Hi All,
New member, just a quick intro:
I'm new to the forum, but not new to the site. The Lord showed me bible-truths and led me to Ray's teachings (uh-oh, that sounds cult-ish) about 7 years ago--seemingly by accident, when I was no longer even searching. I know now, it was directly in answer to an old, almost forgotten, long-refrained prayer that the Lord show me the truth about Him, his character, and how He could reconcile 'hell' with what I'd read of Him in scripture.
Like many here, I have a similar story, no need to re-hash it...Grew up in the "church", never quite 'got it', but always considered myself a "christian". Messed around in the world for a time, then came to Christ indeed and got "saved" while overseas in the Army at about 19 yrs of age... Then got married, moved back home to my old haunts... Then promptly forgot that I was "saved". Lost in the world for many more years. Then under extreme duress, sought out the Lord and he found me. After that, I re-read all my extensive collection of "theology" books, Jack Van Impe and Texe Marrs paperbacks, Rapture scenerios, and what-not, went through my kjv Bible a few more times, went back into the "church", eventually joined a (sort-of) christian commune for a while, then left, and more-or-less left the "church" altogether. (with some occasional back sliding here and there on christmas and easter especially ;-) Ultimately realizing I was still lost as ever as to Who exactly this God was I was attempting to worship; and all my teachers were also.
And I muddled about in like manner for about another decade. But always searching for the answers to so many contradictions I was taught in the church... "always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth". Until that moment 7 years ago when I did.
So, to cut to the chase, I've read all of Ray's stuff (minus all the emails--still going through them!) and listened to his sermons and videos, most numerous times. More pertinently, I guess, I've been a regular "lurker" of the forum to this day...hence the 'handle' :-) I've read almost everyone's posts here, since that day I found the site. And that must sound weird.
But I was asked by the Moderator when joining the site, "what was my purpose in joining?" It was a good question. I wasn't sure how to answer (after all, I'd been a ghost-member for all that time)... But I think I understand now why I've wanted to 'officially' join. It is because I consider you my family. That is all. I hope to post often, but I'm not as inclined to write as many here. That is my defect, not theirs. Perhaps that will change for the better.
(sorry the intro wasn't so quick).
Your brother,
Michael
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Topic: Old Lurker, new member (Read 8108 times)