Hello all. I've been reading the forums for awhile, very interested in many of the topics here. I've just been led to UR within the past year. Although it's exciting and encouraging, sometimes I still doubt and wonder. Having been the son of a fundamentalist/independent pentecostal/quite strict preacher, you might imagine I've had a lot of struggling and being brought through the fire about some things as I've looked at UR. As an adult now, having been a member of the Southern Baptist denomination for 20+ years, playing keyboard and singing in the (actually, a quite lively, jammin') praise band until this past Sunday night, things have taken another turn. I've felt God would have me cease to be an actual officially registered member of that denomination, or of any denomination for that matter. So, as my wife is still very denominational I thought I might either test the waters and get confirmation or at least make some sort of move in her direction. So I asked the minister of music, with whom I am/was on good standing, if I would be welcome to play in the praise band if I were no longer a member. He stated "probably not, you either need to be for us or against us...you need to be a member/part of the church". I pointed out that because I was a believer I was part of the body, but that didn't seem to carry quite enough weight. So, here I am. A little bruised, a little nervous, and at least a little scared. Hoping I'm on the right track, that God really is breaking and remaking me, and that I'm not just off on my own tangients here. I have felt God dealing with me for a couple of months or so about hosting gatherings at my house for believers, centered around study, prayer, and fellowship. It's a little scary out here, though. So, keep me in your prayers and I'm glad to be here. Thanks, James.
Welcome James,
I know exactly what you are going through. Hang in there and read everything you can read about the salvation of all and ask God to show you the truth. :Book: You are here by no accident. :happy3:
CHB
:cloud9: Welcome! James, I think most of us here, He pulled out of denominations. This step is generally where you find Him making you aware of what He has been building in you all along, ie. to be able to stand with Him, and have a relationship that cannot be moved. As He makes you to let go of the crutches and just walk, it will surprise you how much of Him is your new ingrafted nature now, that you can't NOT want to do what pleases your Father. Blessings to you in your journey.......
Hi James
:welcome: to the forum. As for your direction to start home gatherings, I suggest you read this article particularly dealing with coming out of the organised church.
It is a 3-hour read and it is really one of the best books I have ever read. It is theology light and reads much like a novel.
So you don't want to go to church anymore (http://www.mychurch.org/blog/114762/so-you-dont-want-to-go-to-church-anymore-e-book)
I highlight some quotes on my blog and the link is there to either read on-line or download the pdf version.
Blessings
Thanks so far. Nice to hear from some of you I recognize from reading. It is encouraging, and you're hitting home. Thanks again. I hope to contribute as we go.
jabcat,
Welcome aboard. I know that it is scary and you will have moments when you question, but God is doing a new thing and like Abraham, you must leave where you are before He totally reveals where you are going. It is always a faith walk, but we do not walk alone.
John
Hi and welcome Jabcat :icon_flower:
Blessings
Welcome James,
I applaude you for your courage to take a stand. May His Spirit guide you in what you are to do.
Love, Sarah
Welcome to the forums. Some wonderful fellowship here and at some of the other forums.
It suits MY needs since I am a stay at home for the last six and half years. Also a typist
and writer of sorts. May God lead you and bring you love that unites you with your wife
in the Spirit even more. God's people are scattered everywhere, but He does lead certain
ones certain places .....I try to never question it because the Spirit is in each one for
that very purpose.
Quote from: jabcat on January 09, 2008, 07:20:35 AM
Hello all. I've been reading the forums for awhile, very interested in many of the topics here. I've just been led to UR within the past year. Although it's exciting and encouraging, sometimes I still doubt and wonder. Having been the son of a fundamentalist/independent pentecostal/quite strict preacher, you might imagine I've had a lot of struggling and being brought through the fire about some things as I've looked at UR. As an adult now, having been a member of the Southern Baptist denomination for 20+ years, playing keyboard and singing in the (actually, a quite lively, jammin') praise band until this past Sunday night, things have taken another turn. I've felt God would have me cease to be an actual officially registered member of that denomination, or of any denomination for that matter. So, as my wife is still very denominational I thought I might either test the waters and get confirmation or at least make some sort of move in her direction. So I asked the minister of music, with whom I am/was on good standing, if I would be welcome to play in the praise band if I were no longer a member. He stated "probably not, you either need to be for us or against us...you need to be a member/part of the church". I pointed out that because I was a believer I was part of the body, but that didn't seem to carry quite enough weight. So, here I am. A little bruised, a little nervous, and at least a little scared. Hoping I'm on the right track, that God really is breaking and remaking me, and that I'm not just off on my own tangients here. I have felt God dealing with me for a couple of months or so about hosting gatherings at my house for believers, centered around study, prayer, and fellowship. It's a little scary out here, though. So, keep me in your prayers and I'm glad to be here. Thanks, James.
