Quote:
Originally Posted by Nell
What Ruth, and those like her need, is to hear and follow the voice of the Lord. We suffered for years listening to men tell us what to do, what to say, and who to say it to. The result was, in order to stay out of trouble, we had to learn how to follow the men “over us” instead of listening to the voice of our good shepherd.
Of course we need to be heard. But I/we learned early that in the Local Church leadership, no one is listening. Many have tried to “fellowship with the brothers”. The result is we are branded as “negative” and are forever shunned and talked about behind our backs. When we finally “left the church” we got criticized for that too.
As we all are, we are posting on this forum to speak for ourselves and not continue to be told what to do. Perhaps the greatest need of all believers is to hear His voice in our lives and follow Him.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Nell
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Thank you for supporting my point. For too long, sisters in the churches, particularly the Local Church, have been treated as second-class members. Rather than being treated as weaker vessels, they are treated as inferior vessels. This should not be so.
Surely we must follow the leading of the Lord, and surely the assemblies in The Lord’s Recovery need to learn to listen to and consider what these sisters have to say. I have known too many sisters who have been embittered by exactly what you have laid out here. This should not be so.
Until the assemblies ****** and begin treating their members more graciously, we cannot reasonably expect any modicum of peace to befall the brothers and sisters who have been mistreated, shunned, and shamed for sharing their experiences. Those who have been called to tend to God’s sheep must do as they’ve been commanded by the Lord. (***** edited by Nell)
John 21:15-17
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”