Bill Freeman went to be with the Lord this morning

[UntoHim]

Brother Bill Freeman went to be with the Lord this morning (March 22, 2013) at 9:30 AM. Please pray for the Freeman family, that God's abundant grace, peace, and comfort would surround them in this difficult hour.

[Indiana]

Thank you, I can hardly believe your word. I wished I could have spent time with him (in the last few years, at least, if not days).

I have to say, he meant a lot to me in Jan. 1971 till Aug '72, before I migrated to Indianapolis. I have not seen anyone since who remotely compared to his ministry on the subjective experience of Christ, and following the Lord INWARDLY.

He deferred to brother Lee in overall ministry of the word....but, he should have been deferred to also...in applying Christ as our inner life for the church life.

We have an inner life; that’s for our daily life;
That’s for the meeting life—just Christ!
We’ll live the inner life; we’ll have the daily life;
We’ll see the meeting life—that’s just the church.

Christ is our inner life; He’s in our spirit now;
Not far away from us—He’s right inside!
And as we turn to Him and take Him as our all
He will become in us our inner life.

Out from our inner life will come our daily life,
And all our living be filled up with Christ.
Then as we live by Him, He lives His life in us,
And He becomes to us our daily life.

The real experience of Christ in daily life,
Will fill the meeting life with Christ Himself.
Not empty forms and such, but Christ will be so much;
And we will see Him here as the meeting life.

Without the inner life there is no daily life,
There is no meeting life, there is no church!
Christ as our inner life, Christ in our daily life
Will make the meeting life new and glorious!

This spiritual song written by a brother under Bill's ministry for many years.


Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/1216#ixzz2OPG9vfVE

Steve Isitt

On Friday March 22 2013 at 9:30 a wonderful brother in the Lord passed away. His name was Bill Freeman. There has been a lot said about this man over his long and rich life. I was there with him and his family for 6 years. He had an incredible ministry and what I learned most from him was how to make Christ the center of everything I do! He also taught me to live and study the word in a experiential way. I was in my twenties. I am now in my forties and what he taught me has shaped me into the man of God I am today.

For those who read this and know Bill and his wife Patsy. I will say this because of the controversy that surrounded them. This is the first I have spoken out publicly and shall do so from now on. After a meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. I was sitting behind Bill. He turned around and he said one of the most profound statements I have ever heard a preacher say. He said, "Chris, all this wonderful expression of this body of believers only works when they are focused on their personal, intimate, relationship with Jesus Himself through the Holy Spirit. If we lose focus of that, things will ultimately fall apart. And Chris, That is as it should be! "

Lord thank You for my brother Bill. You are with the Lord that consumed your whole life and passion. And to those who take offense and issue with the man, his wife and his followers I would say this to you now and then: Is Jesus the primary focus of your morning, afternoon and evening. If it is not. Things are bad in your life. Then it is as it should be. After all, in the end it is still all about Christ!

Chris Renner

[Ohio]

Chris, there is no doubt that brother Bill Freeman was a gifted teacher of the Bible.

But how do you respond to numerous complaints from so many saints that Bill lived like a king, with all the young ones attending to his every need, and worse, how his wife manipulated and structured the lives of many young ones around her?

The apostle Paul was our pattern of a true shepherd. He not only ministered the riches of Christ, but emphasized how he labored among the children of God as a true servant.

[TLFisher]

I've never met Bill Freeman nor seen him speak. I can only relate to these messages I've listened to at http://www.centuryofself.com/.
One is titled Inward and Outward Christians and the other Need for Transparent Relationships.

[Indiana]

Dad
you came into this world, on August 28th, 1937 first a son, of loving parents, Nani and Pop. You played the clarinet, sports, tap danced, imitated Al Jolson, and sang, sang, sang. You were Nani’s sunshine boy, Pops love, and a brother to Barbara.

You spit in the Virgin Mary’s eye to clean it. You took your catechism out of your pocket and handed it to a boy you beat up, so you wouldn’t have Jesus in your pocket. I cherish these stories... and many more.

Then your childlike faith reading Edgarmeyers Children's Bible Story Book ..and those faith filled words..down on your knees, “if you are real”... You met the Lord and He became the one that turned the grass greener and the sky bluer for you. Remember?

You were a husband at a very young age, you had multiple jobs and you quickly became a father ... I can’t imagine. You were the one that named me Jenee. What great logic. It rhymes. I love you for that dad. Thank you for naming me Jenee.

At San Bernardino College you laid on the grass with your knee injury and told the Lord, “I don’t belong here.”