Hi JC seem we come from the same type of background, here's my small testimony on the fun I had and still have as I walked away from the traditions of men. Maybe it will help you some as you come from the same type of background and may be able to relate.
I was visiting a church up by London ONT. and was hanging around with some of the young people at that church, I was only about 17 years old a young man at the time myself.
One of those young guys I was with asked me to read a portion of scripture ( don't ask me which one it is though, to many years ago ) he never said anything about what he saw ,just asked me to read and tell him what I saw, when I read it a light went off and the first words that came out of my mouth was , hay its talking about a second chance , being young that was what my first impression of what I later ( much , much later ) came to know people called UR.
Anyway he said that's what I see to; we both got pretty excited about it.
I asked if the rest of the group saw it to, he said he did not know as he just saw it himself.
Why he would ask me (basically a stranger to him) to read those scriptures instead of someone else from his group I'll never know. (Must have been the Lord).
Anyway we decided to tell the others young people from the group about what we saw.
Mistake number one, we both only had just begun to see this, and were not scripturally sound in our understand of it yet.
The others lambasted us with a load of scriptures that seemed contrary to what we saw.
We got our rear end kicked scripturally, because we were not prepared in the word ourselves for this opposition.
The young man I was with ( I don't remember his name , again to many years ago ) was persuaded to return to his old understanding forsaking what God had shown him.
Even though I was soundly defeated by the multitude of scripture that was thrown at us I could not let go of what I saw.
I started to look into it more fully in order to have a answer to the scriptures that were used against what God had shown me.
Mistake number two, I brought this up to my parents who are both preachers, and believe in eternal torment.
I thought those young people kicked my rear end scripturally, boy was I in for a treat :laughing7:
You ever want to get into a good fight just try telling a preacher what they believe is wrong, want to get into a even better fight, try it with the preachers you live with. :laughing7:
Again I was soundly defeated. But it did not matter to me, if what I saw was of God He would increase my understanding, I left it with him.
For the next 24 years of my life, I walked down a road all alone except for my wife and children to whom I taught Jesus Christ was the saviour of every man.
My one brother also came to see what God had given me, and it was with him and my wife and children that I could speak freely of what I had seen.
I knew God had to have shown this to others also but I never came across anyone else until about 3 years ago I got hooked up to the net.
I found my way to my first Christian web forum.
And was promptly kicked off.
So I went to another forum , which was where I first heard the term universal reconciliation or universal salvation.
People kept calling me a universalist, so I asked them what they meant by it, and was told it was a term used for people who believed all men would be saved.
So I thought to myself, that there was probably a forum with those of like faith as me so I went looking for some.
What a blessing for me after so many years of walking alone to find others that believed as I did in everyone being saved.
Oh I still have the odd argument with my parents about UR, I have been at them for 27 years, you know like the little widow woman who asked the unjust judge to change his mind kept coming to him until his mind was changed. That's me and my parents.
P.S. this was written a few years ago.
P.P.S. two of my sisters now also beleive in the saviour of ALL.
Praise His wonderful name.
God bless
:cloud9: That was an amazing testimony to what happens when the seed falls on good ground, Pneuma........ :thumbsup:
When Jesus went to the cross, He nailed something to it, and instigated
the NEW Covenant. Right? God was "in" Christ, reconciling the world
unto Himself. Love.......such love, is hard to comprehend. The more we
comprehend His Love for US, the more we comprehend it for others as
well. If God was in HIM reconciling us, and we are reconciled thru His Death,
how much more are we "saved" thru His Life? Love keeps us quiet, and
Love opens our mouth.
Welcome to Tentmaker! I pray that God will give you understanding and wisdom to talk to others about your faith, and to know when to not talk! This is such a sensitive topic. ET is the Word of God to many people. Let me just say this. I wish I would have waited a little longer before trying to discuss it with people. So I would tell you to resist the urge to discuss the topic unil you have spent a good amount of time reading. And really try to learn what the best way is to talk about it with people. There is no easy way I know of.
Have fun studying the Good News!
