peggysullivan
Senior Member
What is living if I can't be free? What is freedom if I can't be me?
Posts: 651
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Post by peggysullivan on Oct 14, 2023 16:08:30 GMT -5
What's on my mind today is freedom. Liberty.
I'm a believer. Always have been, I guess. Doesn't mean I have always lived like a saint. But, that's not really the whole POINT of being a believer anyway.
So, I gave myself permission to walk, run, or fly away from bondage.
The first time I was roped into bondage in the "truth" wasn't through my own doing. I was just going to the church my mom took us to. It wasn't all bad. But I was young and didn't know any better and before I knew it I was knee deep and then neck deep in bondage. After awhile, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I couldn't be "me". The "me" that I KNEW without a doubt God created and dearly loved.
I felt that the God who loved me wouldn't want me to be someone I wasn't. I felt He would want me to be myself. To be the authentic human being He created and only He could transform. So, I didn't conform, totally. Never did. And, I never really fit in and I was never really accepted by the establishment of friends and workers.
When I came of age, I went through a transformation. Away from my parents. Away from people telling me what I should do, what I should feel, who I should love, how I should dress, how I should wear my hair, who I should hang out with, how I should spend my time. I felt like a butterfly and I was free to fly away. Because, as we all know butterflies are free to fly and so, they fly away. But I didn't fly away from my core values, ever. Those were like bedrock. And, all my new friends I made on my own, well, they had those same core values.
What, you ask? Can a person who leaves the truth still live life on the right side; be good? YES, they CAN! Can a non-professing person still walk the line? YES, they CAN.
So, what's my main point here? Well, just that, you simply cannot rope the Holy Spirit. It's like trying to rope the wind, and we know that ain't possible. You cannot rope the Holy Spirit. You cannot claim that you are the only ones saved; the only true church. There's no way.
It's been a tough year for friends and workers, I suppose. Stormy? Maybe. But I'm choosing to look at it another way. There are thousands of butterflies that are free to fly and I hope they do fly. Their spirits have been in bondage all these years. If Moses were alive today maybe he would approach the many of the overseers and lead workers and plead with them, "Let my people go. Let my People go."
There's just one problem: Do the people want to go? Do they want to fly? Do they want liberty? True liberty that Christ offers. And you know what? Many of them don't. They would rather stay in bondage.
But as for me? I'm free to fly. I have flown. I have been the caterpillar and I have been the butterfly more times than I can remember. That seems to be the way life cycles. When it's time to fly it's time to fly.
Butterflies are free to fly, and so, they fly away. This is a truth. We cannot tie their spirits down, nor should we want to. Let them go.
Are YOU in bondage? Do YOU need to fly? What is stopping you? Fear? Weakness? Blindness? Broken wings? Those things can go through a metamorphosis and you can fly. Or, you can release yourself.
Some bondages we find ourselves in are set by other people and circumstances. Other bondages we place upon ourselves and we don't even realize, "Hey, I don't have to do this!"
So, take a look. Take a look at your life. Are you in bondage? If so, set yourself free. If you are a believer BELIEVE that Christ sets you free.
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Post by openingact34 on Oct 14, 2023 18:05:38 GMT -5
From: trutharchive.net/karen-weatphal-parable-of-the-canary/Parable of the Canary On our tour, we were graced by a sister worker from Germany; Karen Weatphal is her name. She had a way and manner that captivated the listeners. The children sat in front of the platform in some conventions. The one in mind had about fifty. She started her message by speaking directly to the children by the following story. “There once was a canary who sang a beautiful song. This was so because he lived in a beautiful cage. His master brought him fresh water to drink and bathe in every morning. On top of this, he was fed the finest food. His cage was placed by the window and had the best possible view. When the weather was pleasant, the window was opened and fresh, fragrant breezes refreshed him. On a certain sunny day, a stray sparrow flew up to the windowsill. He heard the song of the canary and then listened for a time. After a while he spoke and said, ‘Why are you singing so cheerfully, since you are such a poor bird?’ ‘What do you mean?’ demanded the singer. ‘You live a confined life,’ answered the sparrow. ‘Your world is so small and you have no freedom. Your cage is restricted and you can’t even try out your wings. Why, look at me for instance!’ and then the sparrow flew up to the top of the neighbor’s house. Looking down in scorn he added, ‘You surely are a poor bird.’ After such was said, he flew off without looking back. The canary watched him go and then looked at the bars on his cage. They wouldn’t move and he yearned to see a little more of the world around him. He started thinking more and more about his limited life. The more he thought, the sadder he became. Before long, he lost his song. His master brought him fresh, clean water to drink and to take a bath in the next morning, but the bright yellow canary paid no attention. Furthermore, he wouldn’t eat any of the delicious food prepared just for him. With the passing of time, his head hung down lower and lower and not one word was said. Days continued to pass and the once-happy bird became sadder and not better. He truly was a poor bird. Then one bright morning, the sparrow reappeared as suddenly as he disappeared. He stopped and looked at the canary for a while. However, the yellow bird took no notice but continued to droop his shoulders and look sad. The sparrow finally broke the silence and said, ‘What is wrong with you?’ The canary would not answer. The sparrow now spoke with contempt and slurred, ‘You are even a poorer bird then I first thought.’ He was about to say something else to insult the canary, but instead at that very moment, a cat jumped up on the windowsill and caught the sparrow. He could only cry out for a moment but there was no one to help him. Then right before the canary’s eyes, the cat dined on the sparrow for lunch. When he was finished, the cat tried to get the canary also, but the bright, gold bars on his cage wouldn’t let him through. His master then heard the commotion and chased the cruel cat away. After everything settled down and peace was restored again, the canary began to consider what had happened! His cage protected him from his enemies and the sparrow had no protection. Furthermore, he was now dead. The canary had a master who cared for his welfare and was greater than his needs. The canary looked at the bars around him. He viewed the clean water to drink and bathe in and beheld the most delicious food for him to eat. After thinking a long time, he decided he wasn’t poor anymore but rather the richest and happiest of all birds. Understanding such a great truth, he raised his most beautiful, yellow head and began to sing the most beautiful song!” Karen then looked down at the fifty pair of young wide-opened eyes looking up at her. Then she said, “Children, there will come a day when you will be a little older. You will look at the loving care of your parents in a different way than you think of it today. Your friends will say you are confined and restricted because of your mom and dad’s guidelines for your young lives. You will want to be as the sparrow and fly away as the sparrow…but remember this – every sparrow is caught by the devil. The devil will not be content until you are completely destroyed and your lives are ruined. You just try to remember when Satan says, ‘You are truly the poorest person in your school because you have no freedom, etc.,’ that he is a liar. You just keep obeying your parents and singing your song because you are the richest of all children because God is our Father and will bless us forever.” When Karen was telling this story, I looked around the meeting tent and the ones who were writing the most earnestly were the doctors and professional men. Later on, I asked a number of them what they enjoyed the most in the afternoon meeting. “Oh,” they all said, “the story of the canary and the sparrow!” Here were educated, wise men who are honored and appreciated even by worldly standards, who now had become little children in the light of this simple story. They knew the story applied most of all to them and wanted to make sure not one word was missed. To me, this was one of the best pictures of God’s handiwork.
