Brothers, what shall we do?

[leastofthese]

I've started this thread, inspired by a different discussion (their quotes below). I apologize if this already exists somewhere else on the forum or if it needs to be in a different section...

We all know that Lee and his Ministry has been (and still is) accused of many things. We know that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. To some degree, most people on this thread have broken free from the organization of LSM to more honestly pursue the God of the Bible, our Savior Jesus Christ, and His Spirit who guides us as his Children.

How do you describe LSM and the local church denomination to those outside of the church? Many have found good things, experiences, and nice people in LSM - I have heard many of these same thoughts from Mormon friends and assume I can find similar claims within Jehovah Witnesses, Muslim, Scientologists, etc. We know that feelings, experiences, and nice people is not what our Lord calls us to. We know through Scripture that there is one true God, who has revealed himself to us through His Son, Spirit, and Word. The Lord has made this clear for me and my family, but what about others?

In regards to LSM:

Should we warn others that have recently touched the church?

Should we continue to pray for deliverance for friends in the church?

Do you consider LSM and LC to be standing on solid ground?

Should we command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies?

Should we step in when we see believers led astray by hypocrisy and conduct that is not in step with the truth of the gospel?

I know that I've rambled through many questions, but I hope you are able to get the underlying theme of my questions. It is difficult for me to reconcile these thoughts. I know that many on this forum have already reflected on questions like these and would like to hear your conclusion.

Originally Posted by Freedom

I agree about the issue not being organization. For the LCM to have followed a 'pattern' that Nee warned about is more a matter of irony than anything else. As I see it, the true "fatal flaw" of the LCM (besides their ever-willingness to blindly embrace extremes) is something Nigel mentions later on in his paper, that is, the canonization of Lee. They have eliminated the ability introduce anything new, any kind of considerable change, and also make it perfectly clear that nothing can be thrown out. Additionally, only practices which WL endorsed are accepted.

So the LCM finds itself in a state lacking any ability to adapt, at a time when change is so desperately needed. How can a group reasonably expect to survive in such a state? Obviously, this is something the LCM can’t come to terms with. They blame their condition and decline on things like 'opposition'. From their point of view, they mainly rest their hopes in the notion that someday people at large will begin to discover WL's supposed 'storehouse' in the midst of the ‘famine’. In their minds, this hypothetical scenario makes up for whatever lack of success they face at present.

I find it hard to really qualify how 'beneficial' WL's ministry actually was, and I think the answer is different for everyone. There are things I thought were useful, which I later decided were toxic, and there are also things that still think were probably were helpful. Needless to say, twenty years after WL's death, given there hasn't been a substantial interest in WL’s ministry outside the LCM, I think it’s fair to say that the case is closed. Whatever true benefit there was has already been seen, and whatever it is that was in WL's 'storehouse' has definitely gone stale by now.

Originally posted by ZNPaaneah

I think this hits the nail on the head. Canonization of WL is far more serious than any error he may have made. Hence, the fatal flaw. As a result LCM is unable to adapt, no flexibility, no ability to respond, like an arthritic person. Also I think it is very interesting how little of WL's ministry has been picked up by Christians outside of LCM (unlike WN which was absorbed). This is the real proof of the "globalization". Can anyone find Christians outside of LCM going to WL for the "storehouse". I think it is safe to say no, after all he routinely condemns those outside, this is the "toxic stew" that is mixed into his ministry.

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