If not happy with 2x2 way, what way have u found?

[Guest today]

I hear so many complaints about the 2x2 way so I am just curious what ex 2x2 followers have found that follows the bible more closely? I am honestly curious. Where have you found peace instead of the 2x2 fellowship?

[closely]

If you are trying imply that 2x2ism follows the Bible closer than any other group, you are far off base.

If you are trying to imply that spiritual happiness, or happiness in general, is based on which church we attend, you are even further off base.

If you care to extrapolate this convoluted thread to the extreme by suggesting that salvation is dependent upon which church we attend, I can no longer point you in the direction of the base off which you are permanently removed.

[peace found]

Guest said:

I hear so many complaints about the 2x2 way so I am just curious what ex 2x2 followers have found that follows the bible more closely? I am honestly curious. Where have you found peace instead of the 2x2 fellowship?

I found peace in Christ. Certainly not a particular fellowship. You need to straighten out your priorities.

[whoa wee]

peace said:

Guest said:

I hear so many complaints about the 2x2 way so I am just curious what ex 2x2 followers have found that follows the bible more closely? I am honestly curious. Where have you found peace instead of the 2x2 fellowship?

I found peace in Christ. Certainly not a particular fellowship. You need to straighten out your priorities.

Sounds like you are confused. ;D ;D

[did]

peace said:

Guest said:

I hear so many complaints about the 2x2 way so I am just curious what ex 2x2 followers have found that follows the bible more closely? I am honestly curious. Where have you found peace instead of the 2x2 fellowship?

I found peace in Christ. Certainly not a particular fellowship. You need to straighten out your priorities.

did Jesus have fellowship with particular people or was it with all insundry?

[bowhunter]

My relationship with Christ became my focus,my happiness prior to and since leaving the 2x2 group.A group will not satisfy every need and will usually fall far short of what we expect.Complete happiness is found only in Him.I have been involved in several churches since leaving 2x2 and have concluded that nobody has a corner on Christ.My satisfaction is in my personal relationship,so it doesn't make a lot of difference where I worship as long as He is lifted up.

I have also discovered that I don't always have a desire for communal worship-maybe from some much attendance in my past- so once a month or so,we just stay a home and enjoy a quiet morning together.

Our kids really enjoy Sunday school so many times we just go for that.It's nice to be free from expectations and allowed to worship when and how we want!

[selah]

I find beautiful fellowship among my Mennonite, Pentecostal, Baptist, Catholic, Vineyard, Charismatic, Covenant, Alliance, F&W, Lutheran, Anglican, non-denominational, inerdenominational...and so on...brothers and sisters in Christ.

My home church is Pentecostal, but I fellowship with many believers of different faiths, and sometimes in their places of fellowship rather than my own.

On Good Friday this year I attended a Baptist church for their service. I was welcomed with love as a sister in Christ, and shared in the emblems with them. There was also a large gathering of many varied churches on that same day in our community Auditorium.

I agree with Bowhunter. My satisfaction/joy/peace/growth etc. is found in Christ and among my brethren wherever HE is lifted up.

Blessings,
Linda

[To Selah]

Selah, why no dress/bun? Are you a different brand of Pentecostal?

[this is sad]

whoa said:

peace said:

I found peace in Christ. Certainly not a particular fellowship. You need to straighten out your priorities.

Sounds like you are confused. ;D ;D

What is confusing about finding peace in Christ? Why on earth would you imply that it is wrong to find peace in Christ?

Now... who did you say was confused?

[selah]

To said:

Selah, why no dress/bun? Are you a different brand of Pentecostal?

I am not "United Pentecostal". These are the ones that have a dress code. There are varieties of Pentecostal groups just as there are varieties of Baptist, Mennonite etc. The majority of Pentecostal believers that I know do NOT have a dress code.

I decline the use of a label for myself other than a "believer and disciple of Jesus Christ". Sometimes I say I'm a "freelance" believer, because I prefer to see myself as a member of the "body of Christ" universally.

I have gleaned good teachings from many denominations, and some bad stuff too.

You just have to "eat the meat and spit out the bones."