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peggysullivan
Senior Member
What is living if I can't be free? What is freedom if I can't be me?
Posts: 651
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Post by peggysullivan on Oct 14, 2023 19:08:57 GMT -5
Little SparrowLittle sparrow, little sparrow Precious fragile little thing Little sparrow, little sparrow Flies so high and feels no pain All ye maidens, heed my warning Never trust the hearts of men They will crush you like a sparrow Leaving you to never mend They will vow to always love you Swear no love but yours will do Then they'll leave you for another Break your little heart in two Little sparrow, little sparrow Precious fragile little thing Little sparrow, little sparrow Flies so high and feels no pain If I were a little sparrow O'er these mountains I would fly I would find him, I would find him Look into his lying eyes I would flutter all around him On my little sparrow wings I would ask him, I would ask him Why he let me love in vain I am not a little sparrow I am just the broken dream Of a cold false-hearted lover And his evil cunning scheme Little sparrow, little sparrow Precious fragile little thing Little sparrow, little sparrow Flies so high and feels no pain All ye maidens fair and tender Never trust the hearts of men They will crush you like a sparrow Leaving you to never mend Little sparrow, little sparrow Oh, the sorrow never ends Songwriters: Dolly Parton
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pRXSIfTmQI
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Post by maryhig on Oct 15, 2023 3:22:46 GMT -5
From: trutharchive.net/karen-weatphal-parable-of-the-canary/Parable of the Canary On our tour, we were graced by a sister worker from Germany; Karen Weatphal is her name. She had a way and manner that captivated the listeners. The children sat in front of the platform in some conventions. The one in mind had about fifty. She started her message by speaking directly to the children by the following story. “There once was a canary who sang a beautiful song. This was so because he lived in a beautiful cage. His master brought him fresh water to drink and bathe in every morning. On top of this, he was fed the finest food. His cage was placed by the window and had the best possible view. When the weather was pleasant, the window was opened and fresh, fragrant breezes refreshed him. On a certain sunny day, a stray sparrow flew up to the windowsill. He heard the song of the canary and then listened for a time. After a while he spoke and said, ‘Why are you singing so cheerfully, since you are such a poor bird?’ ‘What do you mean?’ demanded the singer. ‘You live a confined life,’ answered the sparrow. ‘Your world is so small and you have no freedom. Your cage is restricted and you can’t even try out your wings. Why, look at me for instance!’ and then the sparrow flew up to the top of the neighbor’s house. Looking down in scorn he added, ‘You surely are a poor bird.’ After such was said, he flew off without looking back. The canary watched him go and then looked at the bars on his cage. They wouldn’t move and he yearned to see a little more of the world around him. He started thinking more and more about his limited life. The more he thought, the sadder he became. Before long, he lost his song. His master brought him fresh, clean water to drink and to take a bath in the next morning, but the bright yellow canary paid no attention. Furthermore, he wouldn’t eat any of the delicious food prepared just for him. With the passing of time, his head hung down lower and lower and not one word was said. Days continued to pass and the once-happy bird became sadder and not better. He truly was a poor bird. Then one bright morning, the sparrow reappeared as suddenly as he disappeared. He stopped and looked at the canary for a while. However, the yellow bird took no notice but continued to droop his shoulders and look sad. The sparrow finally broke the silence and said, ‘What is wrong with you?’ The canary would not answer. The sparrow now spoke with contempt and slurred, ‘You are even a poorer bird then I first thought.’ He was about to say something else to insult the canary, but instead at that very moment, a cat jumped up on the windowsill and caught the sparrow. He could only cry out for a moment but there was no one to help him. Then right before the canary’s eyes, the cat dined on the sparrow for lunch. When he was finished, the cat tried to get the canary also, but the bright, gold bars on his cage wouldn’t let him through. His master then heard the commotion and chased the cruel cat away. After everything settled down and peace was restored again, the canary began to consider what had happened! His cage protected him from his enemies and the sparrow had no protection. Furthermore, he was now dead. The canary had a master who cared for his welfare and was greater than his needs. The canary looked at the bars around him. He viewed the clean water to drink and bathe in and beheld the most delicious food for him to eat. After thinking a long time, he decided he wasn’t poor anymore but rather the richest and happiest of all birds. Understanding such a great truth, he raised his most beautiful, yellow head and began to sing the most beautiful song!” Karen then looked down at the fifty pair of young wide-opened eyes looking up at her. Then she said, “Children, there will come a day when you will be a little older. You will look at the loving care of your parents in a different way than you think of it today. Your friends will say you are confined and restricted because of your mom and dad’s guidelines for your young lives. You will want to be as the sparrow and fly away as the sparrow…but remember this – every sparrow is caught by the devil. The devil will not be content until you are completely destroyed and your lives are ruined. You just try to remember when Satan says, ‘You are truly the poorest person in your school because you have no freedom, etc.,’ that he is a liar. You just keep obeying your parents and singing your song because you are the richest of all children because God is our Father and will bless us forever.” When Karen was telling this story, I looked around the meeting tent and the ones who were writing the most earnestly were the doctors and professional men. Later on, I asked a number of them what they enjoyed the most in the afternoon meeting. “Oh,” they all said, “the story of the canary and the sparrow!” Here were educated, wise men who are honored and appreciated even by worldly standards, who now had become little children in the light of this simple story. They knew the story applied most of all to them and wanted to make sure not one word was missed. To me, this was one of the best pictures of God’s handiwork. That's good, but there can be two interpretations to that story, the thing is Jesus came to set us free, we will be confined from the ways of the world, but free in God. God created canaries to be free. So, I see it differently, I see the caged canary is being restricted by the world, he thinks he is ok in his cage, having all the luxuries of life, fed by man, but he's still caged. I would have the story as a dove (the Holy Spirit) coming and speaking to him telling him that there is freedom outside of the cage, food given from heaven, and as much water to drink as he wants, freedom to stretch his wings and fly as far as he is willing to go, if he comes out of his cage and follows him. But the Canary fears to follow the dove, because he's used to the cage and an easy life. But the dove says, if I open the door and show you the way and come with you.... Will you follow me? The Canary is hesitant but trusts the dove and has faith in him. The door opens as the dove opens his mouth to help the Canary and he sets him free, so that the Canary can spread his song to the world as he listens to the dove. The Canary weeps with joy as he is freed and stretches his wings and his voice starts to sing a beautiful song as he follows the dove into freedom. He sees and feels things he's never seen and felt before, the warmth of the sun on his body, mountains stretching high, fresh running water to drink and bathe in, fresh food to eat, everything living all around him and all given by God. And he is set free. We can all sit in a guilded cage, given everything on our lap. But I'd rather be free to stretch my wings, free from the confinement that Satan has us in, with our false securities and all the luxuries of this world,. I'd rather be free and to be cared for by the living God. There will always be dangers in this life, and hardship when we follow Jesus but we go by faith, I'd rather be free in the open, following him, and being fed and clothed upon by the living God, than being confined and in chains of darkness by Satan and living in a guilded closed cage. Which would you rather be? Caged and imprisoned or set free?