Hi Pneuma,
Loved your story. Am so glad God brought you to the same forums I have been on down through the years. It has been a pleasure knowing you. I have enjoyed reading your post.
CHB
Hi JC seem we come from the same type of background, here's my small testimony on the fun I had and still have as I walked away from the traditions of men. Maybe it will help you some as you come from the same type of background and may be able to relate.
I enjoyed your post/testimony. Very interesting and encouraging, thank you. Look forward to fellowshipng with you. Thanks everyone, trying to figure out this quote thing so I can respond better...pneuma's my experiment :)
Quote from: fullarmor2 on January 09, 2008, 05:41:37 PM
Welcome to Tentmaker! I pray that God will give you understanding and wisdom to talk to others about your faith, and to know when to not talk! This is such a sensitive topic. ET is the Word of God to many people. Let me just say this. I wish I would have waited a little longer before trying to discuss it with people. So I would tell you to resist the urge to discuss the topic unil you have spent a good amount of time reading. And really try to learn what the best way is to talk about it with people. There is no easy way I know of.
Have fun studying the Good News!
Thanks, makes a lot of sense, and yeah, that has been/is an issue...and Good News! it is.
Quote from: Kratos on January 09, 2008, 10:17:17 AM
jabcat,
Welcome aboard. I know that it is scary and you will have moments when you question, but God is doing a new thing and like Abraham, you must leave where you are before He totally reveals where you are going. It is always a faith walk, but we do not walk alone.
John
Thanks Kratos. I've been blessed reading your posts, and I really appreciate your "leaving where you are before He totally reveals..." That's great!!
Quote from: Cardinal on January 09, 2008, 08:09:32 AM
:cloud9: Welcome! James, I think most of us here, He pulled out of denominations. This step is generally where you find Him making you aware of what He has been building in you all along, ie. to be able to stand with Him, and have a relationship that cannot be moved. As He makes you to let go of the crutches and just walk, it will surprise you how much of Him is your new ingrafted nature now, that you can't NOT want to do what pleases your Father. Blessings to you in your journey.......
Awesome welcome, helpful, thanks!
Welcome Jabcat,
You came to the right place. There are a lot of good articles on this web site. Personally I would listen to fullarmor2 and take your time before sharing. Your going to have to field a lot of "but" questions. But what about this verse, but what about... You get the idea. Glad you found the site :thumbsup:
Paul
Welcome James,
Exciting times ahead for sure. One thing that might help is the fact that God is not in a hurry so you don't have to be either. Take your time and be sure to be patient with the folks that won't know what the heck happened to you.
Debbie :grin:
Quote from: dboutwell on January 11, 2008, 05:13:32 AM
Welcome James,
Exciting times ahead for sure. One thing that might help is the fact that God is not in a hurry so you don't have to be either. Take your time and be sure to be patient with the folks that won't know what the heck happened to you.
Debbie :grin:
So right on! Thank you. Just tonight having a conversation with a great friend and supporter, who told me he had talked "about the situation" with the minister of music that said if I wasn't a "member of the church" then I probably wouldn't be welcome to keep playing in the praise band/"you need to either be for us or against us", etc. My friend (Aaron) said the M.o.M. expressed concern that what I was believing was "sound", concerned about "where I was getting my information", and that "our denomination teaches the [truth]"...I've had another person contact me by email, saying they disagreed with my not being in an "organized church", that she liked to be able to go get "seminary answers", either from the pastor of the church I just left (Baptist), or from the priest she works for!?! :mshock: So, I hear you, and just in my own thoughts I've already been sort of thinking/suspecting/(fearing?) the opinions of others that may be coming from this...I told my friend tonight though that I just had to take this stand, even if it was alone...I know it's not alone, but I imagine many on here understand the sentiment. God's blessing, James.
:cloud9: Amen James. Just remember He took the Israelites out into the wilderness to process them for the chance to enter into the promised land. Rejoice in the fact He called you out. Blessings to you.........
Hello, James! :coffee:
I'm a little late in greeting you but welcome aboard!
God bless you!!!
Quote from: Cardinal on January 11, 2008, 11:02:41 AM
:cloud9: Amen James. Just remember He took the Israelites out into the wilderness to process them for the chance to enter into the promised land. Rejoice in the fact He called you out. Blessings to you.........
:goodone: :happyclap:
Quote from: hopeful on January 11, 2008, 11:30:41 AM
Hello, James! :coffee:
I'm a little late in greeting you but welcome aboard!
