Jezebel -- why we should know who she is.

[Cal]

Originally Posted by Ohio

God Himself is very forgiving of these human institutions. History tells us that they have been used for great good, and unfortunately, for great evil.

Cases in point: The Bible clearly says that governments are instituted by God to keep order.

And Jesus gave the Pharisees credit for "sitting in the seat of Moses" and he told the Jews "to do what they tell you but not what they do." So Jesus knew that there would be religious leaders and that they would preach the word.

What he was saying was see the difference between the truth they teach and how they behave. In other words, as always, have a discerning conscience, don't be manipulated.

Unfortunately, allowing yourself to be manipulated is practically a membership requirement in the LCM. And manipulation is the calling card of Jezebel.

Jezebel, being a vain woman, surely expected nothing but praise from followers. LCM leaders are the same, which is why LCMers never criticize them. Thus are they manipulated by Jezebel.

In "fallen Christianity" however, members have the freedom to realize "this leader is a Jezebel" and follow their consciences and leave. The "uplifted LCM" doesn't allow this though. They empower Jezebel as much as possible, and members that leave are considered traitors to the lovely and perfect "lady."

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Igzy

In "fallen Christianity" however, members have the freedom to realize "this leader is a Jezebel" and follow their consciences and leave. The "uplifted LCM" doesn't allow this though. They empower Jezebel as much as possible, and members that leave are considered traitors to the lovely and perfect "lady."

This is a very interesting point. I imagine it wasn't always this way. Perhaps Ohio or someone who knows church history very well can explain this. What happened? We know that the Catholic church at the time of Martin Luther made it very difficult to leave, almost impossible. But was it the same for the denominations? What happened to loosen their grip?

[Cal]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

This is a very interesting point. I imagine it wasn't always this way. Perhaps Ohio or someone who knows church history very well can explain this. What happened? We know that the Catholic church at the time of Martin Luther made it very difficult to leave, almost impossible. But was it the same for the denominations? What happened to loosen their grip?

I grew up in the Catholic church 50 years ago. I remember the assumption was if your weren't Catholic you couldn't "go to heaven." I'm not sure what the official stance was, but that was a general assumption. But I think most people in their hearts knew there was someone wrong with such a idea. I had protestant friends. One time I went to my friend's Baptist church. It was strange and different, but I still felt it was valid. But in general there was more separation and less fellowship between denominations.

All that has changed. What changed? I think the Lord has just been working. Also, people are smarter and biblical knowledge has much improved. Tolerance is much more appreciated these days, and snobbery is more looked down on. both culturally and spiritually. I think it has just reached a critical mass where if you push your flavor of Christianity too much you are seen as sectarian. In short people just want Jesus Christ now, they want a theology that teaches them how to walk with God and they want a community which is loving and supportive.

The LCM, for all its superficial talk about oneness, is behind the times. This is due to several factors: (1) an intransigent ecclesiology they can't question, (2) a need to feel special and (3) a realization that if they ever admit it's okay to leave their little enclave that people will flock away in droves.

So they continue to employ the wiles of Jezebel to cajole and scare people into staying. It's the only way they can keep the numbers up.

[UntoHim]

Ok guys, I think it's time to put miss Jezebel to bed. ZNP and Evangelical, if you want, go ahead and make some closing statements.
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[ZNPaaneah]

We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices

None of us should be ignorant of Jezebel’s devices, and all of us should overcome her.

I think when we consider Jezebel we must remember Jezreel. The Lord prophesied that her body would be used as fertilizer in Jezreel. This is where Nahor’s vineyard was that she stole.

When you approach them concerning this sin they will despise you and make a mock of sin, like Witness Lee’s mockery that Daystar was when the saints lost their virginity. But Jezebel’s death, being torn apart by dogs and strewn around Jezreel shows that God was not laughing.

Jezreel is also associated with Jeroboam. When you rebel against God’s word and are disobedient you open the door for such evil and ugly rulers in the church. Jeroboams sins were similar in rebellion to Witness Lee's lawsuit and loyalty pledge. The loyalty pledge is clearly forbidden by James who says above all do not make an oath. It is similar to setting up an idol. The lawsuit was not merely rebellion but they seduced saints to pay for the legal defense fund and then went so far as to have churches support this fund out of their tithes so that those giving to the church were not even aware that they were giving for this. In this way WL seduced the Lord's servants to eat things sacrificed to idols.

Why, what did she offer? 850 prophets with heathen business practices. Think about Christmas — Christmas songs, Christmas TV shows, Christmas movies, Christmas decorations, etc. All of this helps make merchandise of the saints, eating things sacrificed to idols. Or think about the "ministry" which provides each church with a ready made "message". Video tapes, written word, trainings, conferences, and fellowship with other churches. Speakers at conferences, etc.

Jesus likened this kind of deceit to a woman hiding leaven in meal. It may appear to be hidden, but the result is that they are “puffed up” like leavened bread, and you will often have the stinky smell of moldy cheese. Doctrines like MOTA and Ground of the church act to puff people up. Lawsuits and Fraudulent schemes and lascivious men give you the stinky smell that should be a dead give away that you have Jezebel in your midst.