some still have a soft spot for what they left behind and understandibly so. I love the people that attend the church I went to. I hate their evil doctrines. And as for humility, Christ is our example of this, but when it comes to the word of God and truth this is what is said of Jesus:
Mat 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority
Ray gets knocked for his authoratative tone all the time. So did Jesus. I have at times as well. Because I KNOW this is truth, it's not a gut feeling anymore. In my home I speak with authority because as long as I am concerned the truth will be taught and learned in my household. I will not force anything on anyone (this not Iraq as someone said), but I will speak my mind mind in my own household.
Tim, I will not apologize for my analogies. God has a GOOD purpose for absolutely everything. Yes, the church is being used to bring about God's elect and to bring people to the knowledge of the truth, but everything that happens (good or evil) is to bring us to the knowledge of the truth. Everything God does has a purpose. Whether it be the church, the holocaust, winning the lottery, last weeks black out, typing this message, etc... This experience of evil is part of our creation process. As I said you guys seem to have a soft spot for what you left behind but remember what names are used to described this organism:
Rev 17:1 "...Great whore..."
Rev 16:19 "...great Babylon..."
Rev 17:5 "...THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS..."
Rev 17:5 "...ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
Matthew 7:23 "...ye that work iniquity"
I thought I had made myself clear on why I have such strong feelings on this issue. But once again it seems that not many can clearly see my point. I will not be tolerant of such evil, I will not act like all is peachy and rosie with these people and I will not act as if it is ok to be "unequally yoked together with" them. I mean it says "abominations of the Earth", all the evil acts of any human, any natural disaster, any evil idea that you can think put together and increased exponentially has not created more damage than these evil doctrines taught by the church for the past 1900 years or so. Again this is an individual decision and only prayer can really tell you what is God's take on this, but I will not sit back while a brother of mine contemplates entering the devil's lair (the synagogue of Satan) with out me at least voicing my opinion clearly. So please do not tell me that comparing the church's doctrines to the holocaust is a stretch, it actually not even the tip of the iceberg
Psalm 97:10 "Ye that love the LORD, HATE evil..."
God be with you,
Roy