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Being Not of this World

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Shane.:
Hello everyone.  I just found Ray's website and much encouragement in it.  I haven't had the time to read it all, and I know I'm breaking the rules by posting, but I'd really like some advice. 

Anyway, I sent an email to Ray a while back and I realized he doesn't have time to answer them all.  I found this message board so I thought I would post it here.  It's kind of personal but I guess I'm using the anonymity of the internet to my benefit  ;)  Here we go...

Dear Ray,

I am a twenty year old college student who, within the last couple of years, has been awakened to the true nature of my savior.  Finding your website and reading your articles is one of the most encouraging things that has happened to me in some time.  I quickly found that all those who speak the truth will meet persecution.  I was naive enough to think I could convince my parents and fellow church members that we were way off in our ideology.  Since then I have been labeled everything from a blasphemer to a Marxist.

Anyway, that’s not what my email is about.  I can deal with that, I find strength in the scripture whenever I look.  The question I have is the question I myself cannot answer when many have asked.  Those that will listen to my criticisms of modern Christianity can only ask me what they should be doing.  So I am writing you with the same one.  What should I, as twenty year old student devoted to Christ, be doing?  Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to read through all of your articles so I apologize if you’ve already answered.

Just for the sake of sharing, I’d like to tell you what I am drawn to.  Christ’s commandment to live in a kingdom not of this world has been tugging at my heart.  Mostly because I am student of history and literature and I have seen the failings of worldly kingdoms.  Time and time again, those who trusted in men rather than God have reaped what they have sown.  I feel that living in western civilization is living in sin.  For our luxuries many suffer.  One scripture comes to mind.

             And I heard another voice from heaven saying come out of her my people, that ye be not         
             partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Revelation 18:4)

I just finished reading your essay on Christ’s more biting language (great job by the way) and when I came to that verse I felt that we are called out of more than just the modern church.  We are called out of empire and rule by man.  I feel that dependence on my government rather than God is clearly a duel allegiance and that living under my government inherently despises God.  For this, I want to make an Exodus from empire and into the wilderness.  To trust only in God and no longer partake in the sins of my society.  Do you feel this is misguided?  If so, why?  Any wisdom you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much for reading.

God Bless,
Shane 

smeacham:
Certainly, Ray has taught to eschew things of this world such as politics, yoga, and fighting in armies.  It seems that his take on it is, if you can't imagine Jesus doing a thing, then why would YOU want to do a thing, if you're trying to be like Him?

I'd take that to speak of rebellion, too.  I'm not saying that you are suggesting being a back-woods rifleman, killing any revenue man that comes after you to collect taxes.  But, just in case it crosses somebody's mind, Jesus never practiced such social disobedience or criminal behavior, either.  Again, if He didn't, neither should we.

At least in New Zealand and the United States (two countries I've lived in), I don't think a person can live off the land anymore without dealing with the "empire" as you say it.  Not without being labeled a bad person and being treated as the same.  Nonetheless, I admire your sentiments - I think you've got the right sense of things, but need to think long and hard about how to apply them in your life.

Be sure to let us know what Ray says, once he gets to your message.  He's over a thousand behind right now since he's been very ill.

Steve

dave:
John15:18       John17:15-21 Thats how He has brought me to understand. Bless the Lord.

Shane.:
Thanks for your replies Steve and micah.

Of course, I do not believe violence is a means to ANYTHING but suffering.  As for living off the land without bowing before Empire?  I don't see it as impossible.  There are actually small groups of people living primitively in national parks all over the nation.  Sure the land is owned by the federal government but who is to say that anyone but God can claim ownership to creation? 

I have also participated in acts of civil disobedience where I felt Christ's presence.  For example, it is illegal to take perfectly fine, sealed, and barely expired food out of the dumpster.  It is also illegal to distribute any kind of food without a food distributors license.  The threat of jail time or fines have never deterred me from filling a need where I see it.  As for being labeled a bad person and being treated the same, is it not true that ALL those who stand for righteousness will be persecuted?

I know my call sounds radical, but was Christ's not also? 

ryan_p_boerner:
Shane,

You need to listen to what god wills. Do you think that going into the wilderness will glorify god? Remember that is key. No matter who condemns you for what you believe stay string and know that god is in charge and nothing is possible with out god. I know that it is hard but you will get past it if it is gods will and just remember that when those you try to help condemn you that god has not given them the understanding and may never give it to them. Just continue to glorify god in your actions, and remember that it doesn't say anywhere in the bible that you have to believe in hell to go to heaven. So next time someone condemns you for your belief tell them that



                                                                                                                god bless

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