JeffSjo

Last night it occured to me that The Way has been known to try to ferret out the "insidious Way insiders" giving out insider info at Waydale and GSC a time or two hundred. Man, the stuff just keeps getting deeper and deeper. I'm skipping the shovel and going directly to large earth-moving equipment. :B) (added in editing) And for the record, I would not jump all over somebody just for holding feelings of nostalgia, because I was there once. Of course that was before I had been more fully informed as to beloved "Uncle Howards" real nature.

Bumped to be kept next to the other dream thread.

Sheesh, I'm not even sure which direction to take this one on from, I'll go with both... There have been conclusive studies that show that people need dreams to maintain sanity. The bible clearly shows that dreams can be vital and even spiritual. So on this topic Wierwille's side was unbiblical and promoted insanity. Nice going huh? If I were to venture a guess I would say that Wierwille probably didn't like the "Vic is a monster type dreams" folks were having fairly regularly.

I just wish they could see Wierwille in the original.

TRUE SAYING..... Greasespot Cafe; a bargain at twice the price! (Our friends down in the Cult of Zero can do that math better than any of us.) LIE..... "PFAL is a bargain at twice the price....." Who said that? anyone.... I'm guessing that whoever it was was full of themselves and didn't have a clue what Wierwille was doing to the Grace of God.

As far as this passage recording the dead rising.... Matthew 27:(NKJV) 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!” It doesn't seem to jive with.... 1 Co 15: 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. The record in Matthew does say what happened with the risen ones either. I'm going to share a few things that are hard for me to do and I'll tell you why. They are hard to share because I read it once and even though it still makes sense to me I can't document it and the source was mostly unreliable, but I don't have a batter answer than what I once read in a Way mag. The verse in Matthew was added. It started in Africa and eventually became a widely quoted scripture.

Hi Geisha :) Yes, all folks are sinners and everybody (with one notable exception) has fallen short in more than one way, form, shape or manner I am sure. I am just saying that outside of Christ, both Jew and Gentile God has promised to judge them one more time, without favoritism based upon their works. I think if Paul had meant, "And every one of them is toast" that he would have said so. And fitting in with the context of all people being sinners Paul leans heavily on the concept that this will be God's judgement, not ours. But let me use the harlot Rahab as an example, she by faith left Jericho unto her and her house being saved from the judgement that came upon the city. (*Heb 11 as one reference) Having thought and read about these Cananite cultures for some time, I feel I am capable of venturing into an opinion of Canaanite culture. In a nutshell, I believe the culture of Jericho probably resembled a sexually abusive, authoritarian, mind-control cult. Not really all that dissimilar to what wierwille was really up to behind closed doors at The Way. So for whatever reason, Rahab ended up being a harlot in Jericho. Likely without much say on her part if she was to take care of her family as she did. It seems reasonable to me that her faith to leave Jericho because she heard of God and Israel coming to judge this city of cretins was likely mixed with a healthy, honest dislike for her culture. And given the opportunity she PROVED her faith by protecting the spies risking a terrible fate for her and her family if she had been discovered. Because of these actions she ended up marrying into Israel and being one of the women being mentioned in the Christ line in the gospel geneolgy of Christ. Not too bad for a harlot, yes. So my question is, how many sinners are out there who haven't had Rahab's opportunity or that we haven't heard about living in necessity and being very much better than their rotten cultures? For that possibility alone I will gladly accept Paul's perspective of knowing God will judge and knowing that it is not our place to say. (added in editing) But within a church or any religious group there will of necessity be standards set and sin being dealt with. I like it best when it is not done with the extensive cruelty, hypocrisy, any lies that the Way International still leavens their loaf with.

I didn't leave The Way exactly, because I ended up in a twisted splinter group in Minnesota that devoloped after the shiny forehead's demand for letters of loyalty. For the sake of my marraige and having been weened on Wayville's dogsoldier doctrine I left a long time after I knew my splinter was completely rotten, but my head was also jumbled up by some twisted Way versions of loyalty to leadership for God's sake too. To make a long story short they kicked me out after moving my wife and son out of my house and also firing me from my job with one of the leadership folks. I kept my house for seven months with them all around me but ignoring me.

I think it should give us the creeps Oldskool. I think some wayfers are soooo conditioned by Way propoganda that they blame those creepy/dirty feelings on us for posting this stuff. Maybe they just don't get it that the nasty need a shower feeling isn't because of us, it's because these people are naaaasty! Here is a quick copy and paste concerning Rosaline, or possibly some other HQ indoctrinator, but certainly a lie for the sake of thought control.....IMO just a lie for the sake of giving them a false sense of security! "I remember being told by someone at HQ that at lunch one day someone (possibly Rosie herself) read a post from good ol' Greasespot that said how wonderful the Fall Concert had been (I think this would have been 2003 or 2004?? Not sure.) The part that stood out to me was that whoever had posted this (if it ever happened) had said something about beinng so happy to see "Uncle Howard's smiling face" and how wonderful that concert was. The person relaying the story told me that Rosie had told everyone how great this was, because Greasespot was one of the more hateful internet sites towards twi, and that traffic had slowed down there... and that now they were posting nice things! She closed with this verse: Proverbs 16:17 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." (edited because of a typo)

