There is “apostasy” as a motive for leaving

There can also be a “wilderness” time of “deprogramming from religion” which can be utterly vital.

These are both valid for a season.

But not forever.

Bless you!

Andrew Strom

“And these ones who band together are like a cancer to the Body of Christ…”

++++

Andrew , do you really think our Lord Jesus Christ would say what you have said above about the abused and ravaged flock ?

If a shepherd believes he has been given a flock to tend and finds the flock aren’t following him or listening to his voice what is the shepherd to do ?

Send out dogs barking scripture to control and round up the flock ?

Or learn to truly speak in the Masters voice so the flock recognize the Masters voice speaking through the shepherd .

++++

Many of the flock have been ravaged by wolves that came looking like sheep, and have been wounded and scattered .

How would Jesus speak to the ravaged and scattered flock ?

Would he use barking dogs to round up those who had been ravaged and scattered by wolves ?

Or would he bind up their wounds and carry them back one by one to a place of safety ?

++++

emphasis added

They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed.” (2 Chronicles 20:20 NASB)

emphasis added

Thanks for the Keith Green songs, I enjoyed reading his book about his testimony.

GaryB

You speak of Lord Jesus indwelling every believer, camping out, (tabernacling) in His ‘church’ whilst He builds it – I agree – He is in every single born-again believer, every member of His body, no matter whether a gathering of hundreds, or 2′s and 3′s.

Then you say He will only be found among His people – I agree..

Then you say He is not ashamed of His people, that He is still in the midst, and that He trusts those who are His – again, I agree.

You quote scripture with which I agree – yet it would seem you place a meaning on that to fit your belief.

I understand from scripture that all the ones spoken of above, no matter where they are, in a large assembly, or 2′s and 3′s – Lord Jesus is with them, accomplishing His plans.

***
Robert – you add your agreement to Barry..? then highlight “.I was afraid..”, as if to infer that all those who are only in 2′s and 3′s are afraid..?

What is there to be afraid of..? Lord Jesus is with every member of His Body, His ekklesia, His church – you agreed with that spoken by Barry.

I understand your implication Robert – about hiding the talent – yet when one is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, even when only in 2′s and 3′s, one can share with unsaved neighbours, share both practical help, natural skills and talents, as well as the things of God, the gospel of Lord Jesus, which inculdes the spiritual giftings.

I know of those who are in large fellowships, churches, who are sharing their talents with those who are there, I also know of others who are out in the world, doing that same work.

In His love and peace, for His names sake,
Roger

There is “apostasy” as a motive for leaving

There can also be a “wilderness” time of “deprogramming from religion” which can be utterly vital.

These are both valid for a season.

But not forever.

Bless you!

Andrew Strom