The Present Truth article from Autumn 2007 has little practical value to most Christians. After reading it I was put out about the nature, tone, and content of the article. It is very sad and a symptom of an unhealthy organization.
One would do well to read a book about spiritual abuse. The article briefly outlines several cases of abuse. The main thrust of the article is to prove that Ralph Herzig is the rightful leader of the LHMM.
The article states in the conclusion: "We are all aware, that God, in the past, has always selected the Leader of His people prior to the election by the brethren for the Executive Trustee."
It is presumptuous and prideful to say that "God's people" are those that are in the LHMM. There are many true followers of Christ that are not in the LHMM and never were. Also, most people are NOT aware of this "arrangement" which is in no ways Biblical. In the past God has chosen a leader for His people in many ways. Think about a few examples: Solomon, David, Moses, Gideon, Paul, etc. I don't think that Jesus was voted in either...and he truly was a leader of God's people.
The fruits of spiritual leadership in the LHMM are evident. As numbers dwindle and people split into smaller and smaller groups over small matters of doctrine which cannot for the most part be proven Biblical, we see it is a symptom of the larger problem and issue. The Gospel of the LHMM is so complex that it can barely be explained to a newcomer. This is not what God intended. Following God is an act of humility and accepting His gift of life. Then the Christ follower should attempt to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Running around in doctrinal arguments as is done in the LHMM is so pointless that in some ways I feel guilty to waste my time writing this. There is so much important work to be done for God. What about the Biblical mandates to "help the poor, etc."? The LHMM has no interest in work towards the needy. They use the excuse that "the end times are coming" and "we can't fix the problems of the world". God didn't tell us to give up. Maybe we can't fix the world...but we are commanded to try.
For the last 10 years I have been free of the LHMM and their "arrangements" which were created to maintain power at the top. During that time I have grown closer to God than ever more and learned truly practical and relevent Bible teaching from some great leaders that God has put on earth. None of these leaders spend time arguing about their leadership authority. People follow them because their teaching is Biblical and their lives have been transformed by God's Word and application in their lives.
I pray for a time when those that are under the bondage of the LHMM are set free to worship God in a manner that is more healthy and beneficial.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Harsh Words for Those Leaving the Group
The latest issue of the Bible Standard magazine July/August 2010 contains some harsh words for those that have left their group.
On page 57 in the top right column it says, “It is for this reason that those who once were in, but then go out from, the light of Present Truth, can think, and say, and do, more mean and contemptible things than can the worldly that still retain helps to order and decency by having in mind what their fellows in life would think of their course, their words and conduct.”
The article presents two options for people: being "in the light" of their truth and remaining loyal to it or "being in outer darkness" for having left that truth or not being in contact and understanding it as they do.
On page 57, column 1, paragraph 1, it states: “It is rather for us to show our obedience to the Lord, to demonstrate our love for Him with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, by acquiescing to the Divine arrangements and judgments”. In this case they mean "the Truth and its arrangements" as defined by their group or their leader. Anyone who disagrees with the present establishment is going against "the arrangements".
The article identifies those in darkness as those who have left the “present truth”. Page 56, paragraph 3: “The inference is plain that those who were once in the light and go out of the light into darkness will feel as contented as those who have never come into the light of present truth...“They seem to be capable of saying and doing and thinking more mean, uncharitable, wicked things, than before they were enlightened.”
I am one such person who does not agree with the “present truth” teachings of the Bible Standard Ministries. I also know many other Christ followers who have also left. They are living good lives and following Jesus.
These statements are offensive and sectarian. They are coercive to those who are in the “present truth”. They say that if you "don’t acquiesce to the Divine arrangements and judgments", you will be manifested as being one in outer darkness. The article, “Speak the Same Things” makes it clear that “perfect unity of thought, of mind” (p. 52, paragraph 1) is the proper and the right condition for those associated with the “Movement”. This amounts to spiritual abuse.
On page 57 in the top right column it says, “It is for this reason that those who once were in, but then go out from, the light of Present Truth, can think, and say, and do, more mean and contemptible things than can the worldly that still retain helps to order and decency by having in mind what their fellows in life would think of their course, their words and conduct.”
The article presents two options for people: being "in the light" of their truth and remaining loyal to it or "being in outer darkness" for having left that truth or not being in contact and understanding it as they do.
On page 57, column 1, paragraph 1, it states: “It is rather for us to show our obedience to the Lord, to demonstrate our love for Him with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength, by acquiescing to the Divine arrangements and judgments”. In this case they mean "the Truth and its arrangements" as defined by their group or their leader. Anyone who disagrees with the present establishment is going against "the arrangements".
The article identifies those in darkness as those who have left the “present truth”. Page 56, paragraph 3: “The inference is plain that those who were once in the light and go out of the light into darkness will feel as contented as those who have never come into the light of present truth...“They seem to be capable of saying and doing and thinking more mean, uncharitable, wicked things, than before they were enlightened.”
I am one such person who does not agree with the “present truth” teachings of the Bible Standard Ministries. I also know many other Christ followers who have also left. They are living good lives and following Jesus.
These statements are offensive and sectarian. They are coercive to those who are in the “present truth”. They say that if you "don’t acquiesce to the Divine arrangements and judgments", you will be manifested as being one in outer darkness. The article, “Speak the Same Things” makes it clear that “perfect unity of thought, of mind” (p. 52, paragraph 1) is the proper and the right condition for those associated with the “Movement”. This amounts to spiritual abuse.
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