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janj
Senior Member
Posts: 470
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Post by janj on Oct 15, 2023 15:35:50 GMT -5
What's on my mind today is freedom. Liberty. I'm a believer. Always have been, I guess. Doesn't mean I have always lived like a saint. But, that's not really the whole POINT of being a believer anyway. So, I gave myself permission to walk, run, or fly away from bondage. The first time I was roped into bondage in the "truth" wasn't through my own doing. I was just going to the church my mom took us to. It wasn't all bad. But I was young and didn't know any better and before I knew it I was knee deep and then neck deep in bondage. After awhile, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I couldn't be "me". The "me" that I KNEW without a doubt God created and dearly loved. I felt that the God who loved me wouldn't want me to be someone I wasn't. I felt He would want me to be myself. To be the authentic human being He created and only He could transform. So, I didn't conform, totally. Never did. And, I never really fit in and I was never really accepted by the establishment of friends and workers. When I came of age, I went through a transformation. Away from my parents. Away from people telling me what I should do, what I should feel, who I should love, how I should dress, how I should wear my hair, who I should hang out with, how I should spend my time. I felt like a butterfly and I was free to fly away. Because, as we all know butterflies are free to fly and so, they fly away. But I didn't fly away from my core values, ever. Those were like bedrock. And, all my new friends I made on my own, well, they had those same core values. What, you ask? Can a person who leaves the truth still live life on the right side; be good? YES, they CAN! Can a non-professing person still walk the line? YES, they CAN. So, what's my main point here? Well, just that, you simply cannot rope the Holy Spirit. It's like trying to rope the wind, and we know that ain't possible. You cannot rope the Holy Spirit. You cannot claim that you are the only ones saved; the only true church. There's no way. It's been a tough year for friends and workers, I suppose. Stormy? Maybe. But I'm choosing to look at it another way. There are thousands of butterflies that are free to fly and I hope they do fly. Their spirits have been in bondage all these years. If Moses were alive today maybe he would approach the many of the overseers and lead workers and plead with them, "Let my people go. Let my People go." There's just one problem: Do the people want to go? Do they want to fly? Do they want liberty? True liberty that Christ offers. And you know what? Many of them don't. They would rather stay in bondage. But as for me? I'm free to fly. I have flown. I have been the caterpillar and I have been the butterfly more times than I can remember. That seems to be the way life cycles. When it's time to fly it's time to fly. Butterflies are free to fly, and so, they fly away. This is a truth. We cannot tie their spirits down, nor should we want to. Let them go. Are YOU in bondage? Do YOU need to fly? What is stopping you? Fear? Weakness? Blindness? Broken wings? Those things can go through a metamorphosis and you can fly. Or, you can release yourself. Some bondages we find ourselves in are set by other people and circumstances. Other bondages we place upon ourselves and we don't even realize, "Hey, I don't have to do this!" So, take a look. Take a look at your life. Are you in bondage? If so, set yourself free. If you are a believer BELIEVE that Christ sets you free. Just wondering where you think your 'core values' came from?
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peggysullivan
Senior Member
What is living if I can't be free? What is freedom if I can't be me?