Blessings,
Linda

[FOUND HIM]

We have found a deeper relationship with Jesus, and fellowship with many believers.
More about Jesus!!!
Praise GOD!!!

[Deleted]

I feel that since my days as a 2x2 I feel the same way as David as he so beautifully wrote in the 40th Psalm. Especially the part "and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. [3] And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God"




Ps 40:1-17

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. [2] He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. [3] And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. [4] Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. [5] Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. [6] Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, [8] I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. [9] I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. [10] I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation. [11] Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. [12] For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. [13] Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. [14] Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. [15] Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. [16] Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. [17] But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

[MsMarie]

I am completely with Selah. I have never been spiritually happier than now. I professed for over twenty years and my husband for thirty and for the last six months since he also left, we have together been walking in freedom and finding joy, peace and fellowship in many places with those who we now find are our brothers and sisters. We are so ashamed that we felt superior to those 'outside' for so long, and now know how wrong we were. No group of people can say they have 'God in a box'. To do so is to limit His powers. We go to any place they uphold sound doctrine and are always welcomed sincerely and lovingly, with no pressure to join anything. Maybe we will one day, but for the moment, we are delighting in life outside the box.

[clear]

Its pretty clear from many of the posts above that for many, an exit from the 2x2s is an entry into nothing. No group, no denomination, no church, no fellowship.
It might be an entry into a closer relationship with God, a greater freedom, a better understanding etc, but not an entry to a church.

Few have been able to say that "I left the 2x2s and joined the xyz"

[MsMarie]

That is because there is no necessity to do join anything, just a preference or inclination to do so if you feel you should. This is hard to understand having been constantly told there is just no choice at all and I would be the first to agree that we should all be one, which was Jesus' prayer for us all. But whilst there are those who insist they are the only ones with access to God, then these different denominations will carry on. Can you not see how such people place limits on the scope of God's power?

To say that it is exit into nothingness could not be further from the truth and I do speak personally. I have been most heartened over this past Easter week to be in several services where all the major denominations came together for worship. May they be one is my prayer too.

[Audrey]

clear said:

Its pretty clear from many of the posts above that for many, an exit from the 2x2s is an entry into nothing. No group, no denomination, no church, no fellowship.
It might be an entry into a closer relationship with God, a greater freedom, a better understanding etc, but not an entry to a church.

Few have been able to say that "I left the 2x2s and joined the xyz"

You say that like it's a bad thing. I'm sure that many of the above posters in fact DO have a home church. But that's not where they find salvation, and a healthy church wouldn't bill itself that way.

"I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father but by me." Jesus

[selah]

Its pretty clear from many of the posts above that for many, an exit from the 2x2s is an entry into nothing

Oh but that is soooo untrue. Speaking for myself, it IS true that I did not just transfer my membership from the f&w fellowship to another denomination.

That's because I discovered that finding the "RIGHT" denomination or group is NOT God's requirement for His people.

When Jesus was questioned about the RIGHT place to worship, He responded by saying God is searching for those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.

I have more to say about this, but I have an appointment right now. So, I'll continue later.

Blessings,
Linda

[hmmmm]

selah said:

Its pretty clear from many of the posts above that for many, an exit from the 2x2s is an entry into nothing

That's because I discovered that finding the "RIGHT" denomination or group is NOT God's requirement for His people.

It seems we have an abundance of words......that are designed to mean whatever the speaker wishes to inject at the time.

I find 'denominations' one of these 'words'.
A better word that Jesus, [and His disciples] alluded to, is for us to BELONG to the 'body' of Christ, Jesus Himself being the Head.

You have to stretch your imagination, to convince me that you can see this 'agreement', amoung the so called ''denominations'', which do not have agreement within, even though you say they do. I have seen what goes on, and I do not see them 'merging' into universal agreement, as there is too much politics involved at the top, but that is NOT surprizing, as we know it is just a human organization run by humans.[/b]

[selah]

Well, (ya, I know, I haven't left for my appointment yet)....

