> Introductions, Announcements, and More of Ray's Teachings

Hello, I am a new member.

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hillsbororiver:
Welcome to the Forum Mike,

I am familiar with the desire to "understand it all" now, just like mining for precious stones, gold or any earthly treasure searching for this spiritual treasure will  take dedication, patience, and time. Trust in Him as you open His Word, when reading the articles on Bible Truths and fellowshipping here, He will bless you abundantly.

Do not try to run before you learn to walk (like I did) and stumble along the way with debate and strife, many of us rushed out to share these wonderful Truths of our Lord before we were ready and before He called us to witness, with disasterous results, one of our favorite verses in regard to this is;


1Pe 3:15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:



Remember this and you will know when the time is right.

His Peace and Wisdom to you,

Joe

ned:
Hi Mike,
Welcome to our forum.

When God opened my eyes, I too wanted to share with others from my church, and there was one girl in particular who fought me tooth and nail on what I had been revealed.
God had not lifted the blinders off her eyes. I could speak until I was blue in the face, with scripture to boot, but I couldn't make this blind person see no matter how hard I tried.
Now I have patience and empathy toward this girl, I know her current position is where God has her.
All is of God. Only He can make a blind person see. I'm sure that's why Jesus healed so many blind people when he walked the earth.
Always follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Looking forward to fellowshipping,
Marie

keys2heaven:
Thank you all for the encouragement. I sent a link for part one of the free will myth exposed teachings to several folks that are in our small group. I pray that they at least read the first part in its entirety.

I certainly do not want to get into a debate on things that are not, as of yet, second nature to my spirit. These teachings are so contrary to popular opinion, but that's what I find most intriguing. I used to work with an individual who always professed that you didn't need to go to church to be a Christian. I remember thinking that she was going to hell. Can you believe it!

I wasn't in church for a period of time. Lets just say that my behavior was less than Christ-like and I needed to step back. No, I wasn't asked to leave, but I was removed from all worship opportunities. I was told I had to be restored, but I refused and left because of embarassment and humiliation.

We started going to our present church because as a family we had hit financial bottom as well as emotional bottom. Friends of ours invited us (incidently, they now attend an AOG church) and we've been there ever since. But, I have not truly felt God's presence as I did in times past at my former church (non-denominational pentacostal). I know that there are issues with both doctrines, but wonder why I felt closer to God back then than I do now. Maybe I haven't learned to trust God again. I hope and pray that isn't the case.

From the time I was little, I've felt a desire to help people and have always believed that is part of my misison on Earth. I believe we are all here for a reason. Makes sense if God is working out his plan.

I like the notion of a hands on God, one that does care and is in control all the time. Why do so many of us want to put God in a box, limit His ability to be God and pretend that God is hands off, except when we screw up? My wife told me last night that she was always told that God shows us two paths and we have to decide which one to take. We chose to do good or bad. Huh? So, God doesn't know which path we will take? When I take a step back, I can't believe how silly the notion of having a "free will" actually sounds. I'm not making fun of my wife. We had a discussion about this last night and she sorta agrees with what Ray shows in his study. For my wife, she just wants to know what the voice of God sounds like. No, not an audible voice, but how do you know when God is speaking to you about something. How do you KNOW that it is God?

I like Ray's comment "God isn't running a damage control operation from Heaven" but yet, that's precisely what we are led to believe. I could get cynical here but resist the urge to.

Anyway, I love our friends at our church. We do have great fellowship together and pray that my revealing what I've learned here doesn't cause dissension. I'm afraid of losing our friends. I'm not really afraid of upsetting the apple cart. I figure if I am led to speak, then I will be placed in the situation under the right circumstances to speak. I'm not going to try and change anyone's opinion overnight, nor will I hound them about what I now know. I'll let the Holy Spirit (God) work it out.

Thanks again and God bless.

Mike

mongoose:
Hi Mike,

Welcome to the forum. 


--- Quote from: keys2heaven on October 10, 2006, 02:08:27 AM ---I used to work with an individual who always professed that you didn't need to go to church to be a Christian. I remember thinking that she was going to hell. Can you believe it!
--- End quote ---

Yep, I can believe it.  Amazing the lies we are taught to believe huh?  I quit going to church, oh, about 8 years ago.  Apparently my parents have been waiting the whole time for me to settle down and go back.  And since I'm not doing it they're getting more and more convinced that I'm going to hell I think.  They haven't said anything yet but are starting the whole mentioning going to church and sighing thing.  It's only a matter of time.


--- Quote --- I know that there are issues with both doctrines, but wonder why I felt closer to God back then than I do now. Maybe I haven't learned to trust God again. I hope and pray that isn't the case.
--- End quote ---

These feelings of closeness to God seem to come and go for most of us it seems.  One thing to remember...not feeling close to God isn't the same thing as not being close to God.  Rest assured, this too is for your good and to teach you, and He is never far away.  My trust in God comes and goes too.  And it is a gift from God.  Keep seeking Him and turning to Him.  He promises that you will find Him and He always keeps His promises.


--- Quote --- I like Ray's comment "God isn't running a damage control operation from Heaven" but yet, that's precisely what we are led to believe.
--- End quote ---

 ;D  That is one of my favorite quotes too.  Isn't it amazing the difference between what is taught and what is really true?  Absolutely amazing the contradictions that are said to be truth.  Thank God that He is opening your eyes.  It is wonderful.

Thanks for sharing your testimonies with us.  Looking forward to more posts.

Much love in Christ,

mongoose

gmik:
Mike Welcome to the fellowship of believers cybernet style!

I was in a non denominational pentecostaL/Charismatic/Faith(blah, blah, blah)World Outreach Ministires (Yikes).  I did "feel" closer to God then what with all the constant excitement going on-laying on of hands, falling under the power,clubs, groups, socials,concerts ....I was excited because....I thought Jesus was a mini-santa claus-my prayers were always ASKING for things. I was always looking for that spiritual high-if I didn't get it, it was because the choir didn't give us enough "praise" time, or whatever.

Since I "stumbled" on Ray's site my life has changed 180.  Those "feelings" fade but the Truth is with you all the time.  It took several months before I could leave the church. _-It is a big mega-church so no one noticed really and I didn't have to say or defend anything to anybody. I have tried sharing with some but with disastrous results-mostly cuz i didn't know what I was talking about!!  So now, I study from the Concordant & E sword, I read & re read Ray's material, and I fellowship here.  Fortunately, my husband is in total agreement, so we can fellowship together.

Now, I don't usually ask for things in prayer but ask to accept & want God's Will in my life.
Ray's article on witnessing really helped relieve my misplaced guilt so unless someone is sincerely interested I don't bring anything up.  But I am just a baby learning and this forum is a wonderful place to learn.

Sorry so long, don't know what got into me ??? :)

gena

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