...and thus would start the legacy you have formed through the years. One of the most industrious men I have ever known. The Word of God was your world. You were not lazy. You took it by storm, with calling. That finger landing on that verse.. I Cor 7:22: For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

As your daughter..my first memory of standing across your desk is in Yorba Linda on Plamosa Drive and I had just cut my own hair at 3 years old...... I remember you looking at me. You said stern things to me, but I remember I didn’t feel afraid of you. I knew you loved me.

You also loved technology....the 8 mm video camera..and we children the subjects of your new found toy. I’m glad we have some footage of our young years. Thank you for that dad.

You taught me not to take candy from strangers and tested me on Bastanchury Road when I got off the school bus from Mabel Paine Elementary one day. Speaking of candy, you sure liked candy and always seemed to have some around. Oh, how we all know about your candy and Pralines and Cream. Abba Zabba bars too...

I remember you speaking in tongues in front of the mirror as you were getting dressed in Yorba Linda and I, just standing there, looking up listening to you. I knew you were talking with God.

At 4 1/2 years old on May 4th, 1965 I asked Jesus into my heart...and I remember it like yesterday. I knew I had the Jesus that made you so happy. We had the same Jesus.

But it would be the calling on your life...that would impact me for eternity. The Word of God. You took the hiatus from man to God and filled it with His Word. You pointed out the facts of Gods Word. Told us of who Christ is, and how to apply Gods Word in our daily life. The rigorous church life schedule...meetings continually, conferences, left not a lot of choice really, but to hear the Word.

You loved to lecture about principles to we children. Everything was “it’s the principle of the matter”. We loved to tease you about this. You always had a principle. How proud I was when you came to the Yorba Linda church school and taught the sessions of Keys to the Kingdom... to this day I can recall the definitions: Neatness: a place for everything and everything in its place. Still have the booklet.

You embraced matters of the Lord passionately. Who would forget the move to Seattle...singing.. “our family started out right here, but now we are migrating...to Seattle, Washington, to Seattle, Washington”... with everyone on board. As a child, I just knew we were for the Lord. Simple, childlike understanding. Dad was taking ground by storm. That was for sure.

So.... I had to share you. All of your children shared you. As a child, the nobleness of your call, kept me tender and understanding. We kids shared you with the world, seeking people across the world and nation. Airports and planes may have had more time with you than I. When you came home, I still shared you: always a need to attend to in the church. Meetings, bible studies, a burden you had to get out, which took you to your office, and countless rescues to be made...all part of your calling.

In many ways you were an absent father, but you brought to us brothers and sisters in the Lord all over the world that loved Jesus. Our home filled many times with people that shared the love of God and His Word.

Thanks for stopping and buying postcards and from Australia, the Kuala bear. I kept that into my 40’s.

Life happens. Every road and curve taken... then more life happens, shifts in life and matters... yet you wouldn’t let it alter your foundation. Thank you for letting me in on your humanness dad. Thank you for letting me see you cry and be sad. God made you human dad. God did. That is what is so beautiful to me. Yet, with every human thing, we had an understanding...that our life must be defaulted through the truths in the Word of God. You reminded me of that so many times. There is vision. There is purpose. There is the unseen. There is reason to live, the interpretation of life.

Your sense of humor too... the giggling with me or at Jon...or yourself. I remember you telling us jokes and you would howl at yourself in laughter. THAT, always made me laugh. We loved to tell you Tertullian was on the phone, or Luther...(yes, that would be Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus an early Chrisitian author from Carthage).

How bout your infectious..”deekee doo’s” to every baby that ever had the privilege of meeting you...

You married and buried more people... all part of that calling.

The way you took care of Nani till she passed. For a while there, it seemed like you and I were always going to funerals for your family. When it came to your own mom though, and how you buried her with such love, what a son. It was you wanting to keep her bathrobe...that was precious to me... it showed how this preacher man dad, was indeed, the same as I ...full of human feeling. Thank you for being such a sweet son.

I’m happy for the times I was able to help you. I wouldn’t have had it another way. I wish I could have done more. I know you know that.

Dad, in these last months before you were taken, the way you would call and ask me about things.. reminding me to have you for breakfast.

Your calls to me before Trish’s wedding, opening your whole being to me...unsolicited. You knew you could. Thank you for coming to her wedding, Trish thanks you ... I know that made you happy too.

You mattered to me dad, my whole life. Your greatest gift..was directing me to the Word.

If I ever get two dogs, I will name them Greek and Hebrew.

On March 22, 2013 God saw it fit, to take you into his arms a little closer...

With a sigh that you are now in the most loving place of all... I’ll let you sing with saints that have gone before...I will share you again.

Your last breaths were felt by me, sitting at the doctors, with repeats of KING JESUS, KING JESUS resounding in my depths. You were going to that unequaled place, called HEAVEN.

Rest in sweet peace my daddy, rest in peace.
I will always love you forever.

