I make sure my actions and my life really really reflect the greatest sign of having Christ in you..your love. Your gentleness.  Your love of righteousness. In everything you do, reflect Him. 

My wife also does not embrace what I think, because she loves her church. She witnessed my entire struggle, most strongly these last 10 years, and as head of the household she respects them, but they do not really live in her. She cannot see how bad the doctrines are. She loves her parents. She loves the church she grew up in. She cannot face that they all could believe something, in the end is evil. Maybe in theur hearts they don't. I don't know. We do not fight over it. I go most Sundays, out of deference to her, but I have taught all my children what I believe even as they also go to church.  I appreciate whatever they preach that is good, somethings are.  I sing songs if they speak to my heart. I love all people, even those in church. I really do. You won't win anyone (normally) by scriptural debate. The ground of their heart must be fertile to receive the word. Let your life, your gentleness, your love, your character, be the witness that your beliefs are worthy of God.  It is your attitude and heart which is most important, not whether you need to sit through a church sevice once a week. I say just speaking for myself, big deal. So I go to church. That is not much of a sacrifice at all. I worship God 24 hours a day. And everyone who knows me, knows it.

tau:
I LOVE U GUYS!! ;D ;D :D It is at times encouraging to hear how the stelwards of faith are forging on as they assemble themselves before Mount Zion. Yes, church within a church, not bound by hand made structures but thankful that the spirit of the Lord moves amist the church structures gives a comfort. Now, we go direct as the veil of the church has been torn, beautiful! :D, only if all could see as you do  :o!  I take comfort in reading 2 Peter 2, all of it. Agreed, not all that is taught in the church is bad or wrong, but its the subtle deception and play on truth which is done so cleverly as almost to deceive even the elect that gets to one. And when you point it out and scripturally back it up, you are seen as if you are continuously looking for faults, I guess then there must be too many ;D ;D! The church members general take on what is being taught is gun, stock and barrel, there is no getting around it. I like questioning things and if someone gives me back up scriptures or evidance on any issue for that matter, I concede and accept a higher view. I 'study' though what is presented so I can make it my own, lest I also fall into the trap of accepting things on face value! :D , its the getting emotional that really gets to me ;D ;D, when it comes to what the Holy Scriptures say, most people just accept without questioning lest they offend God, or is it the pastor or church  ???. I normally keep quite which at times is seen as not being interested at matters of God, except when at home and engage with my wife on what the holy scriptures say, then I light up!! and she says 'this is hard sayings', i tell her but they are in your bible and at some stage since you have passion for the Lord, you will have to realise that if its misplaced, it will be as painful an experience the 5 virgins that almost made it had ::) then she ponders.

But I really appreciate all the input and it somehow makes this journey less lonely. At times one wishes all could see what one see, 'for once i was blind, but now i see', that is the most beautiful saying i ever read anywhere in a very long time! I just love you guys and I will put on the full armor of God, so after all is said and done, i will continue to stand! ;D ;D ;)

gmik:
DougE6---wooo preach it brother!!!  Love is key isn't it??  spiritually leaving Babylon is more important than if you physically walk into a building...I know God will bless you for your love for your wife!

Tau-- :D You seem more relaxed and happy!!  Praise God!

both of your posts blessed me!!

daywalker:

--- Quote from: tau on April 03, 2011, 06:23:37 AM ---Hi  All
When Jesus said that one would face the greatest challenge from one's house, I thought I could easily overcome them as all I have to do is put His word before everything (in general, I would like to think I succeed). Then I had to deal with the situation of having told and showed my wife countless scripture that a true disciples walk with God is forever progressive and upwards, I then hit a brick wall. My wife think I am not supportive if I tell her that I truelly do not want to attend general church services anymore. I am more than willing to discuss bible with people of the same mindset so we edify each other but i want to worship in truth and in spirit. We are agreed that Jesus said 'why call me Lord and not do what I say?', but her concern is one has held and outgrown so many view points (old church teachings) that my wife think I am confusing her. So, she now asks that I must just do it for her - accompany her to church. I do it but uncomfortably - 'a man who is persuaded against his will is still of the same view'. I want to know is it okay to still go with my wife (show of support) even if I generally find church teaching a bit tolarable if taken with a pinch of salt.

Now I am told I must NEVER dream of having kids out of church (thought about it, never took a position on it as calling is for individuals) We all get called at different times. How does one get around this? Jesus said - if you love your wife more than me, you cannot be my disciples. I am weary of how one is called to run, lest at the end I should also be disqualified! Help!

--- End quote ---

Hello Tau,

First, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife regarding your situation.

Thankfully, my wife has been pretty receptive of my new beliefs (well, it was new 3 years ago...), probably because the church doctrines weren't grounded into her like they were me and many others. She was raised in church, but her family isn't as "religious" as many others are. Though, this being said, she has put me in this similar situation a few times. We went to visit her grandparents for Mother's Day the past two years, they all attended church, and I met then afterwards for lunch. Before going she tried to convince me to go to church also because "it was Mother's Day", and she also tried to pull the "do it for me" card. I told that I loved her, and I respected her, and requested that she would also respect me by not forcing me to go somewhere I didn't want to go. She was reluctant at first, but agreed nonetheless; we all met for lunch afterwards and all was well. Her family didn't question me for not attending church, and I didn't say anything disrespectful while they were discussing what took place in church. (not that sharing the truth would have been disrespectful, I just didn't feel that was the right place or time; besides if God had something to say to them through me, He would have said it anyway).

I know several people here face a ton of adversity from their families and friends and I pray for you all daily. I have yet to meet any from my family or friends, though I know it's coming eventually (I have a few uncles in particular who I know are dying to speak to me regarding some of the things I've showed my mom... personally I can't wait!).

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page