God bless you!!!
Thank you, I've seen your name on here, I appreciate the welcome.
Quote from: CHB on January 09, 2008, 06:15:19 PM
Hi Pneuma,
Loved your story. Am so glad God brought you to the same forums I have been on down through the years. It has been a pleasure knowing you. I have enjoyed reading your post.
CHB
Thank sis, ya God does seem to keep His sheep together :happygrin:
I keep running into others that I have met over my internet years and always find it good to see them again.
It also good to meet new sheep also because it goes to show that until all the sheep are gathered into one place in Him He continue to search them out. Nothing will be lost in that which He came to do, the salvation of the whole world.
P.S.
sorry for the late reply, just got back from visiting my inlaws out in Edmonton.
God bless
Quote from: Cardinal on January 09, 2008, 05:05:44 PM
:cloud9: That was an amazing testimony to what happens when the seed falls on good ground, Pneuma........ :thumbsup:
Thanks sis, that is a good observation because it did not matter what came my way that seed could not be dislodged.
God bless
Quote from: jabcat on January 11, 2008, 03:44:43 AM
Hi JC seem we come from the same type of background, here's my small testimony on the fun I had and still have as I walked away from the traditions of men. Maybe it will help you some as you come from the same type of background and may be able to relate.
I enjoyed your post/testimony. Very interesting and encouraging, thank you. Look forward to fellowshipng with you. Thanks everyone, trying to figure out this quote thing so I can respond better...pneuma's my experiment :)
Thank JC, glad you found some encouragment in it, don't let the trials and testing that you will face discourage you brother but rather use them to increase your faith in the saviour of ALL, He is well able to keep you as long as your eyes are on Him, it is only when we take our eyes off of Him do we start to sink under the waves that trouble us, but even in our sinking all we have to do is call out to Him and Immediately He lifts us above the waves.
It is a wonderful thing to be gathered under the cover of His wing.
God bless
Quote from: pneuma on January 14, 2008, 04:39:39 PM
Quote from: Cardinal on January 09, 2008, 05:05:44 PM
:cloud9: That was an amazing testimony to what happens when the seed falls on good ground, Pneuma........ :thumbsup:
Thanks sis, that is a good observation because it did not matter what came my way that seed could not be dislodged.
God bless
:cloud9: IMO, since HE does it all from start to finish, that means He also makes the ground good to begin with, which, if my own situation was an example, that happens by COMPLETELY BREAKING the ground before the seed is planted....... :laughing7:
Quote from: Cardinal on January 14, 2008, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: pneuma on January 14, 2008, 04:39:39 PM
Quote from: Cardinal on January 09, 2008, 05:05:44 PM
:cloud9: That was an amazing testimony to what happens when the seed falls on good ground, Pneuma........ :thumbsup:
Thanks sis, that is a good observation because it did not matter what came my way that seed could not be dislodged.
God bless
:cloud9: IMO, since HE does it all from start to finish, that means He also makes the ground good to begin with, which, if my own situation was an example, that happens by COMPLETELY BREAKING the ground before the seed is planted....... :laughing7:
:laughing7: yep been there to sis
Hey Jabcat! Welcome to the 'left the jammin' praise team for a good cause' club. I'm a 30 year 'knower' but only a 30 day 'open proclaimer' - and I was the (full time) leader of the band (for 20 years). What a scandal :mshock:.
I just try to explain to people that God and I are not going to walk off into the sunset and leave people wallowing in misery forever. That would go against every fiber of God's love AND the human conscience. Don't be ashamed - you're in the right here.
You will be amazed how many closet Christian universalists there are. Your stand will bring you scorn and praise, but from God - all praise.
- byron
Quote from: firstborn888 on January 18, 2008, 10:11:35 AM
Hey Jabcat! Welcome to the 'left the jammin' praise team for a good cause' club. I'm a 30 year 'knower' but only a 30 day 'open proclaimer' - and I was the (full time) leader of the band (for 20 years). What a scandal :mshock:.
I just try to explain to people that God and I are not going to walk off into the sunset and leave people wallowing in misery forever. That would go against every fiber of God's love AND the human conscience. Don't be ashamed - you're in the right here.
You will be amazed how many closet Christian universalists there are. Your stand will bring you scorn and praise, but from God - all praise.
