> General Discussions
The Kiss of Death
hillsbororiver:
I experienced a little of the forced affection in some of the churches I passed through and it made me very uncomfortable, I really thought there was something wrong with me, too jaded, too suspicious.
Right here in this Forum I have seen virtual hugs and declarations of an unconditional agape love from some only to see it turn into bitter divisiveness and even slander when there was a disagreement, usually over matters that could have been eventually resolved between reasonable seekers of Truth, but pride reared its head and reason was sacrificed on the alter of vanity.
Also I have seen others attempt to draw folks into their own circle with words appealing to one's ego laced with murmuring that put Bible Truths and this Forum in the worst possible light, we are not perfect but there are no ulterior motives here, our only motive is to learn and share His Word and understanding. I know this is all a part of our journey and wherever there are those who gather in His name then will come the wolves seeking to devour as many of the flock that stray.
This is an incredibly interesting journey and I thank the Lord for the sincere members of our fellowship here.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
Jackie Lee:
I really think words are cheap and so are hugs when it involves people that hardly know each other.
It is too bad that people let egos get in the way of their spiritual growth.
I know this happens in the church and also in real life.
I seldom tell anyone I love them but the ones that know me know I do.
I really have learned from Ray's teaching and this board but I don't get close to people very easy.
In some ways I am glad for this because I depend on God more than friendships.
In other ways It has been a very lonely life.
I have had potential for friends but they distract me in my work and in my study.
I know I am the weirdest and feel it too, but I don't like to get involved in cliques.
I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had been more open to friendships.
When I have noticed just about all friendships end at some point.
I am rambling not sure if this even relates please delete if this is for no purpose.
Kat:
Hi Joe,
This article of Ray's brought out to me a very real point. That there are those that the elect must be wary of.
-------------------------------------------------------
The "wolves" COME IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING! You don’t see their teeth. They don’t show their teeth. They only show you a huggie huggie kissie kissie pious religious smile. THAT my friends, that pious front, IS the "sheep’s clothing." Wolves BITE, and their bite can be deadly:
"But if you bit and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another" (Gal. 5:15).
Now then, where are we to find these "wolves and sheep’s clothing" coming with hugs and kisses to deceive and devour? Well, wherever the SHEEP are found.
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous [savage] wolves enter in among YOU, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men [and women] arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:29-30).
-----------------------------------------------------
I too remember the fakeness that many showed while in the church.
But now that I have been having my eyes opened, I also have to seek God guidance for discernment, as to who is really like minded. Some who read at BT and so glad they have found the truth and come here to fellowship and I'm always happy to see someone having their eyes open.
But I can look back and see some that came here were really friendly and joined in the fellowship, and we were seeing only their sheep's clothing and sometimes they were here like that for months. But when they began to hear the meat of the Word, they began to bite, and some get hurt by this. I say this only in looking back.
It's like the parable of the sower and the seed, not all that have the Word of truth sown in them will grow and bear fruit.
Mat 13:3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow.
v. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
v. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.
v. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
v. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
v. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
v. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
We all need to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for me that comes in staying in the Word and through pray, so that we will not be deceived. There are those who come here, that are wolves in sheep clothing.
1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
hillsbororiver:
Amen to that!
His Peace to you,
Joe
YellowStone:
Jackie-Lee,
I really enjoyed reading your post, so much so that I want to add to it :) (your words in brown)
I really think words are cheap and so are hugs when it involves people that hardly know each other. It is too bad that people let egos get in the way of their spiritual growth. I know this happens in the church and also in real life.
The old adage of "Actions speak louder than words" really rings true in friendships, especially when in the church. :)
Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
I seldom tell anyone I love them but the ones that know me know I do.
I know exactly what you mean, the words "I love you" are much louder and mean so much more when spoken by thought and deed, than by the tounge.
I really have learned from Ray's teaching and this board but I don't get close to people very easy. In some ways I am glad for this because I depend on God more than friendships. In other ways It has been a very lonely life.
I am sure physiologists could speak for hours on what you just said. I share your thoughts exactly. I can only name 3 or 4 people that I would call close friends or confidants and I have only been in the house of one of them. The friendship's are not "social" so to speak, but rather intellectual, spiritual and dare I say deep and meaningful. These are friendships I cherish. Yes, I have seen lonelyness too, but it always seemed so much more comforting than the meaningless charade type friendships of the world.
I have had potential for friends but they distract me in my work and in my study. I know I am the weirdest and feel it too, but I don't like to get involved in cliques. I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had been more open to friendships. When I have noticed just about all friendships end at some point.
It seems that you have kept to the narrow road very well Jackie. :) For wide and easy is the path to destruction. I have often thought the very same question, what would have life been like? But I cannot complain, for I have some very dear friends who have stood by me, and I them. From them, I have learned much.
Pro 18:24 A man [that hath] friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend [that] sticketh closer than a brother.
I am rambling not sure if this even relates please delete if this is for no purpose.
You were not rambling, at least not in my mind :)
Your words spoke to my heart and touched me. :)
Your brother (and friend) in Christ,
Darren
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version