Comments on: My Last Easter Service

By: Jeff

Jeff — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:05:57 +0000

I hope its okay, but I feel like my real freedom in Christ is expressible without a lot of fear or limitations. I don’t have to screen things. Spending a day or a period of time along with by fellow believers in celebrating Easter or Christmas hardly stops me from doing so in other ways throughout the year.
To me, its just as confining to have all these self-imposed rules on how or where one may do this or that when its confining oneself to being outside or inside.
Or to say that if its not written down in the NT or first century documents I must not do it.
Its just a different set of rules. That is all.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:35:37 +0000

Hi churchless! No, I haven’t written on anything…I’m not skilled in that area. I have read about the terrible lonliness and doubt that believers go through after they leave congregations. Something I’m working through myself after several years since leaving the IC. Without a pastor, other Christians (who openly shun us) and a ‘ministry’ to validate our walk with Him, many of us wonder at times if we did the right thing by leaving the IC.

Speaking for myself only, I’m convinced I did do the right thing. What is amazing to me is how ingrained “modern Christianity” with ‘traditions’ has affected nearly every single one of us who seek God’s best. Now that we are out in the wild, so to speak, we either have to learn to completely trust Him in our daily walk, or we don’t. Paul said, “…we were called to freedom…” and to me that means we are free to ask questions now that religious performance has been tossed aside for His grace.

The ‘appropriate anger’ question above is valid to me as I do believe God is Love. However, in total honesty, as I do my best to follow Him, there are a few people I know who I would like to see fail because I’ve seen them hurt people with deadly gossip that impacts entire families in our community. Now, in my heart I know God loves them too, but I do have “anger’ in my heart for them. Any thoughts…?

By: churchless

churchless — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:06:17 +0000

No, I’ve just been so busy that I haven’t had time to catch my breath. Getting ready to make the plunge into the deeper waters outside the shallows of institutional religion.

Have you written or addressed this issue before? If so, please send me a link. I would love to read what you have to say!

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:26 +0000

What happened churchless…? Did you ‘cave’ me on your forum? I’ll withdraw the question.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:49:42 +0000

Yes! The ‘clipping of the cajones’ part of Christianity. I also believe that element is everywhere. Even among most free believers.

One of our beloved brothers who writes about following Him has said, “…you simply live loved, or you don’t…” Now, we can certainly get our hearts around that and he is correct. However, getting our heads to agree with our hearts is sometimes problematic. What part of “living loved” allows anger without perpetuating the “don’t ever get angry” mentality? Please, hop up on your soapbox as I appreciate any Christian who does his/her best to remain “real” with the rest of us.

By: churchless

churchless — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:47:56 +0000

Thanks for the comments, Dave. If you’re referring to the wussification of Christians, I see it everywhere, not just inside the IC. Maybe you should explain what you mean before I get on my soapbox.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:24:07 +0000

Very well done Churchless! Welcome to the wilds…thanks for pointing out the difference between a “memorial service” for Jesus and meritorious grace being transferred to the participant. What say you about the IC’s “anti-anger mindset” that has nullified so many countless Christians…?