- byron
Thank you Byron, that's helpful..I'd like to talk with you more. God is leading me right now (in fact our first rehearsal is tomorrow) to facilitate a new praise band that proclaims the Good News of UR and will mostly if not exclusively play outside the "4 walls". Stay in touch, I'd like to know more about your ministry/coming out, etc. God's blessing, James.
Quote from: jabcat on January 19, 2008, 12:55:45 AM
God is leading me right now (in fact our first rehearsal is tomorrow) to facilitate a new praise band that proclaims the Good News of UR and will mostly if not exclusively play outside the "4 walls". Stay in touch, I'd like to know more about your ministry/coming out, etc. God's blessing, James.
Wow! That sounds great, James! Please keep us all posted!
Quote from: hopeful on January 19, 2008, 03:28:18 AM
Wow! That sounds great, James! Please keep us all posted!
Great to hear from you...Father's something else, isn't He...He's been leading me into UR for the past year...long story short, I had basically stopped writing songs awhile back following it appearing I wasn't going to "make it" in the music business, butting my head against walls for years...had actually prayed for God to take the desire away, and He did, immediately...Anyway, a few weeks back Father let me know He wanted me to share through music the Good News He's been showing me recently...and He immediately started giving me a new song, "Jesus, Savior of the World". I'd like to post the lyrics sometime, we'll see. Thanks, God's blessing, James.
James
Byron and I were chatting yesterday and while we touched on worship songs we said no one really sings about the god of the OT.
"OH MIGHTY SLAYER OF HEATHEN CHILDREN - WE LOVE THEE!!!!"
Crass but true. Most worshippers focus on the goodness of God.
I was a P&W leader too.
Blessings
Quote from: SeekerSA on January 19, 2008, 09:04:26 AM
James
Byron and I were chatting yesterday and while we touched on worship songs we said no one really sings about the god of the OT.
"OH MIGHTY SLAYER OF HEATHEN CHILDREN - WE LOVE THEE!!!!"
Crass but true. Most worshippers focus on the goodness of God.
I was a P&W leader too.
Blessings
Funny, and true. I do think of "Awesome God", the 'driving them out of Eden' part....you're right though, not much. I am also working on a song entitled "Through the Fire" that I guess in some respects could have a bit of a "negative" tinge to it (even in a minor key), but of course :Evilgrin: that it comes out good in the end. Hmmm, let's write an OT one...Mrs. Lot's Lot?
Quote from: jabcat on January 19, 2008, 09:38:39 AM
Quote from: SeekerSA on January 19, 2008, 09:04:26 AM
James
Byron and I were chatting yesterday and while we touched on worship songs we said no one really sings about the god of the OT.
"OH MIGHTY SLAYER OF HEATHEN CHILDREN - WE LOVE THEE!!!!"
Crass but true. Most worshippers focus on the goodness of God.
I was a P&W leader too.
Blessings
Funny, and true. I do think of "Awesome God", the 'driving them out of Eden' part....you're right though, not much. I am also working on a song entitled "Through the Fire" that I guess in some respects could have a bit of a "negative" tinge to it (even in a minor key), but of course :Evilgrin: that it comes out good in the end. Hmmm, let's write an OT one...Mrs. Lot's Lot?
LOL - that exact same line from "Awesome God" went through my mind when the subject came up yesterday w/seeker. Too funny...
- - byron
Cool..we've got to talk more...share notes. BTW, if that was you that answered the so-called Tropical Guy awhile back about his hell-firing, great job, I was blessed.
I'm jealous! :happy3: I wish I knew how to sing, play and write songs! Well, I do sing - a lot- even if I don't know how! :icon_queen:
(http://tsikot.yehey.com/forums/images/smilies/shower.gif)
Hey hopeful, do ya sing in the shower? :laughing7:
James
I could have sworn I replied to this regarding the minor key, musta been Holly that deleted it :bigGrin:
If you get it in a minor key, go with it. All minor keys hav two majors. There are plenty good Jewish praise songs and most are in a minor key.
Blessings
Quote from: SeekerSA on January 19, 2008, 01:52:38 PM
(http://tsikot.yehey.com/forums/images/smilies/shower.gif)
Hey hopeful, do ya sing in the shower? :laughing7:
I sing and hum all the time and my little boy does too! The other day he was humming
Will You come? I told him I liked that song and he asked, "what song?" I sang a few lines and he said that he didn't know that song or remember it! I thought that was pretty cool. :Sparkletooth:
That's great..."out of the mouths of babes"..