[countmeworthy]

Originally Posted by bearbear

Yes I'm only 31 I left a few years ago. My Dad was a full-timer in the midwest so I wasn't just a nominal member. I've been through countless trainings, conferences, summer schools-- even the "God Ordained Way" training here in California.

After I left and discovered the bible doesn't really teach free grace it was a life-shattering experience. I felt like it was becoming a Christian all over again and it was exciting.

Every passage I read in the bible finally came alive, and I understood the importance of holding on to God's promises, finally asked God to help me confront the weak areas of my life which he did and gave all of my heart to the Lord. I also saw not just spiritual fruit in my life, but my friends around me were finally believing in Jesus! And God in his love let me be a part of their story of redemption!

I also built the boldness to witness to people which I never had in the LCs. Back then the way they taught us to preach the gospel was like being a BFA salesman. But it was so freeing that I could actually just try to sell people on *Jesus* and not any church or ministry. And it was surreal because the Lord also seemed to be answering everyone of my prayers! I have some pretty crazy stories I'd like to share at later time. But I'm even in some sense *scared* of praying now because I know that God will answer it if I pray according to his will. He is really a living God!

That said isn't it important to get the basics right? I thought I was saved, but I never felt the need to deal with carnal sins like porn all my life in the LCs because they never stressed the need for repentance.

In the LCs we looked down on people like Billy Graham because we thought he was just a simple minded Christian who didn't know the higher truths.

But God wants us to get the basics right! things like mercy, love and forgiveness! and especially the cross! and repentance!

Matthew 24
23“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

Great testimony bear-bear. Are your parents & siblings still in the LC?