Hi mrsnacks,
I attend Ray's monthly biblestudies, so he is a friend to me. These are my own observations.
What I know about Ray is that he studies the scripture continually. God began opening his eyes and revealing the truth of the scriptures some years ago. He wrote a letter to Hagee first I think, to refute his teachings on hell and then a letter to Kenney (these are on the Bibletruths site). These were the start of his writing papers that continue to this day.
Ray has been blessed with gift of spiritual understanding and discernment, this is a gift from God. He has been called to be a teacher, he did not choose this, he never decided that's what he wanted to do and then started a site, no God chose him, there a big difference.
Ray has an incredible knowledge of the Bible, he has studied it for many years, but this is beyond what man is able to gain from reading it, it is a gift.
Now he spends hours and hours studing and writing his papers, and we are the recipients, who are gaining understanding from his teaching. It is ALL of God, I believe this is what is spoken of in Daniel.
Dan 12:4 But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro,
and knowledge shall increase."
Here is an email of Ray's that will answer your question more.
http://bible-truths.com/email2.htm#cult --------------------------------------
Dear Robert:
Thank you for your e-mail and your demeaning curiosity about me.
First of all, maybe your professor should do his own homework before giving assignments which label people he knows nothing about.
I will try to answer your questions succinctly:
I am NOT a "cult." However, if you read the latest books on what constitutes a "cult," you will find that the [orthodox] Christian religion fits ALL the categories that qualify a religion as a cult.
I DO NOT have a "church." I belong to the body of Christ, which is the only true called-out assembly.
No, I do not hold that I alone have the correct interpretation of the Bible.
I DID NOT start a "religion!"
The Scriptural doctrines that I believe are NOT mine, and they are NOT new.
My "advanced training in the Bible" did not come from a school.
Yes, I believe that Jesus "rose from the dead." But, probably, unlike your professor, I REALLY BELIEVE THAT JESUS WAS DEAD BEFORE HE WAS RAISED. Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world--Jesus Christ's "body" did not die for the sins of the world! We do not have a "cadaver" for a Savior! Jesus Christ, "HE" (not just His dead body) is the savior of the world, therefore, contrary to Christian teaching, Jesus Christ's HIMSELF died, and Jesus Christ HIMSELF was raised from the dead!
What makes you think I accept the "bible" as being "inspired?" I believe the Holy Scriptures written in Hebrew and Greek ARE INSPIRED! Bibles are translations, or as with KJV a revision of a revision, and thus are open to human error.
I DO NOT HAVE "followers." I tell my readers to believe in and follow Jesus Christ!
And I pray to God that no one who reads my material thinks that I am a "prophet or priest!"
I hope this answers your questions. Be sure to show this note to your professor, and say "hello" for me.
Humbly in Christ's service,
Ray
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mercy, peace, and love
Kat