Jun 13, 2009
Freedom From What?
Darin, Aimee and Kim talk about how easy it is to mistake freedom from Church as being the purpose of freedom altogether. Many times it’s easy to cast the blame on a particular church or denomination rather than look inward and find the real issue. Freedom requires a resurrection of personal responsibility. It requires a confidence in what your heart is speaking. Leaving an institution is only the starting line of freedom. It’s not the freedom itself.
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for almost the better part of a year, I have spent time in deep anger and hatred towards ALL I was in bondage to and all those who deceived me and such deception just destroyed me. I think after struggling THROUGH (not ignoring by going over or around) I am finally ready to move on. My thoughts are no longer on those things...rather I move forward with good literature, music, and prayer time, and talking to other people to aid in my own spiritual growth. I sit in compassion and hold a beacon of light for those who have yet to find their way out of that darkness. There is a way out of that tunnel, but one thing Father taught me is that the only way out is down, in, and through. I pray for those who have yet to do that. Keep up the fight people, this too, you can be free from!
Thanks Darin, Aimee and Kim for this great discussion. Also, thanks to Dave Backus for a look into his walk these days. Having left the IC several years ago, I can look back now and no longer feel the rage I had toward it, but instead, a sense of deep disappointment. I feel especially sad for the busloads of small children I see being 'herded' into 'church.' You see, here in rural Virginia, most families send their kids to what's called "Vacation Bible School" during the summers. These kids learn early that practically anything they say, or do, must first be approved by their local church...
It seems life is always about balance.Getting a handle on anger I think is the key to becoming an adult in God.
I liked this talk very much, it was very descriptive of my journey. I think anger in and of itself has gotten a bad rap. One does not need to read very far into the life of Christ or any of the apostles to see that there was an anger present in them (not unforgiveness and bitterness towards people)but rather towards religious ideals that hurt... Mark 3:5 "After looking around at them with anger." I think sometimes we condemn ourselves for even feeling angry thinking that anger is wrong. I am not convinced we need to let go of our anger so much but rather let go of unforgiveness towards those who hurt us. I think true love for people is going to have to involve anger towards all that hurts, oppresses and destroys people.
Hey guys. I just wanted to say how much these podcasts have helped me in my journey to Christ and away from IC. I am a former SBC pastor and church planter that have only recently left that environment. I have gone through many times of frustration and anger at the institution when God revealed the Truth to me about the "system". I too went through a period of anger and am still being railed on by folks within the denomination about my decision. I do love Christ's church with a passion knowing that His church is not the IC. As a new free believer I am so much more His child and relate more to people around me than ever before. I am more loving to my wife and kids and my walk with Him is deeper and more meaningful than anything I experienced in the IC. Keep on speaking the Truth! Blessings!
I never had enough time in a Church building to really get very angry about it so I guess I'm a lucky one in a sense. I did absorb enough though to get good and chained up into some wrongheaded thinking that God had to spend quite a bit of time and effort to get me free of. However, I did love Darin's analogy though that while I might "die in the wilderness", so to speak, my children would be freed to cross over the Jordan having been raised "in the wild". Thanks Man. It made my day.
Daryl, I’m glad you’re finding real life as a new free believer. I just want to invite you to the FBN forum. It’s a great community of believers and we have some really great conversations. I think you’d find it very encouraging. If you’re interested, there’s a button at the top of this page which you can click on if you’d like to be involved.
The conversation was focused on the anger many carry with them on leaving the IC. I experienced that too. What lessened it for me was the realization that the leaders were as cought in their illusions and lies as we were. What helped me most was actually meeting Jesus personally.(born again).From that day on my great desire was to be near Him; friends. It quickly became clear that the IC was a barrier, a very great obstacle to Jesus and me getting close. How true it is that friendship with Jesus sets one free, free indeed! So, freedom is not just being out of the influence of the IC, but experiencing Jesus as "my" friend. I am free now to persue Him with all that is in me. No time for resentment & trying to change the world for God. That's His job. Mine is to be His friend, and share HIM!
This is a beautiful perspective Bob! It's so true, we have a choice over what we focus on, and anger will deplete us of energy and life.