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[Lloyd]

Aionios
I just found Ray's site yesterday when looking for "aionios". I was looking for simple explanations to share on another forum with younger people. I was also looking for fellowship etc, although I'm getting a little of that on another universalist forum too. Can't get too much fellowship, can I?

Rules
I think I read all your rules here. Not sure if I remember them all, but the hardest one to remember might be not giving links to other websites etc. I'm not sure if I understood that rule exactly. No links at all? Or no links to competing sites?

Main Concern
I'm 64 and single. I've pretty much always been a universalist, although my parents are/were Catholic and Lutheran non-universalists. My main concern in life is probably unjust war and oppression. The main opposition groups in the world now seem to be fundamentalist Muslims and Christians. I want to do my part to help bring world peace through unity and love and universalism. So I'm trying to learn how to do that most effectively.

Fellowship
I haven't read a lot of Ray's material yet, so I don't know if he has addressed the subject of fellowship much. My sense is that Jesus was providing an example of how to have fellowship that would eventually bring world peace and prosperity for all, both on Earth and in Heaven. So I think that's what I'm mainly trying to learn and help increase.

Looking forward to fellowship here.

[se7en]

Lloyd,

Welcome to the forum! I'm in Tennessee, yeah, more fellowship in Christ is always a good thing! I know Kat will post the "essential reading list" I will leave her to it. 

That is awesome that you found the site by searching the word Aionios, I did something very similar a while back and came upon the site as well.

One of the articles that will be in Kat's essential reading list would be over the "myth of free will" parts of the lake of fire series.  That is an awesome eye opener to your spiritual eyes when it comes to your "Main Concern".

Some of the topics in that part of the series includes....

Pro 16:4  The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Isa 63:17  O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

John 18:36  Jesus answered [Pilate], My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Matthew 10:36 And a man's foes [shall be] they of his own household.
Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
 
We are not concerned so much of "worldy affairs" and wars that take place on the planet earth. Our war takes place in the heavens. The Lord is on 'plan A', there has never been a 'plan B'.

Definitely read that series on the Myth of Free-Will Exposed http://bible-truths.com/lake15.html that link is the start of it.

I don't post this to scare you away, that is not my intent. It's to reveal to you more of Jesus Christ.

Looking forward to getting to know you Lloyd! If you have any questions or just to fellowship, we are here!

Your brother who is hoping that God has put it in you to desire Truth above all else,
~Se7en

[Rhys 🕊]

Welcome to the forum and nice to meet you

You can put links in but not ones that bring there own teaching as the forum is about what Ray taught and not what others taught. I put fun ones in now and then or for a laugh in off topics.

No peace in this world until Christ returns. So wars will continue and they are all unjust as Christ tells us to love our enemies, not make war with them. God is in control even if it seems unjust it's all part of His will and so are we so at this time we learn and become closer to Him.

Plenty to read and learn here and I read over the same stuff many times. It takes much to understand God's truth and no easy way to do so. I pray His spirit will reveal more of His truth to you and you become more set free like I do through it

Bless you

Rhys

[Kat]

Hi Lloyd,

Glad you have joined us 
Well coming to this forum you should find plenty of fellowship, it is a blessing to have people of like mind to discuss Scripture with. Now you will find that the articles on Bible-truths are rich with Scripture, but don't expect the regular universalism teachings. Yes we believe in the eventual salvation of all, but that's about where the similarity ends. So just take your time to read it and meditate on it, some of this will take time before it really begins to soak in.

The rule of not posting links to other websites has to do with not bringing in others teachings that differ from what we are learning here. That can cause confusion and debating, we desire a peaceful fellowship and sticking mainly to what Ray Smith taught to be truth in the Scripture. As you will see Ray has written extensively, so there is plenty to discuss there.  Now that being said, of course we all can study any other sites we so desire and believe according to our own understanding. But just don't bring contrary teaching here (it will be removed), as it can lead to endless debating and we just don't want to have that going on here.

But this forum has a good many people that are very good at helping somebody with a questions and just for the fellowship as well.

Here are the links to our info just here on the forum, that's besides what's on the main BT site.
Forum Rules- General info
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3.0.html
Topic- Questions and Truth 
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,4558.0.html
Topic- How this Forum is Moderated
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3614.0.html

General discussion board- to ask questions and discuss what is presented at the Bible-truths.com site.
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,3.0.html

Child board- FAQ (most frequently asked questions)- above General discussion board
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,23.0.html

Forum Indexes & Info.
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,14.0.html

Ray's Videos
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,8227.0.html

Ray's Audios 
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,2641.0.html

Ray's 2008 Audios
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,8256.0.html

Transcripts of Audios
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,12.0.html

Off Topic board- to discuss things that may not directly relate to BT, you will find a good bit of humor
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,4.0.html

child board- Inspirationals, Writings, Poems, Etc.- above Off Topic board
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,15.0.html

Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship board- mostly for personal posts
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,5.0.html

Child boards- Who Am I? (only available to members)- above Testimonies board, members pics and other stuff
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,16.0.html

Members Recipes- for sharing recipes and food tips
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/board,22.0.html

mercy, peace and love
Kat

[Rene]

Hi Lloyd and welcome to the forum.  I lived in Indianapolis for 16 years and have fond memories of my time there.