Posts: 651
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Post by peggysullivan on Oct 15, 2023 18:34:29 GMT -5
What's on my mind today is freedom. Liberty. I'm a believer. Always have been, I guess. Doesn't mean I have always lived like a saint. But, that's not really the whole POINT of being a believer anyway. So, I gave myself permission to walk, run, or fly away from bondage. The first time I was roped into bondage in the "truth" wasn't through my own doing. I was just going to the church my mom took us to. It wasn't all bad. But I was young and didn't know any better and before I knew it I was knee deep and then neck deep in bondage. After awhile, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I couldn't be "me". The "me" that I KNEW without a doubt God created and dearly loved. I felt that the God who loved me wouldn't want me to be someone I wasn't. I felt He would want me to be myself. To be the authentic human being He created and only He could transform. So, I didn't conform, totally. Never did. And, I never really fit in and I was never really accepted by the establishment of friends and workers. When I came of age, I went through a transformation. Away from my parents. Away from people telling me what I should do, what I should feel, who I should love, how I should dress, how I should wear my hair, who I should hang out with, how I should spend my time. I felt like a butterfly and I was free to fly away. Because, as we all know butterflies are free to fly and so, they fly away. But I didn't fly away from my core values, ever. Those were like bedrock. And, all my new friends I made on my own, well, they had those same core values. What, you ask? Can a person who leaves the truth still live life on the right side; be good? YES, they CAN! Can a non-professing person still walk the line? YES, they CAN. So, what's my main point here? Well, just that, you simply cannot rope the Holy Spirit. It's like trying to rope the wind, and we know that ain't possible. You cannot rope the Holy Spirit. You cannot claim that you are the only ones saved; the only true church. There's no way. It's been a tough year for friends and workers, I suppose. Stormy? Maybe. But I'm choosing to look at it another way. There are thousands of butterflies that are free to fly and I hope they do fly. Their spirits have been in bondage all these years. If Moses were alive today maybe he would approach the many of the overseers and lead workers and plead with them, "Let my people go. Let my People go." There's just one problem: Do the people want to go? Do they want to fly? Do they want liberty? True liberty that Christ offers. And you know what? Many of them don't. They would rather stay in bondage. But as for me? I'm free to fly. I have flown. I have been the caterpillar and I have been the butterfly more times than I can remember. That seems to be the way life cycles. When it's time to fly it's time to fly. Butterflies are free to fly, and so, they fly away. This is a truth. We cannot tie their spirits down, nor should we want to. Let them go. Are YOU in bondage? Do YOU need to fly? What is stopping you? Fear? Weakness? Blindness? Broken wings? Those things can go through a metamorphosis and you can fly. Or, you can release yourself. Some bondages we find ourselves in are set by other people and circumstances. Other bondages we place upon ourselves and we don't even realize, "Hey, I don't have to do this!" So, take a look. Take a look at your life. Are you in bondage? If so, set yourself free. If you are a believer BELIEVE that Christ sets you free. Just wondering where you think your 'core values' came from? I know where they came from. How much time do you have?
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peggysullivan
Senior Member
What is living if I can't be free? What is freedom if I can't be me?
Posts: 651
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Post by peggysullivan on Oct 15, 2023 18:49:27 GMT -5
That's good, but there can be two interpretations to that story, the thing is Jesus came to set us free, we will be confined from the ways of the world, but free in God. God created canaries to be free. So, I see it differently, I see the caged canary is being restricted by the world, he thinks he is ok in his cage, having all the luxuries of life, fed by man, but he's still caged. I would have the story as a dove (the Holy Spirit) coming and speaking to him telling him that there is freedom outside of the cage, food given from heaven, and as much water to drink as he wants, freedom to stretch his wings and fly as far as he is willing to go, if he comes out of his cage and follows him. But the Canary fears to follow the dove, because he's used to the cage and an easy life. But the dove says, if I open the door and show you the way and come with you.... Will you follow me? The Canary is hesitant but trusts the dove and has faith in him. The door opens as the dove opens his mouth to help the Canary and he sets him free, so that the Canary can spread his song to the world as he listens to the dove. The Canary weeps with joy as he is freed and stretches his wings and his voice starts to sing a beautiful song as he follows the dove into freedom. He sees and feels things he's never seen and felt before, the warmth of the sun on his body, mountains stretching high, fresh running water to drink and bathe in, fresh food to eat, everything living all around him and all given by God. And he is set free. We can all sit in a guilded cage, given everything on our lap. But I'd rather be free to stretch my wings, free from the confinement that Satan has us in, with our false securities and all the luxuries of this world,. I'd rather be free and to be cared for by the living God. There will always be dangers in this life, and hardship when we follow Jesus but we go by faith, I'd rather be free in the open, following him, and being fed and clothed upon by the living God, than being confined and in chains of darkness by Satan and living in a guilded closed cage. Which would you rather be? Caged and imprisoned or set free? Right on, MH; we are not birds in cages and shouldn't be, but hey if that's how someone wants to live their life, have at it. Their choice. I personally don't think that's why God created us; to be birds in cages. I can see the value in teaching kids to respect the limits and safeguards their parents provide. That's really not an issue for me. Never has been. I am very grateful actually for how my parents raised me for the most part. Good values; good morals. Treat your neighbors right. Help others in need. Stay out of trouble. Obey the law. The list is endless really. Work hard, be nice, have fun. The raising I had was priceless. They did encourage us to SING, but not in a cage. My parents also were sure to show they loved us. Sometimes it was tough love. That's okay. Sometimes it was protective love. Many times it was supportive love.
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Post by verna on Oct 15, 2023 20:54:58 GMT -5
From: trutharchive.net/karen-weatphal-parable-of-the-canary/Parable of the Canary On our tour, we were graced by a sister worker from Germany; Karen Weatphal is her name. She had a way and manner that captivated the listeners. The children sat in front of the platform in some conventions. The one in mind had about fifty. She started her message by speaking directly to the children by the following story. “There once was a canary who sang a beautiful song. This was so because he lived in a beautiful cage. His master brought him fresh water to drink and bathe in every morning. On top of this, he was fed the finest food. His cage was placed by the window and had the best possible view. When the weather was pleasant, the window was opened and fresh, fragrant breezes refreshed him. On a certain sunny day, a stray sparrow flew up to the windowsill. He heard the song of the canary and then listened for a time. After a while he spoke and said, ‘Why are you singing so cheerfully, since you are such a poor bird?’ ‘What do you mean?’ demanded the singer. ‘You live a confined life,’ answered the sparrow. ‘Your world is so small and you have no freedom. Your cage is restricted and you can’t even try out your wings. Why, look at me for instance!’ and then the sparrow flew up to the top of the neighbor’s house. Looking down in scorn he added, ‘You surely are a poor bird.’ After such was said, he flew off without looking back. The canary watched him go and then looked at the bars on his cage. They wouldn’t move and he yearned to see a little more of the world around him. He started thinking more and more about his limited life. The more he thought, the sadder he became. Before long, he lost his song. His master brought him fresh, clean water to drink and to take a bath in the next morning, but the bright yellow canary paid no attention. Furthermore, he wouldn’t eat any of the delicious food prepared just for him. With the passing of time, his head hung down lower and lower and not one word was said. Days continued to pass and the once-happy bird became sadder and not better. He truly was a poor bird. Then one bright morning, the sparrow reappeared as suddenly as he disappeared. He stopped and looked at the canary for a while. However, the yellow bird took no notice but continued to droop his shoulders and look sad. The sparrow finally broke the silence and said, ‘What is wrong with you?’ The canary would not answer. The sparrow now spoke with contempt and slurred, ‘You are even a poorer bird then I first thought.’ He was about to say something else to insult the canary, but instead at that very moment, a cat jumped up on the windowsill and caught the sparrow. He could only cry out for a moment but there was no one to help him. Then right before the canary’s eyes, the cat dined on the sparrow for lunch. When he was finished, the cat tried to get the canary also, but the bright, gold bars on his cage wouldn’t let him through. His master then heard the commotion and chased the cruel cat away. After everything settled down and peace was restored again, the canary began to consider what had happened! His cage protected him from his enemies and the sparrow had no protection. Furthermore, he was now dead. The canary had a master who cared for his welfare and was greater than his needs. The canary looked at the bars around him. He viewed the clean water to drink and bathe in and beheld the most delicious food for him to eat. After thinking a long time, he decided he wasn’t poor anymore but rather the richest and happiest of all birds. Understanding such a great truth, he raised his most beautiful, yellow head and began to sing the most beautiful song!” Karen then looked down at the fifty pair of young wide-opened eyes looking up at her. Then she said, “Children, there will come a day when you will be a little older. You will look at the loving care of your parents in a different way than you think of it today. Your friends will say you are confined and restricted because of your mom and dad’s guidelines for your young lives. You will want to be as the sparrow and fly away as the sparrow…but remember this – every sparrow is caught by the devil. The devil will not be content until you are completely destroyed and your lives are ruined. You just try to remember when Satan says, ‘You are truly the poorest person in your school because you have no freedom, etc.,’ that he is a liar. You just keep obeying your parents and singing your song because you are the richest of all children because God is our Father and will bless us forever.” When Karen was telling this story, I looked around the meeting tent and the ones who were writing the most earnestly were the doctors and professional men. Later on, I asked a number of them what they enjoyed the most in the afternoon meeting. “Oh,” they all said, “the story of the canary and the sparrow!” Here were educated, wise men who are honored and appreciated even by worldly standards, who now had become little children in the light of this simple story. They knew the story applied most of all to them and wanted to make sure not one word was missed. To me, this was one of the best pictures of God’s handiwork. Lovely - another tragic story to play on the emotions of the kids. Stay in your place and be grateful or you might die. Just a harmless little story. Ya right.
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Post by maryhig on Oct 15, 2023 23:38:43 GMT -5
That's good, but there can be two interpretations to that story, the thing is Jesus came to set us free, we will be confined from the ways of the world, but free in God. God created canaries to be free. So, I see it differently, I see the caged canary is being restricted by the world, he thinks he is ok in his cage, having all the luxuries of life, fed by man, but he's still caged. I would have the story as a dove (the Holy Spirit) coming and speaking to him telling him that there is freedom outside of the cage, food given from heaven, and as much water to drink as he wants, freedom to stretch his wings and fly as far as he is willing to go, if he comes out of his cage and follows him. But the Canary fears to follow the dove, because he's used to the cage and an easy life. But the dove says, if I open the door and show you the way and come with you.... Will you follow me? The Canary is hesitant but trusts the dove and has faith in him. The door opens as the dove opens his mouth to help the Canary and he sets him free, so that the Canary can spread his song to the world as he listens to the dove. The Canary weeps with joy as he is freed and stretches his wings and his voice starts to sing a beautiful song as he follows the dove into freedom. He sees and feels things he's never seen and felt before, the warmth of the sun on his body, mountains stretching high, fresh running water to drink and bathe in, fresh food to eat, everything living all around him and all given by God. And he is set free. We can all sit in a guilded cage, given everything on our lap. But I'd rather be free to stretch my wings, free from the confinement that Satan has us in, with our false securities and all the luxuries of this world,. I'd rather be free and to be cared for by the living God. There will always be dangers in this life, and hardship when we follow Jesus but we go by faith, I'd rather be free in the open, following him, and being fed and clothed upon by the living God, than being confined and in chains of darkness by Satan and living in a guilded closed cage. Which would you rather be? Caged and imprisoned or set free? Right on, MH; we are not birds in cages and shouldn't be, but hey if that's how someone wants to live their life, have at it. Their choice. I personally don't think that's why God created us; to be birds in cages. I can see the value in teaching kids to respect the limits and safeguards their parents provide. That's really not an issue for me. Never has been. I am very grateful actually for how my parents raised me for the most part. Good values; good morals. Treat your neighbors right. Help others in need. Stay out of trouble. Obey the law. The list is endless really. Work hard, be nice, have fun. The raising I had was priceless. They did encourage us to SING, but not in a cage. My parents also were sure to show they loved us. Sometimes it was tough love. That's okay. Sometimes it was protective love. Many times it was supportive love. My mum taught us in the same way and taught us not to go too far and taught me the things of God. I see it like being a baby in the womb, being fed by my mother, but the baby can't stay in the womb it has to be born and set free, the umbilical cord cut and then breathe and feed for itself to grow. My mum taught us, and we needed to be fed by her to do what's right, but my time came to be an adult and she had to let me go and I had a choice, follow the world or follow Jesus. And I did go, and I did live my life in the flesh, but I never went too far because of what my mum put into me. But things of the world did get a hold on me, and at one point when my brother died in his early 30s, I got in quite a bad way, out drinking a lot, because I couldn't cope, yet still God still helped me and because my mum had taught me in God I still didn't go too far. But I had a guilty conscience because I knew what I was doing was wrong before God. Then one day I saw my Bible on the shelf, and I eventually took it down and opened it randomly and I read the book of James, and it was like a sword going through my heart and I turned around from then. I started reading the Bible with my husband, then one day he said shall we go to the meetings, I had been our meetings on and off before this, but now I go regularly and my life has changed and I'm grateful to God for blessing me. They don't restrict us in our meetings, we don't have to have our hair in a certain way, or have certain clothes to wear, but they teach us right. They say we have to do things willingly not be forced to do it. And over time I've willingly let things go, they teach us that the worst sins are in the heart, hardness spite, greed, envy, pride, vanity, hatred etc. And once we overcome them with the help of God, then the we start to outwardly become clean living right before God. I was really vain, but I don't care what I look like now, I'm as God made me, God has put that to death in me. But I've done it of my own free will and I'm set free, free from the ways of the world which I see like the gilded cage, when the devil blinds you into thinking the things of this world are important and he feeds us on them if we let him in. But God sets us free from the world and the works of the flesh and helps us to overcome, through Christ by the power of the Spirit..... If..... We are willing for it. We are not to be a forced sacrifice, but a willing living sacrifice to serve God from our heart because we want to, not because we have to. I've stopped doing myself up outwardly because vanity had a hold of me and I cared too much what people thought about my looks, that's one of my inner sins that I've had to fight and it was hard at first, but God has set me free. And the devil didn't make it easy for me, with people saying "oh you look awful what's wrong" or, "you need to wear makeup again and bleach your hair again, you look dowdy and pale" over and over I got it, tempted, but God strengthened me to overcome. I still get it sometimes now after many years but it doesn't bother me at all now, I now tell them why I don't do those things anymore. And I've got many more that I need Gods help to overcome every day, as Paul said I die daily. And he also said, it's not I that live, but Christ that lives in me. Paul also said, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, this is death to self, the Spirit puts to death to our old ways and brings forth life in God. And as Christ lives we die, and if we die daily then Christ lives through us, but we have to be willing for it. And if Christ lives, then the love of God and life of Christ will be seen in us as we live by the will of God daily and follow Jesus. Sorry for the long post 😊
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Peony
New Member
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Post by Peony on Oct 15, 2023 23:52:55 GMT -5
There used to be a sister worker on the East Coast who would tell fables like this, and ALWAYS some poor animal would die from a poor life choice. It became amusing - another convention meeting for her to speak in, you could be sure of another animal dying.