I think the bible teaches us to judge too Steve, Paul did seem to spend some time working with the Corinthians concerning good judgement, right? When I read your statement about judgement as pertaining to His and yours I couldn't help but wonder what the specific lessons were for you. I like it when we learn the easy way, but it seems to not happen like that for me all the time either. :B) Romans 2 (NIV) God's Righteous Judgment 1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. 6 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism. 12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) 16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares ________________________________ The thing about all this for me is that I don't expect to know other people, their cultures, or their secrets. But I do expect that God will and does, and I expect Him to get it right for everybody. I have no time for a preacher who expects God to condemn everybody but US (Whoever "US" is) because my bible doesn't say He will condemn them, it says He will judge them. Both Jew, and Gentile will be judged according to their works, consciences, and secrets. And it's not my job to guess how God will judge them, but I do expect it to be just when HE HIMSELF judges His judgement...Ghandi?, I don't know.... Sadat?, I don't know!...Saladin?, I don't know!...David Ben Gurion?, I don't know! But as with what Paul was seemingly trying to show the Corinthians there is a good place for judgement too in this life..... 1 Corinthians 6: 1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! I just looked at the word "judge" in the epistles...lots of places, lots of things we are apparently supposed to learn to judge.

Ok, lie upon lie, layer after layer. Every time I think about getting started digging up the truth about The Way International I find a new layer of lies and spin stretching back over decades. I hesitate to make a list for fear it will never stop and many of you have seen more than me too! Rosaline....... according to many credible reports lied about her involvement in and the extent of The Way's abusive sexual escapades; lies about her relationship with Donna M.; lies about a kinder and gentler Way while publically bemoaning the old days when they could more openly abuse the Wayfers; lies about the reasons for sending people away from HQ;......That's all I have now and I know I haven't even scratched the surface. Geer.......Lied about Wierwille's activities and his part in them; lied about his own virtuosity to gain a larger following; lied about whatever the F was going on in Europe even blaming the lawyers for doing a good job;.....(I think the list would be shorter if I tried to list where he told the truth.) Martindale.....Lied about the magnitude of his sexual escapades; lied about loving people; lied about the legitimacy of his supposed spiritual authority; lied about having a sound mind...... Wiewille.....LIED ABOUT HAVING A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WORD TO TEACH THAN ANYONE SINCE THE FIRST CENTURY! Lied about being a lovingly fatherly/ grandfatherly man; lied about training people to be witnesses to the truth; lied about how it broke his heart to kick people out of the Way (after all, he threatened them and kicked them out to hide his own corruption)...... I'd call Wierwille the father of all the Way International lying, but that would be giving him too much credit. He was not the real father of lies, just a good son. aaagghh, I can't edit the title, it should be "scheme"

I know you weren't the only one pushed to the brink. I've been considering those that took it one step farther than you did this weekend Java. I am glad you are here to share with us. :) Renewed mind!? Sound mind!? It's more like The Way pushed people to the brink of death and/or insanity by it's doctrine. Know them by their fruit!

I did a look at the word my Young's concordance transliterates as OIKONOMIA this weekend for a bit. It was translated as "dispensation" four times and also as "stewardship" thrice in the King James version...... Luke 16: (NKJV from here on out in this post) 1 He also said to His disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. 2 So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your "STEWARDSHIP", for you can no longer be steward.’ 3 “Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the "STEWARDSHIP" away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the "STEWARDSHIP", they may receive me into their houses.’ For me it seems plain that "stewardship" involves being given responsibilities within a household and being accountable to the owner too. _____________________________ 1 Co 9: 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a "STEWARDSHIP". 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. This section makes it plain to me that Paul was a servant in the Lord's house and had reponsibilities. _____________________________ Eph 3: 1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the "DISPENSATION" of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. As before, I see plainly that Paul's responsibility was to bring the gentiles into the fold, but as I said before I believe the promises were there for Israel already. The secret part was that us gentiles would be "fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers..." Any more than that I believe is unwise considerations, even leading to a brand new hope that I don't believe is actually stated in the scriptures. _____________________________ Col 1: 24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the "STEWARDSHIP" from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. IMO try as one might to make OIKONOMIA refer to a period of time, it simply refers to responsibility within the Lord's house, plain and simple. :) Eph 1: 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the "DISPENSATION" of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Going along with what Steve posted earlier about this usage of "gather together" it seems that the Lord's job (responsibility, stewardship) is to head up everything. Heavenly Jerusalem, believers still on the earth, and all the rest. But here it says "IN ONE", not seperate hopes. My best explanation for penacost is still what Pater said on that day..... Acts 2: (comments in this color) 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: (Wierwille said This is LIKE that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.... That's because he was wrong about his so called "dispensation." 17 ‘ And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’ 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him: ‘ I foresaw the LORD always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’ 29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘ The LORD said to my Lord, “ Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Yes, we gentiles have been blessed and brought into the fold through the events that initiated on the day of pentacost according as the scriptures and also our own Lord's words (also scripture I guess) record. But God did not make our time period a secret, just that the gentiles would become fellowheirs, of one body with them.

