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What do you do different now?

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lderr:
As the title implies, I'm curious what you, a bible-truths.forum denizen, do differently since you read the writings of one L. Ray Smith? 
I assume that you accept as true all (or most) of what he wrote and that these writings were news to you. 

How has it changed your daily life? 

Your outlook on the world?

Your concept of God? 


I'll post my own answers to these questions in a few days.

octoberose:
Good Morning Lewis.
 I just have to try to answer this, even though I'm still on my first cup of morning coffee.  :)
 The simplest way to answer this is the past five years I have known Freedom and Ray was the first one to bring it to me. I had fervently prayed to understand God, who would destroy his creation because they did not believe in an INVISIBLE God and an ANCIENT book. And like most good believers, I didn't want hell to happen to me so I believed. And  I did truly have a heart for God and Jesus sacrifice which I hardly had words for. But that sacrifice seemed a double edged sword because it was sending most to 'outer darkness'. I just didn't get it. But I knew a couple of things I couldn't' rectify - I knew that "every knee shall bow", and I knew there was no hell in the old testament, and I knew that God is Love. So, I had hope but I had no understanding.
 As soon as I read Ray's writings, I knew this would change everything and the truths that I had prayed for. The first thing I read was his article on tithing. Then I went to the whole website and spend an evening reading. I'm not much of a scholar (ok, not one at all) and I'm only mildly intelligent, but when I see Truth I think God let's me recognize it pretty quickly and I was amazed.
 And it's not just about hell, it's who God truly is. And it's understanding the lie of free will that I had always believed but had not really understood how was it that God intervened in some lives and not in others? When did He violate someone's 'free will' and when did He not?
 How has it changed things? I love God more because HE is a Father and Creator that is truly deserving of our worship. I have compassion on people because it is really not there fault if God has not opened up their eyes yet. Ray said we'd all just be sinning machines without Him. I am hopeful of the future and not afraid of it. Lewis, my son is 'gay'. Without Ray, I'd be a basket case thinking he was going to hell. But I know that he will be called to account, and I know that he will be healed in the end of all his afflictions and that makes my life hopeful.
 And finally, rather then making me complacent that I'm "in" or "out" and there's nothing I can do about it, I am very well aware that I will be called to account for my actions and only what I do in Love will last. I take my life seriously now because it has consequences.  Before it was like a secret club that I had the password for so I could get in- and now I can hardly wait to be see Him and to be changed and to do whatever it is God has in store for me.
 Your question is a good one, because if this knowledge only brings information and not love, then it hasn't done the reader much good. Without love, we are a clanging gong or a clashing symbol and I hope what most of us have gained is more Love.

indianabob:
Friend Rose,
Thank you for sharing your story.
I am encouraged by how you stated your spiritual journey. It is similar to mine except that I haven't put it into words as skillfully as you have.
It is good for friends to learn together and grow in love.
Warm regards, Indiana Bob

Gina:
How has it changed your daily life? It's gotten much harder.  It is through MUCH tribulation that we must be entering into the Kingdom of God (not much joy).  I'm not afraid to speak up, but I'm conscious of the fact that I'm nobody, I have many major faults, and I am in need of major correction.  I don't try to pretend I'm someone I'm not.  I know that I am God's workmanship.  I don't want to hang out with unbelievers so much, but I don't hate them.  I pretty much stay to myself other than work where I'm alone most of the day, because I know Satan just hates these truths, and He wants to destroy me.  I don't even watch much TV or go to the movies anymore.

Your outlook on the world?    It's lost in confusion and deep darkness at the present.

Your concept of God?    Reference:  www.bible-truths.com.  That's my concept of God.  He's pure and truthful and just and loving and honorable, and diligent and steadfast and fair and patient and warm and fuzzy and funny and lovely and beautiful and most of all, God is faithful and generous.   He loves me very, very much, and protects me.  He's not afraid of anything.

And let me add this:  The thought that all that God is will be in ALL one day, just thrills me to tears!

octoberose:
I had been thinking through the day that the one thing I didn't mention was that this has put a wedge between me and other believers who don't share our beliefs that Ray taught here and that we can see so plainly in His Word. My best friend thought I had gone round the bend, so to speak. I haven't had hardships or shunning because of it, but there is a difference and I no longer feel at one with believers who teach hell, free will, trinity, etc. But, that's ok- I'd rather God be pleased with me than man.

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