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Post by as i c it thanks on Apr 22, 2006 5:08:58 GMT -5
Today has been a sad day for me. Spiderman (and his wife) announced that they are no longer part of our church. Some may have considered him (them) as "enemies" of our church...seeking to bring about its demise--but...I saw him as a true friend--willing to contend FOR the faith--and FOR our church--and for the salvation of his (their) own souls.
The troubles within our church in the last few years may be seen by some as "a judgment": but, in my case, it became "a testing": with every time I went to read the Bible, the question coming up, who (or what) did I love more? Christ? or something? or someone? else? With my soul on the line, I ended up here--contending--FOR "the truth" within our church.
I've been through a number of emotions: and I've been ...a number of things...(among them, judgmental): some of the things I've said may have been wrong. And others, may have been right. But...there's (at least) three reasons why I'm glad I ended up here.
1) I did what I had to do: and choose Christ (and "Truth") as my "first" love 2) I found out how much I loved our church: and those who were now in it: and who had once been. (I "grieved" a lot: and...to an extent...that came as a "surprise" to me) 3) And--I met Spiderman (and a number of others "friends") along this journey.
Today, I'm at peace with my choice to stay. And while I'm sad to see Spiderman (and his wife) leave our church, I know that he (they) are doing what they had to do too...in order for them to be at peace in their relationship with God.
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Post by happy on Apr 22, 2006 9:52:28 GMT -5
I'm sorry for your grief.
Why do you say this: "1) I did what I had to do: and choose Christ (and "Truth") as my "first" love"?
Jesus IS the truth. The fellowship is a gathering of like believers but is NOT the truth. There are descrepancies between Jesus and the fellowship so they cannot be called by the same name. I'm glad you are happy and if choosing to stay brings you peace, so be it.
Meeting is comfortable place with very nice people to have fellowship with. I hope you also have a place of true worship. For me, there is a big difference.
Peace with God and true joy iin my spiritual life....that is what is important to me today.
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Post by Greg Lee unplugged on Apr 22, 2006 10:08:32 GMT -5
In my opinion/conviction one cannot choose the workers' church and the truth.
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Post by both on Apr 22, 2006 10:39:41 GMT -5
In my opinion/conviction one cannot choose the workers' church and the truth. It is my opinion/conviction that you can't have one without the other!!!
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Post by Gene on Apr 22, 2006 11:10:35 GMT -5
To Spidey and Mrs. --
Is it so?
Gene
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Post by aids alert on Apr 22, 2006 13:39:41 GMT -5
AIDS
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Post by cornsilk on Apr 22, 2006 16:24:32 GMT -5
as i c it, Your information saddens my heart as well, because I love the couple you speak of. If your information is indeed, correct, (and I think Gene would know before you or me) I hope that Spidey and Mary Jane will remain our friends. cornsilk
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Post by to cornsilk on Apr 22, 2006 17:19:31 GMT -5
Why can't you keep loving them? ? Membership is required for your love? Now you hope you can be friends. How very sad. I'm sorry for you, Spiderman and Mrs. This must be so hurtful.
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Post by nitro on Apr 22, 2006 17:28:01 GMT -5
To the one who replied to cornsilk. I know what she means and it did not mean that! What she said Is just because they no longer choose to go to the Meetings she would like to extend her hand in friendship. She only wishes the best and cares deeply for those who she knows. She does not want this to drive a wedge between them and her.Am I right?
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Post by as i c it on Apr 22, 2006 18:07:37 GMT -5
Spiderman posted on" to Everything There is a Season " that he and Mrs. Spidey had left the building (as part of the response he made to a post he quoted). So...that was my source of the information...
And cornsilk, Nitro is right. I wasn't ending my ..."association" (is that the right word?) with him!!! I like him/respect him/and intend to converse with him (or against him) just as much as before! The sadness I expressed was the loss of a friend (fellow contender) for the truth, (or--new "awareness") within our church. So I was sad that he'd (taken his voice) and "departed"....
But I respect his decision. (And that of his wife's).
So--To repeat: Not the end of our friendship. Just the end of our contending for the good within the same fellowship.
Happy:
It had to do with being honest. And feeling like I had to either be silent: or else speak. The one meaning I chose to be honest (and put my relationship with Christ first): or the other meaning I chose to enjoy the fellowship: and put others first--instead of Christ.
(
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Post by as i c it on Apr 22, 2006 18:22:59 GMT -5
Sorry: I was trying to type/read/ and attend to something else---so misread a few points. And made a few comments when you were talking to someone else.....Sorry.
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Post by cornsilk on Apr 22, 2006 19:45:26 GMT -5
Thanks nitro! Yer right on the money! Glad someone here understands my poor typing skills........No wonder you're one of my favorite posters!
thanks too, as i c it.........we're definitely on the same page
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