Jenee [Jennifer] one of Bill's five children

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Indiana

Your last breaths were felt by me, sitting at the doctors, with repeats of KING JESUS, KING JESUS resounding in my depths. You were going to that unequaled place, called HEAVEN.

Rest in sweet peace my daddy, rest in peace.
I will always love you forever.

Jenee [Jennifer] one of Bill's five children

Okay, I need a kleenex.

Nothing sweeter than a child's love for her parent.

Thanks for posting that, Indiana.

[UntoHim]

Bill Freeman was involved in the earlier translation of the New Testament. It is my understanding that Bill refused to let Witness Lee have influence over the actual translation from Greek to English. He felt Lee was totally unqualified, having absolutely no formal training in biblical Greek. Of course he was correct in this, but Freeman forgot the LC rule that "even if he is wrong, Lee is always right!" This challenge to Lee's supremacy in all things no doubt put brother Bill on the outs with the acting god, and he never found himself having significant influence in the movement as a whole. (although he did enjoy a certain amount of ministerial freedom in the North West, until Lee eventually put the kibosh on that as well).

I had a little contact with Bill during the 70s when he came to So.Cal for a while and did some work on the college campuses. He did impress me as a true man of God, and specifically as a true minister of the Word. Too bad there is little to no room in the LC Movement for such men as Bill Freeman. Anybody or any thing that takes the spotlight (no matter how slightly) away from the person and work of Witness Lee soon finds themselves rejected, and eventually shunned and/or "quarantined".

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

Bill Freeman was involved in the earlier translation of the New Testament. It is my understanding that Bill refused to let Witness Lee have influence over the actual translation from Greek to English. He felt Lee was totally unqualified, having absolutely no formal training in biblical Greek.

Too bad there is little to no room in the LC Movement for such men as Bill Freeman. Anybody or any thing that takes the spotlight (no matter how slightly) away from the person and work of Witness Lee soon finds themselves rejected, and eventually shunned and/or "quarantined".

Bill Freeman published a monthly paper called "The Christian," which was very popular in the GLA. Cleveland also had a paper called "The Harvest," edited by Chuck Debelek, which also was fruitful. Both of these publications were endorsed by Witness Lee during the lawsuit era of the late 70's - early 80's. Texas also had a publication. Jim Reetzke in Chicago also had a periodical called the "FirstFruits."

The so-called "New Way," which began in early 1985 brought an inrush of hyper-Leeism as lower lever lackeys sought to undermine leadership positions throughout the Recovery. Rising to prominence behind the scenes was the profligate Phillip, who emerged as Daddy Lee's "most trusted co-worker."

During that infamous elders' training suddenly and urgently called in February 1986, each of these beneficial regional publications was attacked as being a hindrance to "God's Move" under His new "Commander-in-Chief" Witness Lee, the consummate MOTA, and then-current "acting god." The scriptural basis for Lee's actions was the supposed failures of Apollos and Barnabas for not working under the direct leadership of Paul, the original MOTA. (But not the first pope, since that "honor" was Peter's.)

That was the last we saw of brother Bill Freeman. The writing was "on the wall" as they say, in those big training banners we used to memorize for test time. Every single publication was shut down immediately. Every single local or regional work was halted. After 400+ leaders signed an affidavit of loyalty, each entered a holding pattern waiting for their next instruction from headquarters. Most leaders stayed under subjection, but not Bill Freeman. He was the Lord's "Freeman."

[countmeworthy]

Shalom everyone,
It is a sweet blessing to read some uplifting accounts on a man of God who served the LORD, our GOD, in Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit working in him.

His ministry was a rollercoaster ride no doubt, filled with tests, trials, tribulations. I am certain he served and honored our God as much as was in him in spite of the good, the bad, the ugly.

We all go through growing pains. He made some bad decisions and choices as we all do from time to time.

One fact we know with certainty. He was/is washed, cleansed, covered and sanctified by the Blood of the Lamb. That is all that is needed for our names to be written in the Lamb's book of Life.

We are called good and faithful servants for being faithful in a FEW things. It is not MANY things! Bill was faithful to his calling in Christ in as much Grace and Anointing was bestowed on him.

We know he is rejoicing in Christ Jesus together with all the saints in heaven to the Glory and Praise of our King and Lord Almighty God.

Thanks for the heart felt posts.

Blessings all,

Carol Garza

[TLFisher]

Bill Freeman's memorial service was this past Saturday, April 20. My post is not about who attended and who did not attend, but a trend I have begun noticing since 2006 when Ransford Ackah passed away suddenly.
A current LC co-worker passes=great sadness
A former LC co-worker passes=indifference

I am saddened when each these serving brothers have passed on. Each in their own testimony we have been touched and influenced in one manner or another.

[AndrewUK]

Dear saints,

I am new to this site so I hope you will forgive me for posting this here.

