My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond...

TLFisher · 02-14-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeitherFirstnorLast

We aren't much with the saints in LSM anymore - and they were our family.
Please, pray for us. Pray for my son. He needs to see whom he can trust - the Lord. He needs to know he must stand as a man to answer for what he has done. Lying is no way out for him.

Please pray for us.

They still are our family, even if the scope of receiving is narrower. We as the Body of Christ are family regardless.
Amen!

UntoHim · 02-14-2011, 07:45 AM

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

NeitherFirstnorLast,

I thought of this verse when reading of your dilemma. There are many Psalms that you will find helpful in troubled times as well. David referred to God as his "rock", especially when the world around him seemed to be shaken. As for your son's situation I can give you some advise which comes from personal experience. I have a child who was seeing a professional counselor, and when the counselor contacted me, upon my child's insistence, I was not totally forthcoming with information about the situation/history. I now regret that because it just made the situation worse.

ZNPaaneah · 02-14-2011, 11:58 AM

I was troubled by this testimony. I do not have any of the details, but it seems to me that no one would counsel you to lie if this was a case of a serious felony. Second, being guilty is one thing, deciding what the proper punishment or judgement is another. I think you are in a position to help guide the judgement side as much as possible. I will share my own personal experience which may or may not be relevant, you didn't give us enough information to know.

I was called to my son's school when he was a senior in HS. He was accused of threatening a girl and the dean's made it clear that this could hold the penalty of a superintendent suspension, which in turn could threaten his scholarship which was valued at about $130,000.

Prior to going I read through the manual on how to deal with various issues among students, it is available to parents on the internet, but I am a teacher and was already familiar with it.

After the Dean's made their presentation I asked to see my son's file. This is your right accorded by the Chancellor. They responded that he didn't have a file, this was the first incident in four years. I then asked if it was common tactic at this school to make a "superintendent's suspension" the first step in disciplining a student. The manual makes it very clear that it is to be a last step. That caused them to immediately back pedal and apologize. I then asked if the girl in question had been advised of a safety transfer. (the school system transfers students who feel threatened to other schools). They were outraged over this suggestion (the girl in question was the saledictorian and graduation was in a few months, my son was the valedictorian, this was a cat fight between two prima donnas). I stood my ground, I pointed out that if anything happened they have already warned me that my son could face a suspension and that could cost me $130,000. I told them that in an event like that I would surely sue the school. My son also has the right to walk the halls and feel safe, not like he could lose $130,000 at any moment. I literally demanded that they call the parents in and advise them of the right to have their daughter get a safety transfer. This was done, and everyone agreed that it was a big deal over nothing. This girl tried to intimidate my son and was put in her place. My son was upset with me initially, but when he realized everyone is a big boy and can handle it he then came to appreciate the hard nosed approach.

NeitherFirstnorLast · 02-15-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

I was troubled by this testimony. I do not have any of the details, but it seems to me that no one would counsel you to lie if this was a case of a serious felony.

I do not understand the reasoning of the lawyer either brother - other than to say that it seems to me that lawyers typically make names for themselves by trying cases - and not by pleading them out. This is a case where a "not guilty" plea would go infinitely worse than a guilty one would; and the guilty plea is the honest one (even by his own admission).

Hope · 02-16-2011, 04:47 PM

Dear Brother in Christ, Neitherfirstnorlast,

There is surely no deeper heartbreak than when a child goes astray. You are in my prayers and as is your son and family.

For this kind of situation you need the support of believers who may be close to you. Seek them out.

Do not spend a lot of time in introspection as to what you may have done wrong. We do have an enemy. Adam and Eve had the creator God as their father and due to the work of the subtle enemy they were deceived and sinned. One aspect of your current dilemma is the need to fight the spiritual warfare and bind the devil’s work.

Another aspect of the situation which surely needs the wisdom from above is how you should react to your son. Consider the story of the prodigal son. Or we could call the passage in Luke 15 the story of the “loving father.” The father did not go to the pig sty to rescue the boy. But you can see he must have been praying for him because while the boy was still a great way off he ran to him. Here we can see many principles. The most outstanding one as regards the wayward son is that the last chapter had not been written when he left home. Believe that God has prepared good works for your son to walk in. Believe and pray according to God’s plan for him.

