What is true?

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by HERn

Hello StG, do you know or fellowship with anybody in OKC?

Is that Oklahoma City? If so, there are a few in that area (and/or Tulsa I think) that fellowship occasionally with us in Scottsdale. Why? Are you interested in getting some contact info?

[HERn]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

Is that Oklahoma City? If so, there are a few in that area (and/or Tulsa I think) that fellowship occasionally with us in Scottsdale. Why? Are you interested in getting some contact info?

Yes, I have a close relative there that I'm trying to help leave the LC and see that you can still have the church life without LSM and excess adoration of Lee and Nee. I'm interested in how your church is managing. Do you read books by other authors than Lee? Can you give me an example of some books you have read?

I think I just hijacked this thread, maybe UntoHim can move it to a new thread? Sorry!

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by HERn

Yes, I have a close relative there that I'm trying to help leave the LC and see that you can still have the church life without LSM and excess adoration of Lee and Nee. I'm interested in how your church is managing. Do you read books by other authors than Lee? Can you give me an example of some books you have read?

I think I just hijacked this thread, maybe UntoHim can move it to a new thread? Sorry!

Books I've read? Let's see, for morning meditation I get into these:
>Daily Light, Bagster/Lotz
>Daily Open Windows, T. Austin Sparks
>The Supplied Life, Bill Freeman

I'm currently reading Life Together, by Dietrich Bonhoffer. Just finished What is Man, by Sparks. A number of us are reading both these books (Sparks & Bonhoffer seem to be popular among several here right now), and many use one or more of the above daily devotionals.

Authors being read among us varies widely, and there is no "suggested reading list." If someone gets touched by the Lord through a particular writing, then they will likely share it with others, or maybe be inspired to read some of it in one of the gatherings. Nee is brought up from time to time. Very rarely, something by WL might be mentioned (although it is usually from one brother).

I am constantly thankful for the freedom that is here! In 20 years, I have never experienced the kind of overt (or even covert) authority that is common in the LC! No, it's certainly not perfect here (but then again, it is - if you know what I mean)! Our boast is in Him!!!

Does that help?

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Sons to Glory!

I am constantly thankful for the freedom that is here! In 20 years, I have never experienced the kind of overt (or even covert) authority that is common in the LC! No, it's certainly not perfect here (but then again, it is - if you know what I mean)! Our boast is in Him!!!

Thanks STG!

There are a number of churches scattered across the country that were started by ex-LCers. Their goal was to take everything good from their time in the LC, and discard all the leaven.

Contrary to the continued curses from the LSM podium, all of these churches seem to be the healthiest places to meet and grow.

[kappagamma]

Originally Posted by Ohio

Thanks STG!

There are a number of churches scattered across the country that were started by ex-LCers. Their goal was to take everything good from their time in the LC, and discard all the leaven.

Contrary to the continued curses from the LSM podium, all of these churches seem to be the healthiest places to meet and grow.

Do you have specific examples? Knowing about these (i.e. location/name) could be helpful for many.

[Sons to Glory!]

Originally Posted by kappagamma

Do you have specific examples? Knowing about these (i.e. location/name) could be helpful for many.

Good question! I'll provide a few I know, but it will be interesting to hear from Ohio and others!

Scottsdale (where I am) https://www.scottsdalechurch.org/
Moses Lake, WA http://www.thechurchinmoseslake.org/
North Carolina (Raleigh I think, but could be wrong - maybe Durham?)
Southern Cal - Westminster (right?)

As far as the names, we're just "Scottsdale Church." Not sure about the others.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by kappagamma

Do you have specific examples? Knowing about these (i.e. location/name) could be helpful for many.

Grandview Christian Assembly near Columbus, OH. (John Myer)

The Church in Toronto, ON, CA (Nigel Tomes)

Near Wash DC (Matt Anderson)

Durham, NC (Don Rutledge)

[stillseekingtruth]

Originally Posted by HERn

Yes, I have a close relative there that I'm trying to help leave the LC and see that you can still have the church life without LSM and excess adoration of Lee and Nee. I'm interested in how your church is managing. Do you read books by other authors than Lee? Can you give me an example of some books you have read?

I think I just hijacked this thread, maybe UntoHim can move it to a new thread? Sorry!

About 5 years ago an elder in the LR told me to go ahead and listen to Christian radio and see how 'wrong' they are. Well, I took him up on it. They're not 'wrong.' Either way, I listented to Alistair Begg and John MacArthur. MacArthur has a lot of books out. The Gospel According to Jesus. The Gospel Accoding to God. (Notice there isn't the Gospel According to Witness Lee?) I just got stung with a thought "Now I'm going to hell for speaking against WL." Ok, reject that thought. Anyway, I don't know if they're still in the LR if they will be open to listen or read anything or anyone other than those approved by WL.

I got about halfway through The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life by Charles Spurgeon. I read it with my WL "glasses" on but it is very clear and very good. Hope that helps a bit.

There is also an app called Sermon Audio that has a ton of Christian preachers. First, they have to be willing to step out of their comfort zone and fear and be willing to listen to someone other than WL and his approved list.

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by stillseekingtruth

I got about halfway through The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life by Charles Spurgeon. I read it with my WL "glasses" on but it is very clear and very good. Hope that helps a bit.

I have not read a whole lot by Charles Spurgeon, but I do know that he was constantly condemned by Darby and the Exclusives much the same way that that Lee and the Blendeds condemn Christianity.

As a result, many of his messages exposed the deceptions of the Exclusive Brethren, and thus are still helpful for ex-LCers today.

[Sons to Glory!]

My comments in blue:

Originally Posted by stillseekingtruth

About 5 years ago an elder in the LR told me to go ahead and listen to Christian radio and see how 'wrong' they are. That's almost unbelievable - how elite can one get and still breath!?Well, I took him up on it. They're not 'wrong.' Either way, I listented to Alistair Begg and John MacArthur. MacArthur has a lot of books out. The Gospel According to Jesus. The Gospel Accoding to God. (Notice there isn't the Gospel According to Witness Lee?) I just got stung with a thought "Now I'm going to hell for speaking against WL." Ok, reject that thought. Yes, bro - a lie from the pit! Perfect love casts out all fear! Anyway, I don't know if they're still in the LR if they will be open to listen or read anything or anyone other than those approved by WL.

I got about halfway through The Power of Prayer in a Believer's Life by Charles Spurgeon. I read it with my WL "glasses" on but it is very clear and very good. Hope that helps a bit.

There is also an app called Sermon Audio that has a ton of Christian preachers. First, they have to be willing to step out of their comfort zone and fear and be willing to listen to someone other than WL and his approved list. I can't believe that I too swallowed that TOTAL LIE!
The Lord delivered me from that lie of fear over 20 years ago, and I can't tell you how rich I find the writings and speakings of those who are in no way associated with LSM!

The only thing I will say that there is not so much "out there" regarding the cross and the building of the church, and to some degree the indwelling Christ/and experiencing Him. But if you seek and dig, you will find many others who speak about these in a wonderful way!