Hello Finding Freedom!
Thank you for posting, and do not fear!! Romans 8:1 says "
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus", and no man or woman can condemn you for leaving a particular fellowship. Christ knows who are His; and if you are persecuted for your faith in Him, then know that you are blessed. In Matthew 5:11 Jesus Christ the Lord says "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Finding Freedom
I do not have any written evidence of this belief that leaving "the church life" will bring about severely negative consequences to one's life but I am familiar with the concept that one's life will fall apart once you leave. I did not record these statements however but they made an impact on me personally. Over and over again I have been told my life is going to go downhill if I leave the fellowship. Over the past several weeks, I have quietly told people I am leaving and have been repeatedly told that I am leaving God's Will and Satan is attacking me and I will no longer know truth, etc. I have been asked if my lifestyle is changing or whether I was ever really a believer. It has been being told more psychologically related consequences rather than something like being killed physically, more like being told I am going to die spiritually.
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I am
so sorry you are being subjected to this, and finding us here, you now know
you are not alone. Perhaps these people who've said these things to you believe them, but that doesn't excuse them. If they knew the Word of God, they would not be so quick to condemn you. Mormons say the same thing to those who try to leave their group. They have even published such things online, IE: "
When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view." This is a cultist trick. Don't believe it.
Get in the Word, stay in the Word, and speak the Truth to these people in love as well. You might leave alone right now, but your testimony may well encourage others to seek the truth you share. Pray, and know that we will pray with you. Jesus Christ is Lord, let Him be Lord over you and your life; not any man.
Yours in Christ,
Ray