I am looking for a few books by the late Bill Freeman; The Church is Christ, The Supplied Life, and Spending Time with the Lord.

I have search most online book stores without success, is there anyone who may be able to help me find these books please?

by His grace

Andrew

[Ohio]

Amazon appears to have some of these.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by AndrewUK

I am looking for a few books by the late Bill Freeman; The Church is Christ, The Supplied Life, and Spending Time with the Lord.

We still have some of these laying around in Scottsdale. Not sure the best way to get them to you . . . (BTW - I read The Supplied Life devotional each morning - really good. Just completed The Church is Christ.)

[Sons to Glory!]

Just to update the latest about Bill Freeman's books. We had some still in storage and most titles are $3 each. The Supplied Life Daily Devotional is $12. Let me know via private message if you want any of these, and I'll make arrangements to get them to you.

And when these are gone, that's probably it for getting your hands on (easily at least) most of these titles.

[Indiana]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

We still have some of these laying around in Scottsdale. Not sure the best way to get them to you . . . (BTW - I read The Supplied Life devotional each morning - really good. Just completed The Church is Christ.)

I read The Supplied Life also almost daily. It is excellent for help in seeking Christ as life.

[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by AndrewUK

Dear saints,
I am new to this site so I hope you will forgive me for posting this here.
I am looking for a few books by the late Bill Freeman; The Church is Christ, The Supplied Life, and Spending Time with the Lord.
I have search most online book stores without success, is there anyone who may be able to help me find these books please?
by His grace
Andrew

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

Just to update the latest about Bill Freeman's books. We had some still in storage and most titles are $3 each. The Supplied Life Daily Devotional is $12. Let me know via private message if you want any of these, and I'll make arrangements to get them to you.

AndrewUK, it looks like you're in luck! If you PM Sons to Glory! I'm sure he can hook you up with some Freeman goodies!
-

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

AndrewUK, it looks like you're in luck! If you PM Sons to Glory! I'm sure he can hook you up with some Freeman goodies!
-

Yes - already handled!

I remember Bill Freeman but I remember Jenee, Renee and Billy better. We are all around the same age. Growing up at the same times. Going to the local church school in Yorba Linda. I remember those days lots of fun. The Freeman house had a ginormous avocado tree and I believe it was the oldest in California at the time. I'm sure they cut that down now. The only good memories are the ones with the people outside of the religious push. Other than that Freeman was a decent human being and did the best he could with what he had. I don't fault Him for any of the local church ideals. It just brings peace to me that knowing that others have figured it out finally.

[aron]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The only good memories are the ones with the people outside of the religious push. Other than that Freeman was a decent human being and did the best he could with what he had. I don't fault Him for any of the local church ideals. It just brings peace to me that knowing that others have figured it out finally.

Nice kind of quote of closure.

Originally Posted by Unregistered.8.4.2020

Other than that Freeman was a decent human being and did the best he could with what he had. I don't fault Him for any of the local church ideals. It just brings peace to me that knowing that others have figured it out finally.

I owe a great debt to Bill Freeman. In the year before he died, My father was in a meeting in Seattle. He had been a Christian for many decades but had never heard ‘justification by faith’ the way Bill shared it that night - my dad’s face was glowing!

Some years later Bill was sharing on our co-death with Christ. I asked him if he meant that I was as dead as my dear father, then several years in the grave. He assured me I caught a glimpse of life in the spirit and being freed from the old man! Many things he shared with us on those wonderful Friday nights were life-changing.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I owe a great debt to Bill Freeman. In the year before he died, My father was in a meeting in Seattle. He had been a Christian for many decades but had never heard ‘justification by faith’ the way Bill shared it that night - my dad’s face was glowing!

Some years later Bill was sharing on our co-death with Christ. I asked him if he meant that I was as dead as my dear father, then several years in the grave. He assured me I caught a glimpse of life in the spirit and being freed from the old man! Many things he shared with us on those wonderful Friday nights were life-changing.

Thanks for sharing that! Though I heard him speak in person a few times and through the radio program, I didn't really know Bill personally (as many here in Scottsdale did). However, these days I'm inspired by various of his writings. Lately, the Lord has been impressing on me the matter of the cross and giving up this perceived "right to myself" (got that from Oswald Chambers).

This morning I read the following in The Supplied Life by Bill Freeman.

“It is God who operates in you.” (Phil 2:23) Let God operate. You cannot do anything. You simply empty . . . Though you cannot change yourself and you cannot reproduce resurrection life, you can let God operate by emptying out your own energy and self and then obeying. Just go along with whatever He is saying, whatever He is doing. In our emptying and our obeying, God is operating. The cross is operating . . . to reproduce Christ in our being until we are completely conformed to His image.