Quote:
Jo S: "I've personally witnessed the strong subculture of deception and psychological manipulation that exists within the LC. It really seems to cultivate a deep mistrust in it's members. I believe that can ultimately carry over to one's faith. Judging from my personal experience and other people's testimonies here, that looks to be an accurate assessment.
I have no doubt the Lord can work through places like the Local Churches but I feel the environment within the LC limits believers to truly opening up and submitting their hearts to his plans and purpose.
I understand how sensitive a situation I am in and I know what it'll potentially cost someone to come to the truth of the LC but I do feel for those caught in the lies of this church.
Now that I've become a bit less involved in the meetings, many have become cold and distant toward me. There are some suspicious of me, well, probably because I don't conform like the rest of the group and it makes me stand out I suppose. I'm no stranger to spiritual warfare but man the juju from this place is strong.
I'm at a point now where I'd like to maintain fellowship with a few believers there but I no longer feel like it's a possibility outside the confines of their church.
I'd appreciate any advice on what approach to take. Whether it's being more candid and straight forward with my friends or step away completely and letting the Lord take over. Seeds were planted, I hope, but I'm afraid no matter whether I cut off from them or speak my mind without reserve I'll end up offending.
Ultimately, I would like to ask for prayer and I will do my best to allow the Holy Spirit to give me the wisdom and guidance that I need. "
|
I'll pray for you.
My advice would be to keep paying attention to the warning signs you mentioned and don't do anything different than you already are.
At some point you will be shunned if you don't mindlessly follow "the program". So, keep on thinking, reading the Bible, praying for guidance, and asking hard questions. Test all things, keep the good.
Huss, Wycliff, and Martin Luther were attacked by the Roman Catholic church for doing just that and TLR is turning out to be an awful lot like that
Though, not murdering, or raising armies to physical war, thank God. Just deafening silence if something other than Titus Chu is part of your testimony (LSM in other parts of the country), leading brothers to "give you the help" afterward, and if that doesn't do it, public shaming, shunning, kicking out, lawsuits... its a different era.
Might be the Lord is telling you to "Come out of her my child... so you don't share in her judgement"?