Today we are planning yet another event among believers from many denominations. It will be held in a Vineyard Church. The Music is presented by a band called "One Body" from the Catholic Church. The planning team are from two different Pentecostal churches. The people looking after refreshments are from the Presbyterian Church...and so on.

Right now, I'm on my way to a prayer meeting that is open to all these as well. One man who comes is from the reformed Worldwide Church of God.

So......YES ....there is unity between believers of various denominations. This is just a SMALL example of it.

Are all our doctrines the same? No.

Will they ever be united in a set of doctrines that are all the same? Likely not this side of heaven.

Are these doctrines the essential issues for salvation and brotherly fellowship? No.

What is the essential issue for salvation and brotherly fellowship? His name is JESUS!

Are we in unity concerning His life, death and resurrection for the personal salvation of those who choose Him? YES, YES, YES

As long as we continue to fight over differences, instead of uniting in what really counts, we will continue to grieve our Father.

We mustn't reject one another, just because we don't always agree.

Let's unite in our love of the Savior! And that is precisely what MANY believers ARE doing, whether you believe it or not.

I am personally involved in this, even internationally, so I'm not just blowing smoke.

It's easy to draw our own conclusions, but they'll be more accurate when we endeavor to investigate.

Blessings,
Linda

[hmmmm]

Yes, but to investigate means to get rid of our prejudices. and that is very hard for most people. Do you ''fight'' with those that do not believe what you do??

I think we all [hindu, islam, etc, morman] think that having an outward show of support of others, when we do not know what they believe.....many times I have found that denominations are like 'clubs' and most do not even know what they stand for . So that opens the door for confusion.
Hey, you seem to eat up this outward show.[of support]

I just can not find this type of support to be edifying to inward convictions.

[Gene]

<modified later in the day>

I recently had a long conversation (over several days) with a worker who says he does not believe in the exclusivity doctrine of the truthers, but does hold to the ideal that God would like to see all believers united in a common fellowship -- and when pressed, he does admit that he believes that 'common fellowship' would be the truther's church, inasmuch as it is a healthy church in any given locale.

I wrote earlier that it seemed clear to me in talking with him that one reason he does not currently see a 'unity of believers' is because fundamentally, he refuses to have christian fellowship with anyone that is not professing. However, in reflecting more on conversations we've had, I realize that's really not the case -- there are those non-truthers who would say they had christian fellowship with him. And yet.... there's something there that I don't understand.

And he expressed the same question of this thread -- when people leave the truth, do they find anything better -- and he posited that they do not, based on his observation over many years professing and workering.

But Selah and others, I think you're right on track -- it's not a matter of belonging to a group -- an exclusive body of people defined by the building in which they worship, whether it's the elder's home down the block or the Baptist church on the corner next to the Quiki-Mart. What 'it' is, is recognizing a common spirit; a common care for one's fellow man; a common belief in the good that comes only from God and his work in the hearts of men & women -- surely that is the unity of believers that we yearn for -- not simply a form of worship.

[can]

gnelson2 said:

I recently had a long conversation (over several days) with a worker who says he does not believe in the exclusivity doctrine of the truthers, but does hold to the ideal that God would like to see all believers united in a common fellowship -- and when pressed, he does admit that he believes that 'common fellowship' would be the truther's church.

It seemed so clear to me in talking with him that one reason he does not currently see a 'unity of believers' is because fundamentally, he refuses to have christian fellowship with anyone that is not professing!

And he expressed the same question of this thread -- when people leave the truth, do they find anything better -- and he posited that they do not, based on his observation over many years professing and workering.

But Selah and others, I think you're right on track -- it's not a matter of belonging to a group -- an exclusive body of people defined by the building in which they worship, whether it's the elder's home down the block or the Baptist church on the corner next to the Quiki-Mart. What 'it' is, is recognizing a common spirit; a common care for one's fellow man; a common belief in the good that comes only from God and his work in the hearts of men & women -- surely that is the unity of believers that we yearn for -- not simply a form of worship.

can you consider having fellowship with people you don't consider as christian?
is there any church in this world that consider themselves as christian that you would not have fellowship with?