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peggysullivan
Senior Member
What is living if I can't be free? What is freedom if I can't be me?
Posts: 651
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Post by peggysullivan on Oct 16, 2023 16:55:45 GMT -5
There used to be a sister worker on the East Coast who would tell fables like this, and ALWAYS some poor animal would die from a poor life choice. It became amusing - another convention meeting for her to speak in, you could be sure of another animal dying. The dead animal sermon!
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Post by snow on Oct 16, 2023 17:16:02 GMT -5
There used to be a sister worker on the East Coast who would tell fables like this, and ALWAYS some poor animal would die from a poor life choice. It became amusing - another convention meeting for her to speak in, you could be sure of another animal dying. The dead animal sermon! Or the Saturday night at convention story of 'you might die on your way home from convention, so make sure you make it right with god' and then tell you to make your choice when we sing the third verse of the last hymn of the evening. Way to scare the kids half to death!
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Post by SharonArnold on Oct 16, 2023 17:22:31 GMT -5
Right on, MH; we are not birds in cages and shouldn't be, but hey if that's how someone wants to live their life, have at it. Their choice. I personally don't think that's why God created us; to be birds in cages. I can see the value in teaching kids to respect the limits and safeguards their parents provide. That's really not an issue for me. Never has been. I am very grateful actually for how my parents raised me for the most part. Good values; good morals. Treat your neighbors right. Help others in need. Stay out of trouble. Obey the law. The list is endless really. Work hard, be nice, have fun. The raising I had was priceless. They did encourage us to SING, but not in a cage. My parents also were sure to show they loved us. Sometimes it was tough love. That's okay. Sometimes it was protective love. Many times it was supportive love. I pretty much feel this way about my upbringing as well. I had good parents, pretty mature as far as human beings go. I am so grateful for that. I can remember reading an article quite a number of years ago, about what parents should do to ensure that their kids would be successful in life. As I went through the list, item after item, I went "Check. They did that for me." This wasn't just "life values" (which are important) but an emphasis on Math and Science etc. The only thing they failed on was the "Live your own dreams" item. This made me profoundly sad, particularly where my Dad was concerned. I wondered who they might have been, had they not failed on this one. And, by extension, who I might have been.
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Post by Dan on Oct 16, 2023 22:46:58 GMT -5
Or the Saturday night at convention story of 'you might die on your way home from convention, so make sure you make it right with god' and then tell you to make your choice when we sing the third verse of the last hymn of the evening. Way to scare the kids half to death! That's terrible.... These parents have a more subtle way of explaining it
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Post by maryhig on Oct 17, 2023 2:46:52 GMT -5
Or the Saturday night at convention story of 'you might die on your way home from convention, so make sure you make it right with god' and then tell you to make your choice when we sing the third verse of the last hymn of the evening. Way to scare the kids half to death! That's terrible.... These parents have a more subtle way of explaining it Blimey what do people teach in meetings and other churches. That's disgusting!!!!! For a start we've got no right to tell people they are going to hell. How self righteous is that!!! I can't believe that someone would tell children that they might die on their way home so get right with God. Do the workers/elders actually tell people they are going to hell? Jesus wasn't like that Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
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help
Senior Member
Life Member "Australian Order of Old Bastards" AOOB.
Posts: 841
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Post by help on Oct 17, 2023 5:21:36 GMT -5
Most people today would be surprised to learn that Jesus believed in a bodily eternal life here on earth, instead of eternal bliss for souls, but even more that he did not believe in Hell as a place of eternal torment.
In the Roman Catholic Church, many other Christian churches, such as the Methodists, Baptists and Episcopalians, and some Greek Orthodox churches, Hell is taught as the final destiny of those who have not been found worthy after the general resurrection and last judgment, where they will be eternally punished for sin. Think there are some in the 2x2 Church who teach Hell, but the majority don't resort to it. It's a bit of a hangover from the Catholic Church teachings and some of those early 2x2 Irish Workers who were the foundation of the 2x2 Church did bring Hell into their message.
But common sense prevailed, they woke up that message just frightens people and drives them away, far better to teach the love of Christ.
“Love always wins, no matter the weight or intent of the hatred.” ― Mitta Xinindlu
How we wish that the only religion in the World was LOVE, what a different place it would be. But we can start by making TMB a place of love.
