Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
The problem here, I firmly believe, is that we are trying by reason to persuade men of the error of their ways. We are using human resources to try to overcome what is in reality a spiritual problem: That problem being deadend spiritual senses. The senses of these people have been dulled, have been put to sleep, and they have been taught to submit to a "spiritual authority" apart from the Holy Spirit. My friend, you are trying to wake the dead. Only God can do that.
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Let me start by saying that it is true that only God can wake the dead. Only God can open the eyes of our hearts.
But He does not generally do it directly. There are ways that He works through circumstances and through our words and deeds. I may get chastised a little for this, but when it says that the Word does not return void, I believe that there is some requirement that it actually be the Word, and not just some words that happen to be arranged in the same order as those found in scripture. If they are intentionally read wrong, misinterpreted, etc., then what is being taken in is not actually the Word.
I do not suppose that my feeble attempts at pointing to what I think is correct interpretation or reading makes it into the Word. But I do believe that if we do not speak, then only the "dumb idol" version of the words will be found in some cases. But if we speak concerning what is really there, then the words can become Word within the reader/listener. Given the number of times that I have seen die-hard LRC members scoff at the obvious and return with absolutely ridiculous readings of scripture, I do not presume that it is simply a matter of logic and intelligence. It still takes God. But, like the poor bankrupt guy who couldn't believe that God wouldn't let him win the lottery to pay off his bills, sometimes we have to cooperate and "buy a ticket." In this case, speak up. Put the sound arguments in front of them. Give the Spirit more than a miracle to work with.
Besides, scripture is not just some illogical thing that is only known in the "spirit." It speaks, even calls us to come together and reason. I realize that this was not a general statement about scripture, but I believe it is applicable. And Paul was not adverse to logic. Using examples and metaphors requires some level of logic to make a leap from picture to what is the intended meaning.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
People in the LRC think they are fat with "life" - but those of us who made it through know exactly what they've been eating - and they're starving. Untohim, they need to be fed. They think they've been feasting on the meat of the "high-peak gospel", but they need the pure milk of the Word. They need the REAL Gospel. They need to see Christ as He truly is, and when they do, they will listen. He will beckon His own, the real sheep will know His voice. Do you love Him, Untohim? Then feed His Sheep.
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And at least one of the BBs openly said this in my presence many years ago (that would be in the early 80s). "We've built great fences, but the sheep are starving" (or something like that). I doubt he would say that now due to the judgment that would put on him.
But suggesting that this should just be another fellowship board is not the answer. It might bring a few more out to learn that we are not as bankrupt as they have been taught. Or will it. They will find a bunch of people who have varying progressing levels of tolerance for what the LRC teaches is "poor, poor Christianity," and even the "Whore of Babylon and her harlot daughters."
No, the only ones coming out here are coming to either combat the "evil" being said against the LRC, or those who want to learn more about what is wrong with it. Just feeding them is what the LRC has supposedly been doing. Or what they can/should be getting from intentional fellowship with people that they can actually see and speak with. Life is not just fellowship and "eating Jesus." It is living a normal life. It is also a mutual life with other Christians. It is not all of either. And every time Christians are together in some form is not necessarily a "meeting" in the sense of "church." It can be for other purposes without lowering our status as believers.
There is a time to laugh. A time to cry. A time for fellowship. A time for doctrine. A time for love and worship. A time for logic and reason.
And this forum is somewhat heavily for the last of these. Meetings of the church (in whatever form) are generally not. Neither is the time for "sweet fellowship."