For there is nothing covered, that shall not
be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever
ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have
spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Luke
12:2-3
Lately, there have been many comments from anonymous folks
who want to remind/inform the world of the sins of those who have left. If
these folks were still in your church, would you sell them out like this?
What
is to be gained by calling out the sins of someone else? Does that make God
more likely to forgive your trespasses? What is in the heart of someone who
keeps track of other people’s mistakes? Are you without sin?
I
choose to shout my own sins from the housetop, by telling my story in my
memoir. I do not look forward to having people I know read certain parts of my
book. I’ve said, done, and thought things I’m ashamed of. But, I won’t hide my
sins, I choose to confess and ask forgiveness. I hope that someone can learn
from my mistakes, or find comfort in relating to things I’ve walked through.
I’m not suggesting that everyone should have a public
confession such as the route I have chosen, but I am suggesting that when you wish to point out the sins of others so publicly - when you persist in remembering the faults of others, but so conveniently forget or hide your own - you may want to remember that all that is hidden, will one day be made known to all. One day, your sins will be shouted from the housetops my friends.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy
brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5
Love it.
ReplyDeleteYou have no problem with people bashing the foc. But when some of them get called out you get very defensive. I am am tired of hearing from people that we know are terrible people come here and criticize the church. Many of the anons that are former members post that way because they know what they write will be pointless if we know who is the writer. Suzi some of the people you are defending did things that you would not support, so why stick up for them? Most ex followers left because of bad choices they made or they wish to pursue sin but they all seem to claim they left to seek God and want to blame us for everything wrong in their lives.
ReplyDeleteSome things said about the FOC I do not support. Particularly those who assume that WW had evil intent. I don't personally believe that is true. Of course, I could be wrong, since I never met the man.
DeleteMany - perhaps most - did not leave to pursue God, myself included. But those who left, still carried with them the burden of fear - of hell fire and damnation. Many left to pursue God and found what they were looking for; many more left because they couldn't take the heat (or whatever) and God found them. Some left and never looked for or found salvation.
It's not my job to defend the specific actions of others and I try not to do so. I have enough of my own sins to carry / regret / repent. I find it ironic though, how people who've left are made to be such terrible people, when there are plenty who are just as bad (perhaps worse) among those who remain.
Anon 1:18 are you judging that these former members who have left people are not good enough to have a oppinion? Maybe that is why they post Anonymous because there sins will be posted all over the internet. Why don't you post with your name? For the same reason? We all have sins but I find it very interesting that someone and I am assuming you are from the FOC is so quick to judge on possible rumors. Do you know facts about every member of the FOC?
DeleteMy name is Cindy.
DeleteTo anon 1:18, if a person sins they can find forgiveness with Christ. If they've sinned, they are looking for forgiveness? They won't find it inside of the FOC. Christ doesn't dwell there. The followers that once knew him have turned from him. All of his love has been muted, then replaced with harsh judgment. The prodigal son is executed on sight. Ask yourself, what does someone hope to gain by confessing their sin? Forgiveness, but the FOC throws them out like garbage. Of course they admit to sins and leave, the grace of god is gone inside those walls. The forgiveness that you will seek on judgement day is not extended to the repentant sinner in that building. The things that are said about repentant sinners inside the FOC is terrible.
Deletesuzi you are a courageous woman.
ReplyDeleteThere is forgiveness with Christ, why isn't there any with his followers? What did Garth do? I could list many more including Suzie, but your statement, though true in some cases, is false. Brethren are being led to Jesus outside of the FOC, it has nothing to do with them being too bad for FOC membership.
ReplyDeletewhatever the reason for leaving, i have found christ and i know his love is real and that he died for this sinner.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to read your book. the movie that will be a must see.
ReplyDeleteSomeone posted to the previous thread (What Is Hell Like) and gave Job as an example of a perfect man, without sin.
ReplyDeleteThe story of Job is also appropriate to this thread, as he is an example of a man whose every aspect and appearance was of piety and propriety, and yet God tested him through a series of trials, and as such helped him to become a better man and to grow and mature in his faith, at which point he was given even greater worldly wealth than he had known before.
It's also a great example of God's taking our imperfections to task. In this way, Job's flaws, sins and errors - which were not visible to anyone else - were laid out for the world to see.
The New Testament talks much about those who are "right in their own eyes". The nice thing about having our sins shouted from the housetops, even if it isn't much fun, is that we are usually way too uncomfortable to remain snug in our self-righteous ways. Like removing infectious flesh, which is also a nasty ordeal for all involved, it lets the poisons drain and allows the wound to heal.
atthew 7:1-3King James Version (KJV)
ReplyDelete7 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
I believe that Jesus himself made it very clear that we are not to judge others for their sins. Thoughts?