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Post by Annan on Oct 17, 2023 5:34:51 GMT -5
I can remember reading an article quite a number of years ago, about what parents should do to ensure that their kids would be successful in life. As I went through the list, item after item, I went "Check. They did that for me." This wasn't just "life values" (which are important) but an emphasis on Math and Science etc. The only thing they failed on was the "Live your own dreams" item. This made me profoundly sad, particularly where my Dad was concerned.I wondered who they might have been, had they not failed on this one. And, by extension, who I might have been.I hear ya. I was denied a college education because "there is no knowledge in the grave". My littlest sister was told she was going to college to be a nurse or not going at all. Her dream was to be an astronomer. She is miserable. Mental health issues. The same pretty much happened to my brother who was told he was going to plumbing school. Thankfully he thrived and does gov't contracts and loves his job. The interesting thing is that my other sister went to college and changed her major while she was there. She got pregnant and didn't graduate and now lives across the country from us. She escaped. She went back to school years later and is now a school counselor.
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Post by curlywurlysammagee on Oct 17, 2023 6:04:36 GMT -5
I can remember reading an article quite a number of years ago, about what parents should do to ensure that their kids would be successful in life. As I went through the list, item after item, I went "Check. They did that for me." This wasn't just "life values" (which are important) but an emphasis on Math and Science etc. The only thing they failed on was the "Live your own dreams" item. This made me profoundly sad, particularly where my Dad was concerned.I wondered who they might have been, had they not failed on this one. And, by extension, who I might have been.I hear ya. I was denied a college education because "there is no knowledge in the grave". My littlest sister was told she was going to college to be a nurse or not going at all. Her dream was to be an astronomer. She is miserable. Mental health issues. The same pretty much happened to my brother who was told he was going to plumbing school. Thankfully he thrived and does gov't contracts and loves his job. The interesting thing is that my other sister went to college and changed her major while she was there. She got pregnant and didn't graduate and now lives across the country from us. She escaped. She went back to school years later and is now a school counselor. The workers still avail themselves of medical knowledge to keep themselves alive and out of the grave. It puzzles me that they are so lacking in self awareness and of how stupid they sound when uttering such banality.
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Post by maryhig on Oct 17, 2023 6:05:17 GMT -5
Most people today would be surprised to learn that Jesus believed in a bodily eternal life here on earth, instead of eternal bliss for souls, but even more that he did not believe in Hell as a place of eternal torment. In the Roman Catholic Church, many other Christian churches, such as the Methodists, Baptists and Episcopalians, and some Greek Orthodox churches, Hell is taught as the final destiny of those who have not been found worthy after the general resurrection and last judgment, where they will be eternally punished for sin. Think there are some in the 2x2 Church who teach Hell, but the majority don't resort to it. It's a bit of a hangover from the Catholic Church teachings and some of those early 2x2 Irish Workers who were the foundation of the 2x2 Church did bring Hell into their message. But common sense prevailed, they woke up that message just frightens people and drives them away, far better to teach the love of Christ. “Love always wins, no matter the weight or intent of the hatred.” ― Mitta Xinindlu How we wish that the only religion in the World was LOVE, what a different place it would be. But we can start by making TMB a place of love. Why do you think Jesus believed in a bodily eternal life here? And I believe in hell, but not as a lot of churches teach it, I believe we create our own hell by what we let into our hearts and minds. And then create a hell for others by letting those wrong thoughts fester and grow. And we take what we do in this lifetime into the next. Hell is in the here and now, and Jesus came to lift us or of our dead hellish state and bring us to life in God. The lusts of the flesh bring us to hell, and the more we get involved the deeper we go. You just have to look at what's happening in Israel and Gaza to know that hell exists in this lifetime. Who in their right mind could hurt anyone never mind a child? And even babies! They are in the deepest hell and unawares. Even worse they think they will be with God. They are in the depths of darkness. But all of us have to be careful what we do, I believe that we have to fight the wrong thoughts that come in and listen to our conscience, I truly believe that God gives us a conscience and we are to listen to it. It's so easy to get a guilty conscience and then fight against it and say "I'm not that bad, look at them" or "oh it will be ok"..no it won't. James tells us here that sin brings forth death, (dead to God) and when we are dead to God, we can enter into a living hell if we let Satan reign our hearts. James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. But there is no way I would tell someone that they are going to hell when they die, that's not my call, and they could be better than me before God. In fact, they probably are if I'm saying things like that!!!
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help
Senior Member
Life Member "Australian Order of Old Bastards" AOOB.
Posts: 841
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Post by help on Oct 17, 2023 10:45:03 GMT -5
Love is eternal, it never dies. So if you live a life showing love and kindness to everybody and promote it as the most important virtue to have, your life will live on, after your death. That to me is eternal life here on Earth and what Jesus tried to teach.
Everybody can do this no matter what their beliefs are, it ascends above religion. It is a practical application of your life here on Earth and brings great satisfaction and peace to yourself. Imo the only way to live your life, not complicated by beliefs generated by other human minds.
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Post by snow on Oct 17, 2023 14:16:44 GMT -5
Or the Saturday night at convention story of 'you might die on your way home from convention, so make sure you make it right with god' and then tell you to make your choice when we sing the third verse of the last hymn of the evening. Way to scare the kids half to death! That's terrible.... These parents have a more subtle way of explaining it I see it as abusive. I have one grandson that got 'talked to' by his very devout Catholic grandmother about God and hell and now he's scared to death he's going to hell. He's 8. Why is it okay to do that? Do you approve of that Dan?
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Post by snow on Oct 17, 2023 14:21:10 GMT -5
That's terrible.... These parents have a more subtle way of explaining it Blimey what do people teach in meetings and other churches. That's disgusting!!!!! For a start we've got no right to tell people they are going to hell. How self righteous is that!!! I can't believe that someone would tell children that they might die on their way home so get right with God. Do the workers/elders actually tell people they are going to hell? Jesus wasn't like that Luke 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. 9:54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. I watched the zoom for a convention this past summer. The Saturday night sermon by the head worker/overseer was literally talking about how you need to get right with God because when you leave here tonight and are travelling down the Trans Canada highway you could be killed in a car accident. Then they tested the meeting. Kids professed. I wonder why... I remember when I professed that I was shaking and crying. If that sermon before they tested that meeting was like that, and it probably was since it seems like something they've been doing for awhile, no wonder I professed. I was 8 years old, the same age as my grandson that now is scared to death of going to hell because of his talk with his devout Catholic grandmother.