Since you just "stumbled" upon this website, I would encourage you to take your time to read as much as possible because there is much to digest.  We are here to help you along the way.

René

[cjwood]

hi lloyd, from austin, tx.  yep, there are reams and reams of pages containing Scriptural Truths you can, and should read on the main page and in the different forum sections kat provided. 

enjoy and take it slow.   

claudia

[Lloyd]

Hi and thanks.

I think I already had plenty of fellowship online. I'm hoping to find fellowship in person. I think the Bible says a lot about the subject, but I haven't found much on this site yet on it.

[Rhys 🕊]

Here are some bits from Ray I found that may help:

http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,12164.msg105772.html#msg105772

So don't be discouraged.  You may not find what you would think is the "True"
Church, but you have found the "TRUTH" of that original Church.  And remember,
our fellowship with the Called Out Elect is "IN SPIRIT."  And our fellowship and
worship of God is also "IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH" (John 4:21-24).  No thing or
no body can ever prevent you from worshiping God in "spirit and in truth"!



http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,692.msg5319.html#msg5319

I'll admit that it is difficult to meet with believers of like mind in your area if there aren't any. I have never seen a church that teaches "right in line with what I have on my site." I have had hundreds tell me of such religions, churches, and cults, but after checking them out for five or six minutes, I have always found that do teach virtually nothing as I do.  That fact doesn't make me feel good or anything, but so far that has been a fact.
You can join our Discussion Forum at the bottom of our home page and carry on exchanges with other believers, or possibly find someone in your area.



http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,1304.msg11349.html#msg11349

If there were churches scattered through BABYLON THE GREAT WHORE, then there would be no need for God to admonish those whom He is choosing, to "COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE" (Rev. 18:4).  Are we to just come out of her spiritually, but remain good social friends with them on a weekly basis?
 
Church is not now and never was, a physical building to congregate in to worship God.  Could all the hundreds of thousands of Israelites congregate inside the tiny little tabernacle in the wilderness?  Could ALL JUDEA congregate in the tiny Temple in Jeruslem every sabbath?  The synagogues became corrupted and the churches today are corrupted. So where do you want to go?  If you want fellowship why not foin a social club and keep the false religion out of your fellowship.
 
Jesus taught us that we are to worship God in spirit and in truth, not in this mountain or in Jerusalem, or in a building, or another other "place" that is corrupted.  I can't tell people what to do. If "christian fellowship" means more to them than "godly worship," then I guess they just  have to keep looking.
 
Being a follower of Jesus Christ was never designed to be a "feel good religion" as many christian churches promise if you join their particular tents on living a worldly life for Jesus.  I trully never miss, "CHURCH"!  I "go to church" every time I open my Bible."


http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,6056.msg48926.html#msg48926

I assembly with Believers of like mind as often as possible. This is not done in a "church building," however. Usually in private homes and Bible Conferences.  God does not dwell in temples, cathedrals, and church buildings:
     

    Act 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

    Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

    Well where DOES God dwell if not in church buildings?

    1Co 3:16 Know ye not that YOU ARE THE TEMPLE of God, and that the Spirit of God DWELLS IN YOU


I think if you find the right people it can be a good thing but if you find the wrong people then you will be worse off. I only meet with people of like mind online, it would be nice to have some physical meetings but I just pray about that. I don't feel down that I don't have people to meet with as for me I receive a lot for what I do online.

We have fellowship with Christ and I have a close relationship with Him and that works for me. I know we are all different too and I don't mind being alone and line studying on my own and writing to others.

Ray meet with others so why not us and I would like too but where do I find the people that are the right people.......not sure.

Rhys

[Lloyd]

Thanks for the info.

The Bible says Jesus is our example and I figure anyone, such as the apostles and others, who followed Jesus' example must be our example too. So I gathered that what the apostles and other early Christians did was given in the Bible for our example. Wouldn't that be correct?

[indianabob]

New friend Lloyd,
Welcome to the forum and to Ray Smith's publications.
This can be a real blessing if your mind can absorb it.
Only God can make it understood to you.

So then please proceed VERY slowly, it is worth the journey.
Be patient with the learning, there is no rush, no hurry to learn it all in a month.

It may be best, it was for me, to avoid sharing with anyone presently in your life.
Please believe me, they will not understand.
If they seem to understand then most likely they are just being polite and patient with you.

Since you are new then this is just the first step of ten thousand steps.
Take each step with care and lots of careful examination to see if your step is firmly placed.
Ask questions of yourself and of course of all the members here.
You may expect confusion and doubt, it is very normal, so just place your trust in God and God
will lead you in your walk.

Love and hugs, Indiana Bob 

Plymouth, IN

[cjwood]

ibob, your reply to lloyd was so sweet and full of wisdom.  i re-learned much from it.

claudia