For the parents there is a warning in the story of David’s son Absalom. (In First Kings, there is a verse that reveals a huge flaw in David’s dealings with his children. 1 Kings 1:6a, And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? KJV )

In love and concern, I urge you not to fear displeasing your son. Absalom came very close to destroying his father and his family. Even at the end, David was overwhelmed with concern for Absalom. 2 Sam 18:33, Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus:"O my son Absalom — my son, my son Absalom — if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!" NKJV

May the Lord comfort you and give you strength and courage.

Your brother in Christ Jesus,

Hope

NeitherFirstnorLast · 02-16-2011, 10:09 PM

Amen brother, and thank you. These words I will take to heart!

NeitherFirstnorLast · 03-19-2011, 07:07 PM

This weekend, the weekend of March 19th, there is a conference being held in Calgary.

I am home alone. My wife and my children, they are at the conference - and I blessed their going - I've no issue with their attendance. For my wife, it is a time to spend with our eldest son... who travelled here with some of the others from our old locality to be here at the conference. For my younger children, it is time to spend with friends and see many of the members of the Body we have grown to love dearly over the past few years. Many asked me to come also... but I had no peace to go.

I love many of those people, and in many ways (forgive me Lord), I wish I was duller of senses. I almost wish that I could simply mindlessly follow and sing and cheer. Almost. Lord, I know You kept me open to see more... I know You love me, and them... Lord, I just pray I'm standing on the proper ground. I pray You open me further to what You would have me do, say, live. Lord, I just want to be one who is wholly for You. I need You Lord... please Lord Jesus.

Amen

NeitherFirstnorLast · 02-15-2011, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UntoHim

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

Amen, thank you brother. We spent the last few nights watching some home movies my Dad took years ago. Back when I was truly back-slidden. Lord Jesus. I love my son, I believe he knows that. I really do need to show him that love in a more tangible way.

NeitherFirstnorLast · 02-15-2011, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry

They still are our family, even if the scope of receiving is narrower. We as the Body of Christ are family regardless.
Amen!

Amen, yes they are. We should not fire with fire, and treat these saints as any less than the Children of God that we are. We would tell them this about other born again Believers who might come from a denomination - and we must say it also of them.

I am still in contact with my friends here in these churches - I had not posted that yet, but I have not been rejected! My family and I no longer meet on Lord's Day with them, as we go elsewhere to fellowship with different members of the Body - but we talk, we pray, we even had the Home Meeting with saints from the LC at our house last Friday. I will speak to them as He leads - and I have certainly told them in no uncertain terms on what ground I will stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

These Saints are watching. Some want to know more about where I stand. Some are looking for help themselves, as they are confused. Some have confessed that they feel no joy in the meetings, and they don't know why. Had I simply abandoned them, I do not believe I would have been doing them the service they deserve... nor following His will in this matter.

Lord, Your will be done.

02-14-2011, 07:45 AM	#2
UntoHim Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον For God So Loved The World Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 3,827	Re: My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond... Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) NeitherFirstnorLast, I thought of this verse when reading of your dilemma. There are many Psalms that you will find helpful in troubled times as well. David referred to God as his "rock", especially when the world around him seemed to be shaken. As for your son's situation I can give you some advise which comes from personal experience. I have a child who was seeing a professional counselor, and when the counselor contacted me, upon my child's insistence, I was not totally forthcoming with information about the situation/history. I now regret that because it just made the situation worse. __________________ αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα καὶ τὸ κράτος εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων ἀμήν - 1 Peter 5:11