[fairytales]

gnelson2 said:

But Selah and others, I think you're right on track -- it's not a matter of belonging to a group -- an exclusive body of people defined by the building in which they worship, whether it's the elder's home down the block or the Baptist church on the corner next to the Quiki-Mart. What 'it' is, is recognizing a common spirit; a common care for one's fellow man; a common belief in the good that comes only from God and his work in the hearts of men & women .

These are nice thots, but I have yet to find these thots expounded in the scriptures.
Hey, I like the fairytales I read, especially ''Cinderella''....that doesn't mean they are true.

[bonnie unlogged]

Wow, what a thread. To all those still in the meetings let me tell a story.

I've always loved fellowship, so when I quit going to meeting, and after a period of grieving, I decided to get on the internet and see what local bible churchs there were and try one of them first. The first site I went to looked interesting but wasn't sure. So I went to pick up my son and saw a lady I'd not seen in awhile so knocked on her window, and startled her. She was reading something so didn't see me come to the window. I told her I was so sorry, and what was she reading. She was so excited she had just gotten a new bible and so was enjoying time in God's word. I asked her about her recent move and if she was settling in. She was lonely so I asked if they had found a church. She said, they were making the drive back to town because they loved their church they had been attending. I asked her what church she went to, yes it was the one I had just been looking at on the internet.

Now we heard many meeting stories like this, but I wasn't looking for meeting. Uncanny how this happened I knew this was the place to go.

I have been attending a bible study there since Jan, and started attending the Sunday service regardly since March. I love it, and the reason is the one that Ms Marie talked about. I have seen how putting God in a box for all those years, has kept me from realizing the grace God has given to people in all denominations.

In speaking to ladies in my bible study, they know things that I thought only the friends could understand. I too am ashamed of how I felt sorry for anyone outside of the meetings.

One other thing I realized that I did, was when you think you have God's perfect way, and it is a natural way, then I was not growing in Him. Only doing what others saw as right. In a e-mail from a worker they decribed how happy they were that this lady was now attending the gospel meetings in a dress, she was growing closer. (not the exact words) This made me so sad. If it were a man how would it be gaged?

If you truly have God it doesn't matter where you go. He is with you where ever your feet take you. God has to live in you, and when He does the peace and joy is so overwhelming. It passes all understanding. I am so grateful for Jesus and his death on the cross and now for the freedom and love that he has shown me. And for my new found brother and sisters in Christ.

[wondering]

Amen Bonnie----I have that same peace after living in the 2x2 way (growing up in it) NOw I am a Christain and have a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and pray for my family that still attends this religion that they may see the LIght!!!

[no rifraf]

wondering said:

Amen Bonnie----I have that same peace after living in the 2x2 way (growing up in it) NOw I am a Christain and have a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and pray for my family that still attends this religion that they may see the LIght!!!

I remember after my dad professed [at age of 50], his 'religious brothers' asked him, 'what do you have now, besides the bible?'
He answered, 'That is all we have, and all we need.' [He was fortunate to had been in some very good gospel mtgs. that answered all his questions, and he had alot]

[notwhat]

It sounds as if the important thing is to worship Jesus in whatever place feels "right" to a person. Some people seem to take comfort in worshiping Jesus in the f & w church, some like to do that in a baptist church, some in a catholic or pentacostal church.

If the members of this board could just agree that a person can worship Jesus wherever they want to, then everyone could find a whole bunch of other people to pray for. That would be anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus, of course.

And I guess the people who don't believe in Jesus could pray for all the ones who do? It's so much easier when things are simple.

[Bonnie]

no said:

wondering said:

Amen Bonnie----I have that same peace after living in the 2x2 way (growing up in it) NOw I am a Christain and have a relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and pray for my family that still attends this religion that they may see the LIght!!!

I remember after my dad professed [at age of 50], his 'religious brothers' asked him, 'what do you have now, besides the bible?'
He answered, 'That is all we have, and all we need.' [He was fortunate to had been in some very good gospel mtgs. that answered all his questions, and he had alot]

If your dad has Jesus Christ in his heart, then I am so happy for his contentment. Of course no one really knows but him, but his life should shine to others, and I pray that it does.