Testing the spirits

[Jezreel]

I have been reading a lot of the posts here and I can really identify with the frustration and hurt and pain that hirelings and wolves in sheeps clothing inflict upon the weak and the oppressed. In the old testament, the clothing and attire of the prophets, for eg. John the baptist was a camels hair garment, others wore sackcloth. The garments of the priest of Levi were specified by God and made to his directions. The wolf, has on the attire of a sheep, presents himself as a sheep. A very easy and quick way to be able to test and see if a man is truly ordained by God, and not just ordained by man is to do not call them "pastor so and so". Instead, still be respectful and call them "brother so and so" Jesus said, "Call no man father, call no man teacher, for you are all bretheren in him". Today, because of the lust of the eye and the pride of life, men loved to be called rabbi, or, Pastor. If a man loves his title, he will corrrect you for not addressing him as Pastor. Also, if they tell you that if you do not tithe, you are robbing God, that is another easy one to tell. We are to give in secret and passing the plate of offering around steals our reward because men see it. It is beter to give in secret. Also, if you question what the pastor is teaching or preaching, he will try to intimidate you by saying, "are you touching God's anointed". They will preach sermons putting fear out about questioning the spiritual hierarchy. True men of God are SERVANTS. Having a man up in front, making the pastor be the leader of the church is not how the apostles or Jesus meant it to be. If you need space and time to not attend any church for the moment, do not allow man to put a guilt trip on you saying "you are forsaking the assemblying of the saints". I tell them, "I am not forsaking the assemblying of the saints, I am forsaking gatherings programmed by man." Anyhow, please forgive me for posting so much so soon. I just have so much to share with all of you.

[Hope 98]

Welcome.

I don't think you've shared too much too soon. I think you'll find many many like minds here!

[JaniceB]

Welcome, Jezreel. You know the Bible, that's for sure! The wolves often try to say that those of us who quit putting up with their abuse don't know the Bible but that's not the case, is it?

JaniceB

[hornblower]

Welcome Jezreel. Good post and thankyou, I so totally agree with all you have said.

[Reg]

Glad to see you've joined us Jezreel. WELCOME.

As Hope 98 said, "I think you'll find many many like minds here!"

There are a great bunch of people here that really understand what it's like to be what you've been through. Some still struggle with chemical dependency. The other sections of CRI deal more with that. However, here it is not our main issue. It's the affects of situations similar to yours. We have deep, long lasting hurts. Being able to share those with people who really understand is rare. We can do that here and not be judged or condemned.

[dougjb]

Hi Jezreel,
Welcome aboard, I really appreciate your input. I am glad that you are able to recognize some of the serious problems facing the church in our days. The enemies of the Christian faith have done a very good job in infiltrating and creating havoc in the the church.
It is a blessing to me that there are people who are able to perceive the truth and are willing to bring it to the light. Hopefully, in time we will be able to bring positive remedies to the devastation they have brought upon those who truly love Jesus Christ and seek to follow him.

dougjb
some food for thought

[Anna Marta]

Welcome Jezreel,

Loved your album! You are the first surfer grandma I've ever known. :D

Looking forward to you being a part of the forum.

Hugs
Anna Marta

[broken_hearted_sheep]

Welcome Jezreel. We appreciate your thoughts here. All I can say is Amen, and Amen again! I didn't read your post until after I posted mine, but it seems to be in line with the things I have seen. Take care and look forward to hearing more.

BH Sheep