02-14-2011, 11:58 AM	#3
ZNPaaneah Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 7,105	Re: My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond... I was troubled by this testimony. I do not have any of the details, but it seems to me that no one would counsel you to lie if this was a case of a serious felony. Second, being guilty is one thing, deciding what the proper punishment or judgement is another. I think you are in a position to help guide the judgement side as much as possible. I will share my own personal experience which may or may not be relevant, you didn't give us enough information to know. I was called to my son's school when he was a senior in HS. He was accused of threatening a girl and the dean's made it clear that this could hold the penalty of a superintendent suspension, which in turn could threaten his scholarship which was valued at about $130,000. Prior to going I read through the manual on how to deal with various issues among students, it is available to parents on the internet, but I am a teacher and was already familiar with it. After the Dean's made their presentation I asked to see my son's file. This is your right accorded by the Chancellor. They responded that he didn't have a file, this was the first incident in four years. I then asked if it was common tactic at this school to make a "superintendent's suspension" the first step in disciplining a student. The manual makes it very clear that it is to be a last step. That caused them to immediately back pedal and apologize. I then asked if the girl in question had been advised of a safety transfer. (the school system transfers students who feel threatened to other schools). They were outraged over this suggestion (the girl in question was the saledictorian and graduation was in a few months, my son was the valedictorian, this was a cat fight between two prima donnas). I stood my ground, I pointed out that if anything happened they have already warned me that my son could face a suspension and that could cost me $130,000. I told them that in an event like that I would surely sue the school. My son also has the right to walk the halls and feel safe, not like he could lose $130,000 at any moment. I literally demanded that they call the parents in and advise them of the right to have their daughter get a safety transfer. This was done, and everyone agreed that it was a big deal over nothing. This girl tried to intimidate my son and was put in her place. My son was upset with me initially, but when he realized everyone is a big boy and can handle it he then came to appreciate the hard nosed approach.

02-16-2011, 04:47 PM	#5
Hope Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Durham, North Carolina Posts: 313	Re: My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond... Dear Brother in Christ, Neitherfirstnorlast, There is surely no deeper heartbreak than when a child goes astray. You are in my prayers and as is your son and family. For this kind of situation you need the support of believers who may be close to you. Seek them out. Do not spend a lot of time in introspection as to what you may have done wrong. We do have an enemy. Adam and Eve had the creator God as their father and due to the work of the subtle enemy they were deceived and sinned. One aspect of your current dilemma is the need to fight the spiritual warfare and bind the devil’s work. Another aspect of the situation which surely needs the wisdom from above is how you should react to your son. Consider the story of the prodigal son. Or we could call the passage in Luke 15 the story of the “loving father.” The father did not go to the pig sty to rescue the boy. But you can see he must have been praying for him because while the boy was still a great way off he ran to him. Here we can see many principles. The most outstanding one as regards the wayward son is that the last chapter had not been written when he left home. Believe that God has prepared good works for your son to walk in. Believe and pray according to God’s plan for him. For the parents there is a warning in the story of David’s son Absalom. (In First Kings, there is a verse that reveals a huge flaw in David’s dealings with his children. 1 Kings 1:6a, And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? KJV ) In love and concern, I urge you not to fear displeasing your son. Absalom came very close to destroying his father and his family. Even at the end, David was overwhelmed with concern for Absalom. 2 Sam 18:33, Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus:"O my son Absalom — my son, my son Absalom — if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!" NKJV May the Lord comfort you and give you strength and courage. Your brother in Christ Jesus, Hope

02-16-2011, 10:09 PM	#6
NeitherFirstnorLast Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 348	Re: My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond... Amen brother, and thank you. These words I will take to heart!

03-19-2011, 07:07 PM	#7
NeitherFirstnorLast Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 348	Re: My Journey to the Local Church, and beyond... This weekend, the weekend of March 19th, there is a conference being held in Calgary. I am home alone. My wife and my children, they are at the conference - and I blessed their going - I've no issue with their attendance. For my wife, it is a time to spend with our eldest son... who travelled here with some of the others from our old locality to be here at the conference. For my younger children, it is time to spend with friends and see many of the members of the Body we have grown to love dearly over the past few years. Many asked me to come also... but I had no peace to go. I love many of those people, and in many ways (forgive me Lord), I wish I was duller of senses. I almost wish that I could simply mindlessly follow and sing and cheer. Almost. Lord, I know You kept me open to see more... I know You love me, and them... Lord, I just pray I'm standing on the proper ground. I pray You open me further to what You would have me do, say, live. Lord, I just want to be one who is wholly for You. I need You Lord... please Lord Jesus. Amen