Changing Denominations

[Billy Boy]

We just have to keep following Jesus, Rhoni, and like Abraham who died in faith not having recieved the promise we usually dont know exactly where He is leading - sometimes we have no clue to what He is doing and it takes honesty and trust to admit that and just keep walking! If we understood everything God was doing it wouldn't be a walk of faith would it? If we keep our eyes on Jesus and NOT organizations or other people, then we can keep following him! We dont need to prove ANYTHING to any man because man is not our judge or our Shepherd. If you follow Jesus, that is all that counts! There will always be nay sayers and obstacles trying to stop us-- ignore them and keep your eyes on Jesus!!!!!!!!!

[Revelationist]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

I was telling a friend the other day that my self esteem was/is so battered d/t the way I have been put down and abused in Apostolic circles that I rely on my AOG friends and backsliders to get any affirmation or kind words.

Apostolics, not all, but most are so self-righteous that they don't realize how unChristian they are most of the time. If you just had proper manners it would be more Christlike than the stuff that is spewed from the lips of those who are supposed to love and care about your soul.

In the past 5 years I have totally become a basket case and had to seek counseling. The PH.D I go to asks me why I go back to those churches and ask for more. I have to think about it...just like any other victim of abuse, I have been so beaten down that I don't think I deserve better and at least I know what to expect.

Blessings, Rhoni

It took me ten years after leaving them to decide that I'd never go back to it. I pastor a Apostolic Church still and still preach truth, but I'll never submit myself that that organization ever again... if there is no love, one to another, and love even to enamies, they have not got the love of God....

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Billy Boy

We just have to keep following Jesus, Rhoni, and like Abraham who died in faith not having recieved the promise we usually dont know exactly where He is leading - sometimes we have no clue to what He is doing and it takes honesty and trust to admit that and just keep walking! If we understood everything God was doing it wouldn't be a walk of faith would it? If we keep our eyes on Jesus and NOT organizations or other people, then we can keep following him! We dont need to prove ANYTHING to any man because man is not our judge or our Shepherd. If you follow Jesus, that is all that counts! There will always be nay sayers and obstacles trying to stop us-- ignore them and keep your eyes on Jesus!!!!!!!!!

Dearest Billy Boy,

No worries here! I love Jesus and have successfully separated my relationship from Him and the links to organized religion and religious practices. I have friends in multiple organizations and I value my friendships but I will not compromise my religious freedoms to secure favor or positions. People are consistently inconsistent/fickle if you would...but Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I trust in His faithfulness.

The Lord does not tempt us or purposely put trials in our paths but he does use what the devil means to destroy us to make us stronger. I remind myself that we do not fight against flesh and blood; which means friends, family, or perceived enemies, but the devil uses all three to disillusion, depress, and destroy a person's vision, self-esteem, and victory.

The scriptures give us the answer to this problem: Know your enemy and his tricks to be aware of what to expect so you can be prepared.

I forgive all the abuse from family and from previous leadership, as well as UPCI organization with it's politics and authoritarianism. They are just human and we have that in common .

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Isn't it great how God vindicates his people? The reason for the start of this thread was due to a very poorly handled situation that was really no situation at all. There was no way for me to vindicate myself, but God, through the process of time has brought many things to the forefront, and the same thing happened to another person in the same church which vidicated me and separated me from the church trouble/problems that were to come.

This reminds me of Many instances where God has used what the devil meant to destroy an individual to bring ultimate deliverance for many. I just want to say that it truly is a God thing about reaping, vengeance, and vindication.

It reminds me of a song from back in the day:

If I hold my peace, and let the Lord fight my battle, If I hold my peace and let the Lord fight my battles...VIctory, Victory shall be mine.


Blessings, Rhoni