Great post Martin. A very painful period of my life was when I attended a Church that believed it was the "one true Church" and I became convinced of that myself. Then, after several years of thinking and reading, realized my mistake and began attending a different church. I lost some precious friends over leaving, even though I tried several times to have open conversations about my reasons (which did not include the fact that I didn't believe they were attending the one true Church). It was painful, and to this day feels like a failure on my part some how. the Scriptures you gave helped. Thanks!
Thanks Linda, I thought this may strike a chord with you!
The rest of this chapter will also resonate, as Jesus has a lot to say about exclusivity and self-aggrandisement of people and organisations, the Pharisees being a convenient example for him to draw upon. Even though they knew so much about God, they did not know how to love other people, or to organise themselves in a loving relationship.
I have seen men lording it over their wives, thinking this was God's ordained way, yet the relationship between husbands and wives is the same as between members of the church.
The only failure on your part was to be sucked into this structure in the first place, but that is understandable due to being young in understanding. You have escaped and seen the error of the system, that is not failure but a powerful success, and a great blessing from God!
God allows evil so we can overcome it and develop character. It would be nice if we could all be prudent and think before we act or support something, but it takes time to develop wisdom, and we are rewarded according to how much we overcome, then we will be told
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Mat 25:21)
This is a nicely set out post Martin-easy to understand (for me at least). Thank you!
Thanks RR, glad that you liked it and appreciate your feedback.
Great post Martin. A very painful period of my life was when I attended a Church that believed it was the "one true Church" and I became convinced of that myself. Then, after several years of thinking and reading, realized my mistake and began attending a different church. I lost some precious friends over leaving, even though I tried several times to have open conversations about my reasons (which did not include the fact that I didn't believe they were attending the one true Church). It was painful, and to this day feels like a failure on my part some how. the Scriptures you gave helped. Thanks!
Thanks Linda, I thought this may strike a chord with you!
The rest of this chapter will also resonate, as Jesus has a lot to say about exclusivity and self-aggrandisement of people and organisations, the Pharisees being a convenient example for him to draw upon. Even though they knew so much about God, they did not know how to love other people, or to organise themselves in a loving relationship.
I have seen men lording it over their wives, thinking this was God's ordained way, yet the relationship between husbands and wives is the same as between members of the church.
The only failure on your part was to be sucked into this structure in the first place, but that is understandable due to being young in understanding. You have escaped and seen the error of the system, that is not failure but a powerful success, and a great blessing from God!
God allows evil so we can overcome it and develop character. It would be nice if we could all be prudent and think before we act or support something, but it takes time to develop wisdom, and we are rewarded according to how much we overcome, then we will be told
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Mat 25:21)