Quote:
Originally Posted by Drake
I do like the Spiritual Man. However, your post reminded me of the warning the author issued with it.
“The reader of this book should also be careful that he does not take the knowledge he has acquired from this book as a tool for criticizing others. ...
Drake
|
Drake, great point. I also pulled in an extract of your post from the other thread because I think it is logical to consolidate my viewpoint here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Drake
...
The vision that governs me is not Brother Lee’s vision or any elder’s vision. It is the vision imparted to me by the Holy Spirit.
...
This vision carried me through turbulence in the church life not unlike that found in the Corinthian church. Outwardly, it a mess, nevertheless, the vision speaks it is still the church of God in Corinth. All in Asia forsook Paul yet Paul was faithful to the heavenly vision.
...
And just to calm any angst about what I mean, I condemn and have condemned the actions of Philip Lee and have stated that someone should have called the cops but he does not define what LSM is or their total contribution to the work of ministry. Still, even if a LSM were to publish Harry Potter books it does not affect the vision that guides me because I did not receive it from LSM.
...
|
I absolutely agree the criteria are for self reflection rather than for criticizing others. I did not make any conclusion that your vision is delusion (frankly though, I suspect it is) . No one else except yourself can discern whether it is true vision. But it doesn't mean you cannot use some external references to help.
I offered the web site link as kind of checklist for self-assessment applicable to all believers who think they have received a vision from God. From your response probably you don't think it is necessary. So for the time being, let's say your vision is true.
I like your analogy of the Corinthian church. How do you see your position in the LC when comparing with the Corinthian church? Are you one of the members in the church who tolerated or even covered up the unrighteousness or Paul who directly pointed out what was wrong?
What did Jesus do when he saw the Holy Temple became a den of robbers? Did He say it is still God's Temple and forgive them 70x7?
When you say you condemned the actions of Philip Lee, did you step up to fellowship with Lee or other elders? If yes, what was the outcome?
I asked you months ago when you first shared your vision in this forum. Now I ask again. How much closer is the LC now to the vision you received 40 years ago?
Jesus told us long ago where true worship should be in. But we keep building up new temples as if they were something worthy to be kept at all cost. History told us God destroyed the first and second temple, no matter how grand or precious they were.
Back to the vision/delusion topic, I believe the greater the vision one receives, the greater caution one should take. The fine line between faith and pride can be crossed so easily especially for people with leadership position in the church. Even Paul can sometimes sound proud in his letters. I am not saying he was, but not anybody can be Paul.
Fortunately I am just a little brother. I don't have the grand vision to change the nations or the church. I just speak truthfully what I believe. If incidentally, it can turn one person slightly closer to God, it would already be a great achievement for me. Could I be deluded as well? Definitely! I have to check from time to time.