How I got here, and what is this place?

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by aron

If Paul's mysticism superseded that of Jesus Christ I would object. Witness Lee, by forcing the contents of his visions on others, showed that he was a fake. A fraud.

There are lots of Christian mystics out there. Not all of them are from God. Beware.

Aron, I'd argue that a Christian practicing mysticism isn't being Christian at all, or at the very least that their beliefs influenced by mysticism are not from God.

[aron]

Originally Posted by Jo S

Aron, I'd argue that a Christian practicing mysticism isn't being Christian at all, or at the very least that their beliefs influenced by mysticism are not from God.

Jo S, I hear the Shepherd's voice when I read scripture. It is very inviting. It truly draws me.

I have no problem with a "personal touch" from the Lord. But if that produces bad fruit, you have been deceived. Judging others, calling scripture "fallen", lifting oneself above one's peers, I could go on and on. And they gather in homes and hold up this man's books, and read from them, as if somehow the contents impart some "secret sauce" into their lives.

Witness Lee isn't the only "prophet turned profit", either. As such it's probably instructional, in considering his case and the captive churches under his thrall. At least, folks should be warned.

[Jo S]

Originally Posted by aron

Jo S, I hear the Shepherd's voice when I read scripture. It is very inviting. It truly draws me.

I have no problem with a "personal touch" from the Lord. But if that produces bad fruit, you have been deceived. Judging others, calling scripture "fallen", lifting oneself above one's peers, I could go on and on. And they gather in homes and hold up this man's books, and read from them, as if somehow the contents impart some "secret sauce" into their lives.

Witness Lee isn't the only "prophet turned profit", either. As such it's probably instructional, in considering his case and the captive churches under his thrall. At least, folks should be warned.

I was referring to the practice of getting yourself into a state of some sort in order to hear his voice. Mysticism is more or less imposing your own will on the "lord" and forcing him to speak to you. When the Lord wants to speak to you, he will. And when he does, you'll know it.

If you need to work to get into his presence then you're getting into something else altogether. Those that have his Holy Spirit don't need to practice to hear his voice. Faith and trust in him is sufficient.