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Post by snow on Oct 17, 2023 14:23:09 GMT -5
Most people today would be surprised to learn that Jesus believed in a bodily eternal life here on earth, instead of eternal bliss for souls, but even more that he did not believe in Hell as a place of eternal torment. In the Roman Catholic Church, many other Christian churches, such as the Methodists, Baptists and Episcopalians, and some Greek Orthodox churches, Hell is taught as the final destiny of those who have not been found worthy after the general resurrection and last judgment, where they will be eternally punished for sin. Think there are some in the 2x2 Church who teach Hell, but the majority don't resort to it. It's a bit of a hangover from the Catholic Church teachings and some of those early 2x2 Irish Workers who were the foundation of the 2x2 Church did bring Hell into their message. But common sense prevailed, they woke up that message just frightens people and drives them away, far better to teach the love of Christ. “Love always wins, no matter the weight or intent of the hatred.” ― Mitta Xinindlu How we wish that the only religion in the World was LOVE, what a different place it would be. But we can start by making TMB a place of love. The world would be a different place if love was the religion. It's sad that there are so many religions that are so divided that they have to fight over which doctrine or god is the right one. Just care about each other, show compassion and love.
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Post by Pragmatic on Oct 17, 2023 15:07:04 GMT -5
This business of preenting God, as "Love me, or I will destroy you" sickens me. This personal Apocalyptic preaching, that scares the living daylights out of young people might get them to profess, but it does not achieve anything else, and they will often grow out of it and realise they were conned, simply by having "the fear of God" preached into them.
We had a worker here in the 80's who did that, and many professed. Few are still professing now.
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Post by SharonArnold on Oct 17, 2023 15:11:06 GMT -5
I watched the zoom for a convention this past summer. The Saturday night sermon by the head worker/overseer was literally talking about how you need to get right with God because when you leave here tonight and are travelling down the Trans Canada highway you could be killed in a car accident. Then they tested the meeting. Kids professed. I wonder why... I remember when I professed that I was shaking and crying. If that sermon before they tested that meeting was like that, and it probably was since it seems like something they've been doing for awhile, no wonder I professed. I was 8 years old, the same age as my grandson that now is scared to death of going to hell because of his talk with his devout Catholic grandmother. I have witnessed small children shaking and crying when they professed. It should have been enough to awaken me out of my stupor. But it wasn't. I feel badly for your grandson, but I have a feeling that his other grandmother is going to balance things out? I am a bit surprised by this, as I am married to a Catholic, and a "Cafeteria/Buffet Catholic" is definitely an accurate descriptor for him. From personal experience, I have found that Eastern Canadian Catholics definitely tend to be more severe, controlling, and cult-like than Western Canadian Catholics. Stories from Eastern Canadian Catholics that make me say "I get it. I totally get it.", leaves Hubby saying "Huh?", "What?"
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Post by snow on Oct 17, 2023 15:19:16 GMT -5
I watched the zoom for a convention this past summer. The Saturday night sermon by the head worker/overseer was literally talking about how you need to get right with God because when you leave here tonight and are travelling down the Trans Canada highway you could be killed in a car accident. Then they tested the meeting. Kids professed. I wonder why... I remember when I professed that I was shaking and crying. If that sermon before they tested that meeting was like that, and it probably was since it seems like something they've been doing for awhile, no wonder I professed. I was 8 years old, the same age as my grandson that now is scared to death of going to hell because of his talk with his devout Catholic grandmother. I have witnessed small children shaking and crying when they professed. It should have been enough to awaken me out of my stupor. But it wasn't. I feel badly for your grandson, but I have a feeling that his other grandmother is going to balance things out? I am a bit surprised by this, as I am married to a Catholic, and a "Cafeteria/Buffet Catholic" is definitely an accurate descriptor for him. From personal experience, I have found that Eastern Canadian Catholics definitely tend to be more severe, controlling, and cult-like than Western Canadian Catholics. Stories from Eastern Canadian Catholics that make me say "I get it. I totally get it.", leaves Hubby saying "Huh?", "What?" I think we just thought that the kids were so overcome with emotion for making such a huge life changing choice that it was accepted as a more joyful thing. I like his other grandmother and we have a good relationship. I know what she is doing she thinks is done in love. But he has never been raised in a Christian home so finding out about it in that way scared him so much. He told me this summer when we talked about it that he wasn't good enough and so he would go to hell. It broke my heart. I don't want to say anything negative about his other grandmother because I know she loves him, but I had to say that no one knows anything about the afterlife for sure. There are many different opinions of what happens and there was no way that even by Christian terms that he would be bad enough to deserve the hell she believes in. But I just don't understand why it's okay to talk about hell to a child.
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Post by Dan on Oct 18, 2023 1:01:19 GMT -5
That's terrible.... These parents have a more subtle way of explaining it I see it as abusive. I have one grandson that got 'talked to' by his very devout Catholic grandmother about God and hell and now he's scared to death he's going to hell. He's 8. Why is it okay to do that? Do you approve of that Dan?
No, the love of God and love for God cannot be coerced.. No one should make a choice out of the fear of not making a choice.
Nothing wrong with telling children that there are negative repercussions for doing wrong (steal and you'll go to jail), but Jesus wanted people to freely come to him because they believed in him. The greatest commandment isn't a threat, love is not generated from fear, not produced in fear, or established out of fear.
Trying to convince and draw people to Christ using fearful tactics is like a husband telling his wife to love him or he'll beat the hell out of her everyday. Even though the Lake of Fire is a reality for nonbelievers, its hardly an incentive that would entice one to accept the Good News (gospel).
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Post by snow on Oct 18, 2023 13:57:52 GMT -5
I see it as abusive. I have one grandson that got 'talked to' by his very devout Catholic grandmother about God and hell and now he's scared to death he's going to hell. He's 8. Why is it okay to do that? Do you approve of that Dan? No, the love of God and love for God cannot be coerced.. No one should make a choice out of the fear of not making a choice.
Nothing wrong with telling children that there are negative repercussions for doing wrong (steal and you'll go to jail), but Jesus wanted people to freely come to him because they believed in him. The greatest commandment isn't a threat, love is not generated from fear, not produced in fear, or established out of fear. Trying to convince and draw people to Christ using fearful tactics is like a husband telling his wife to love him or he'll beat the hell out of her everyday. Even though the Lake of Fire is a reality for nonbelievers, its hardly an incentive that would entice one to accept the Good News (gospel).
I agree.
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