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Truth · 08-08-2012, 12:51 PM

I don't have a problem if LSM wanted to control the churches and bring them all under the "same" ministry. The Roman Catholic Church exercises such control, so does the Mormons, and so do many other religious groups (Christian and non-christian). But what bothers me is the hypocrisy. One the one hand they say that the LCs are autonomous, but on the other hand there is an undercurrent (very subtle) that forces the church to use LSM materials. This is where the control really is: it is through their ministry. The leaders are right when they say LSM does not control the churches (in a sense). This is true in 'paper' but not at heart. Sure, LSM is not one of the board of directors in "The Church in Portland" (I'm just using a really random locality for example). But LSM expects that "The Church in Portland" will use its material.

Don't get me wrong. I love what LSM publishes, because I love WN/WL's ministry. But I don't agree with forcing it on others. And I think if we are going to force it on the churches, then we should call ourselves LSM churches. This would be more truthful than saying we are just non-denominational local churches. I have no problem being called a LSM church, or a "Church that focuses on Lee's and Nee's teaching". I would feel more comfortable with that than hiding. I love WN/WL's ministry, so I belong to a group that pursues this ministry. What's wrong with that? Some of you would say that is not biblical...we should not follow a man. Let me tell you: I am not following a man. I will whole heartedly follow any man's ministry (in part or whole) if that man's ministry is part of the NT ministry as revealed in the Bible. However, I don't believe WL's ministry is the entire NT ministry or "The ministry". It is only a part of the NT ministry. And there is nothing wrong with meeting with a group that follows this ministry, which is part of the NT ministry. Why do we need to claim to be "The Local Church"? We just just a local church. One of many local churches in Los Angeles. Together with all the other Christians we are part of the church in Los Angeles. We are a no better church than any other churches in Los Angeles. We have our weaknesses and our strengths, as do all the other churches in the same city that may follow another ministry...a different ministry but still part of the same NT ministry.

08-08-2012, 12:51 PM	#41
Truth Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 104	Re: How Can This Forum Improve? I don't have a problem if LSM wanted to control the churches and bring them all under the "same" ministry. The Roman Catholic Church exercises such control, so does the Mormons, and so do many other religious groups (Christian and non-christian). But what bothers me is the hypocrisy. One the one hand they say that the LCs are autonomous, but on the other hand there is an undercurrent (very subtle) that forces the church to use LSM materials. This is where the control really is: it is through their ministry. The leaders are right when they say LSM does not control the churches (in a sense). This is true in 'paper' but not at heart. Sure, LSM is not one of the board of directors in "The Church in Portland" (I'm just using a really random locality for example). But LSM expects that "The Church in Portland" will use its material. Don't get me wrong. I love what LSM publishes, because I love WN/WL's ministry. But I don't agree with forcing it on others. And I think if we are going to force it on the churches, then we should call ourselves LSM churches. This would be more truthful than saying we are just non-denominational local churches. I have no problem being called a LSM church, or a "Church that focuses on Lee's and Nee's teaching". I would feel more comfortable with that than hiding. I love WN/WL's ministry, so I belong to a group that pursues this ministry. What's wrong with that? Some of you would say that is not biblical...we should not follow a man. Let me tell you: I am not following a man. I will whole heartedly follow any man's ministry (in part or whole) if that man's ministry is part of the NT ministry as revealed in the Bible. However, I don't believe WL's ministry is the entire NT ministry or "The ministry". It is only a part of the NT ministry. And there is nothing wrong with meeting with a group that follows this ministry, which is part of the NT ministry. Why do we need to claim to be "The Local Church"? We just just a local church. One of many local churches in Los Angeles. Together with all the other Christians we are part of the church in Los Angeles. We are a no better church than any other churches in Los Angeles. We have our weaknesses and our strengths, as do all the other churches in the same city that may follow another ministry...a different ministry but still part of the same NT ministry.