Many of us on this 2x2 List are worried
and concerned for our professing loved ones and friends.
We are trying to do all we can to show them the freedom that comes in knowing and loving Christ and the joy and peace it brings to lives. Unfortunately, this is a long process and communication isn't always there.
Our friends and relatives biggest FEAR is “THE WORKERS!!!”
The power of “THE WORKERS” has ruled with FEAR over my family for over 80 years. This is not the role that God ordained workers (or pastors) to have, anymore than “HE” intended a man to rule over his wife with an iron fist and keep her under domination.
The tool for change within the 'truth,' however, lays in the hands of
“THE WORKERS.”
I have a few items for you to begin thinking about ~ ~ hopefully, this will begin to open your eyes and you will be able to see how far the 'truth' has strayed, and it didn't start out great over a 100 years ago. In Ireland, they saw much hypocrisy and formalism in the established “church” - - and they sought to get back closer to scripture and live lives more in accordance with what Christ taught.
The 'truth' has become ingrown and dysfunctional and to quote one older worker, “it has left much carnage.” This instead of happy, fulfilled lives, and the 'abundant life' that Christ died for.
Please think, pray about and discuss some of the following and see if there is any truth in these concepts. Answer the questions honestly.
(1.) Re-read the first 3 or 4 chapters of Acts.
- Notice what happened to Jesus' early followers and how the early church began and spread.
- Notice the signs that followed them as they devoted themselves to worshiping Christ and reading the scripture.
- Notice also that they ministered to ALL kinds of people from the disabled poor to the Jewish high priests. The early church rocked the world, and its effects have spread throughout the whole earth.
Where is the power and influence of the 'truth?'
Where are the signs that follow the believers?
Why are there no professing people in Israel, God's Holy Land?
Why is there no outreach to the Jewish people (those closest to God's Heart?)
Why are professing people bound and depressed?
Why aren't they witnessing in power and love to the lost?
Why don't they know about the Great Commission, Jesus left them with?
(2.) Pray that another John Wycliffe would be raised up in the REAL 'truth' - - and be brave enough to expose the lies, corruption, cover-ups, and hypocrisy. You need a man or woman of character to rise up and protest, just as Jesus did in Matthew 23:15 and Wycliffe did in the 1500's. The 'truth' is full of 'teachers of the law' - - “THE WORKERS” who lay heavy burdens on the people - - burdens too heavy to carry.
(“They make strict rules and try to force people to obey them, but hey are unwilling to help those who struggle under the weight of their rules” Matthew 23:4)
The 'truth' is also full of Pharisees - - we all have heard with our own ears hundreds of times have testified, “I'm so glad I'm not like the lost, poor sinners out in the world.”
We've seen them wear the best clothes,
drive the best cars,
take the finest trips,
and hold their noses
SO HIGH.
(They look down with disdain on poor souls who have lipstick on, a short skirt, alcoholics, aids patients, or some other form of “leprosy” or sin in their life.)
Wycliffe protested the fact that the Bible could only be interpreted by the priest and that it couldn't be read and understood by the common man.
- Have you wondered why the 'truth' is still using the King James Version even though we no longer speak in this way and it is as hard to read as Shakespeare?
- Why was this version picked over many good versions available?
- Why the friends have to rely on “THE WORKERS” to interpret scripture for them?
- Why the friends can't rely on direction from God alone?
- Why are the friends discouraged from reading the original Hebrew and Greek and obtaining the original meanings for themselves?
- Do the workers study the original scriptures?
(3.) Do you ever wonder why the leaders in the 'truth' have picked certain scriptures and certain particular characteristics of the disciples or early church - and made them new commandments? Made them foundation principles on which to condemn others or other religious groups?
Read Acts 2:44-47
The early Christians lived communally, met in the Temple daily, went from house to house eating and sharing “joyfully” and adding MANY to the family of God daily.
- In our congregation, many are added on a daily and weekly basis.
- How long has it been since MANY came to know the Lord in a meeting?
- Is the Gospel as Jesus taught it, especially “HIS” blood and “HIS” sacrifice preached at “gospel meetings?”
- Do you introduce strangers to Jesus or to another religious “way?”
- Why do you discourage the friends from going into other church buildings when the early saints went in on a daily basis and had no problem worshiping and sharing there?
- Did you ever wonder why certain very significant scriptures, such as the direction by Paul to “anoint with oil,” have been ignored or left out?
- Have you wondered why some scriptures are 'for today' and some are not?
- How long has it been since you ministered at the local mission or jail?
- What about the nursing homes and hospitals?
- Are “THE WORKERS” ministers, pastors, teachers - - if so, why is the majority of their time spent with the 'saints' and not he Lost?
(4.) We tape all of our services. This is a great ministry to those who are shut ins or for some other reason unable to attend the services. It is also a great teaching tool and a good way to remember and thoroughly “digest” what was spoken.
- Have you ever wondered why friends are prohibited from taping meetings?
- Why sometimes they are discouraged from taking notes?
- Why can't the message of a favorite visiting worker be taped and treasured?
- Why are only those physically able to be there privileged to hear the message?
- If “THE WORKER” is speaking the REAL TRUTH, why are you afraid to record it?
- Why are you afraid to let it “out” where a lost or seeking person might hear and benefit from it?
- If “THE WORKER” is misled and mistaken, why are they allowed to speak in front of ANY group?
- Why is the misled and mistaken worker not educated and taught as to what the scripture says?
This is being sent to
“THE WORKERS”
in hope of
REAL TRUTH and LIGHT
shining into souls of those open and seeking God
and “HIS” will for their lives. We pray for your strength and courage.
Remember, “HE” will supply “ALL” your needs - - you just have to ask!!!
Posted on the 2x2 List on 3-11-01 by Rosalie from Washington
(Permission is granted to print or reproduce this letter.)
