Local Church Discussions - View Single Post - “Can the Local Church Leadership Say, ‘We Were Wrong’?” (An Open Letter)

ZNPaaneah · 05-10-2011, 04:43 AM

I was taught that "all things work together for good to those that love God". We had a song that went "all he could do the foe, was just release the flow", which was true.

You mention that a brother dressed down by the elders (I was dressed down in a meeting and behind closed doors) had two options, submit, or become disgruntled and then disciplined for that. Actually there is a third option.

Paul's word in Galatians helped me because I went home and got on my knees to pray about what happened, his word came to me "I did not give place to them, no, not for an hour".

So, the third option is this, as soon as the message is over you pop up with a positive, encouraging testimony without the slightest hint of being hurt, or angry, or defensive or self justifying. Second, you make a point of speaking like this in every meeting. 3rd, speak truthfully, clearly, and words that build up, not that tear down. This may mean that at times different ones may not appreciate what you are speaking, but the Body will, everything will be done in the light, and it exposes the falsehood of their rebuke. You are calling their bluff, if they have a real issue, then say so, their silence will speak volumes. When you do this you realize that you are not alone, that many others have been suffering in silence, the silent majority, and they will support you in many ways and they will also reject the lies of the elders.

Once you do come under attack you then have to take Paul's word to light "avoid the appearance of evil", it is no longer good enough to avoid sin, you now have to realize that anything you do, regardless of how innocent, if it can be misconstrued or twisted it will be. Obviously you will fail, so finally, be the first to confess and repent.

05-10-2011, 04:43 AM	#69
ZNPaaneah Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 7,105	Re: The Gross Violations I was taught that "all things work together for good to those that love God". We had a song that went "all he could do the foe, was just release the flow", which was true. You mention that a brother dressed down by the elders (I was dressed down in a meeting and behind closed doors) had two options, submit, or become disgruntled and then disciplined for that. Actually there is a third option. Paul's word in Galatians helped me because I went home and got on my knees to pray about what happened, his word came to me "I did not give place to them, no, not for an hour". So, the third option is this, as soon as the message is over you pop up with a positive, encouraging testimony without the slightest hint of being hurt, or angry, or defensive or self justifying. Second, you make a point of speaking like this in every meeting. 3rd, speak truthfully, clearly, and words that build up, not that tear down. This may mean that at times different ones may not appreciate what you are speaking, but the Body will, everything will be done in the light, and it exposes the falsehood of their rebuke. You are calling their bluff, if they have a real issue, then say so, their silence will speak volumes. When you do this you realize that you are not alone, that many others have been suffering in silence, the silent majority, and they will support you in many ways and they will also reject the lies of the elders. Once you do come under attack you then have to take Paul's word to light "avoid the appearance of evil", it is no longer good enough to avoid sin, you now have to realize that anything you do, regardless of how innocent, if it can be misconstrued or twisted it will be. Obviously you will fail, so finally, be the first to confess and repent.