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You are called out of Babylon and then what's next ?
Deborah-Leigh:
Great Post Joe
It is always a pleasure to read what Ray writes. He doesn't embroider or make what he says frilly or fancy. He calls a spade a spade. I like that with Ray there is not double mindedness. He says what he means and means what he says and that is a great example!
To add, here is a caution!
Excerpt from http://bible-truths.com/twelve.htm Twelve Truths to understanding His Word.
Every single person I know that has stopped growing, spiritually, begins to go backwards, loosing what light they may have possessed because they are no longer faithful to the Word and commandments of Almighty God.
They all possess one or more "idols of the heart," that they will not give up or repent of. Sadly, in most cases, (even when backed into an indefensible corner with the Scriptures), it is extremely rare that such ones will acknowledge their sin and repent of their error. Over time such individuals usually become bitter, after which it is only a matter of time before Satan has them for lunch!
Peace be to you
Arcturus :)
hillsbororiver:
Thanks Arcturus,
I agree wholeheartedly about the way Ray communicates, direct, to the point, no mincing of words to endear himself to a wider audience. This is something that I recognized right from the beginning.
After spending a considerable portion of my life as a scammer among scammers in the most literal sense, I saw that even in the "straight, law abiding" world there was no shortage of people looking at others for what they could personally gain from them whether that be money, power, worldly influence or intimacy.
Even here in the Forum I have seen many come and go, some with bitterness, some with derogatory statements about Ray or certain members and sometimes broadbrushed statements about everyone involved. You know what I have never seen? Someone scripturally take down the points made in the articles. Some have burst on the scene ecstatic about Universal Salvation, others on the unscriptural tithing fallacy or some other point, sometimes a combination of 2 or 3 things but when one of their pet doctrines are questioned and answered with scripture the emotional "old man" rears his head and defends to the death (of their spiritual growth, at least for a time) this idol that has become (perhaps only temporarily) more important than God's Word.
It is a rare thing (as you posted from 'The 12 Truths') to see any of these people return and repent of the things they have said, not that they won't eventually but in my almost 2 years here I could use maybe 1 hand to count the times it has happened.
To me that is a terrifying thought, to be so consumed by an idol, to be so prideful as to refuse to acknowledge error as it stares me in the face, to speak of and to claim an unbounding love as I hatefully accuse others in front of God and men, I pray that if I ever drift into this complacent and hypocritical state of mind that one of the brethren here spiritually slaps me upside my hard head!
This journey is not easy and even within the confines of the Forum patience and longsuffering are constantly being tested, strengthened and purified, we need each other to speak plainly from His Word, pulling no punches for the sorry sake of popularity or any other temporal reward.
This I believe is the most important function this Forum can provide, of course it is nice to fellowship with others that have similar beliefs but the realization, the learning, sometimes painfully of what it is to have the Spirit of Christ displace the beast within is the very biggest reason we have this site, this process of being sifted, of being under a magnifying glass, being purged, tried by fire and all the other descriptions of this creation (firstfruits, Sons and Daughters) process is an incredible thing to contemplate, and experience!
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
Deborah-Leigh:
Exactly Joe!
I caught this that Ray said at Nashville and for me it was very profound. Perhaps it encapsulates what you have expressed.
Ray said : They have not learnt what they are yet or at least what they should be.
Peace be to you
Arcturus :)
sansmile:
Hi all,
This has been a real edifying thread for me........the caution Arcturus........well noted by me that is. We all have idols in our heart that we regularly repent of. Ray made a statement not too long ago it was " we need to "hate " the sin before we TRULY repent.
Joe, You said it is rare when someone , when they have left this forum..return, i may be wrong but i beleive matt left and has now returned, and he is so strong since he has done. He edifies and builds us up so much. If i am mistaken Matt i apologise. :)
Actually I have heard this scripture quoted so many times by christiandom:
(Mat 7:14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Youngs Literal Translation says it like this:
(Mat 7:14) how strait is the gate, and compressed the way that is leading to the life, and few are those finding it!
HOW???? strait is the gate and compressed.
Compressed by what?
My grandmother used to have a picture hanging in the room where i used to sleep. It was a picture that showed the road to heaven and hell........i have to admit it was my schoolmaster lol. The picture showed 2 literal roads.....one wide and full of pubs, betting shops, people supposedly having fun.......the other was a narrow lane with churches and gospel groups etc. I remember as a child thinking, well i don't want to burn in hell, so, there is only one road i can take. But, even then, as a 9 yr old i thought, how can i be that good to stay on that road.
Strait and compressed, brings to mind opression, but those now seeing the truth feel the opposite.....freedom..freedom from the constraints of man made doctrines..freedom from the heavy yolk christiandom put on us. Jesus yoke is made for 2. Him and me. He takes the weight, He takes the pain, He takes the stress of modern day living....from ME. What a peace that gives.
So is that road narrow, yes, it is because its the ONLY way. No roundabouts , no junctions.....we may have an amber light here and there and a stop, but that is Him restraining me from going down the wrong route. He is the way, the truth and the LIGHT!
1Jo 2:8) Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.
God bless
Sandie
hillsbororiver:
--- Quote from: sansmile on May 31, 2007, 04:37:06 PM ---
Joe, You said it is rare when someone , when they have left this forum..return,
--- End quote ---
Hi Sandie,
It is indeed quite rare, there have been a handful that have returned out of the scores if not hundreds that have come and gone because of one thing or another (usually personality or "feelings" but sometimes because of doctrines or tradition they refused to consider may be fallacy) but never has the reason for leaving have to do with heresy that they were able to provide scriptural witnesses for.
His Peace to you Sister,
Joe
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