It is no surprise to me that this all is foolishness to you Composer, heck, my "storybook" even tells me it will seem like that to you. But in The Way any voice like yours would be discounted immediately to not even be taken seriously. I know that what The Way International has put there worst hatred towards has been those that #1 believe scripture; #2 see through their manipulative cruel second rate paper thin veil of biblical respectibility; and #3 dare to speak honestly about these things therebye exposing them for the lying, abusive, twisted perversion of biblical workmanship that they really are. So here at GSC just like in free society you have the right to believe as you will and unlike in The Way international we both have the right to speak our own minds. But for whatever it's worth to you I don't how you can say any more than you already have here on this thread without it being pretty obvious to all that you are acting a little "trollish" yourself.

Sounds good to me Roy. I think that believing that Wierwille, Martindale, Geer, Rosaline...etc. are better than us is part of standard Way Ministry schtick and we were trapped by it for a while. I think it is/was a part of the snare, but the same may be said of any group; religious or secular; that is predatory in nature.

I think it would have been healthier for us to understand weeds than to botch the tree/Eve/serpent record as badly as Martindale did Roy. :)

Here is why I still find your thoughts to be consistent and sound for me TrustAndObey. Hebrews 11:[my comments will look like this, btw, I just found out how to do colored text.] :) 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. [though faith they obtained a GOOD TESTIMONY, long before Wierwille taught about our "gathering together" and long before pentacost too.] 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. [Here Abel was righteous long before the new birth] 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. [as in God was HAPPY with Enoch] 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. [in The Way we were taught that we are children of God, but God called Abraham His friend before "this administration."] 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. [uuuhhh, I'm guessing Heavenly Jerusalem here] :B) 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.[They had their time and God is pleased with them, we are not finished yet, are we? I'm supposed to think I am superior to them because why, I speak in tongues? I don't think so] 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called, 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. 32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.[This verse is key for me to consider right now. I am no scholar, but I can read English.] I think we needed something better to be considered in the same inheritance with them. I think it is grace and mercy that they will not be made perfect apart from us. I think I need a faithful and merciful High Priest making intercession for me to stand a friggin chance. I think in The Way we read Hebrews 11:40 backasswards.

Hi Gen-2, You have big considerations and I don't mind thinking about it all for a bit, and I certainly will. It is an area where I have had years to consider this stuff and I'm quite certain that I have at least had these considerations before so if for no other reason than that, the scriptures just seem to fall into place when I look at this stuff I am happy. But as concerning adoptive vs. birth children it would seem foolish to me to think that anybody God would call His kid He would also treat as a second class citizen, heck, even a good man will do better than that with an adoptive kid. But for me to say any more than that without doing some bookwork this time wouldn't be wise I don't think. As concerning the bride vs. body issue, here is some stuff I have posted before w/ some additional comments.. Ephesians 5:25-32 (Lamsa version) Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved his church and gave himself for it, That he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of water and by the word, In order to build for himself a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So should men love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no man ever yet hated his own body, but nourishes it and cherishes it, even as Christ does for his own church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they to shall be one flesh. THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY; BUT I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH. _____________ I feel very confident in saying that if we are "the church the body of Christ" that is very evident that we are his body as we are also "the church of the bride of Christ." IT ISN'T A DIFFERENT CHURCH. IT IS TWO DIFFERENT WAYS OF REFERING TO THE SAME LORD WITHIN THE MARRAIGE ANALOGY. We are his bride, his flesh and his bones. PAUL'S DOCTRINE WAS PLAINLY STATED THAT WE ARE CHRIST'S BRIDE. How simple is that? Who would want to say Paul was wrong, not me. It is easy to say like PFAL said that the gospels were not written to us. It is also easy to say that our calling is different than Israel's calling. It is also easy to say that we are the body of Christ and not the bride..... BUT IF THE SCRIPTURE'S DO NOT PLAINLY SAY THESE THINGS THEN IMO THEY ARE OPEN FOR DISCUSSION AND COMPARISON. So Paul is the one who compared Christ to a husband and the church to a bride. My old TWI mindset of "We are not the bride, but we are the body" seems stupid to me now. The husband and wife were to become one flesh. Within that analogy, WE ARE BOTH BRIDE AND BODY. This seems to be simplicity itself to me now. Examining these things is not easy, but I have had to unlearn PFAL doctrine to be honest with the scriptures, for example... Ephesians 3:4-6 (KJV) by which, when you read, you may undestand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to his Holy apostles and prophets: that the gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, _______________ We were brought into the same body, the same gospel as was preached to Israel...fellowheirs....etc It is not a different body with a different hope, it is the same body. "One Lord, one faith". The only thing that was hidden was that us gentiles would be brought in. So PFAL WAS WRONG! Hi TrustAndObey, :) These things that you share have been a wonderful consideration for me and they seem consistent too.

HI GEN-2, :) I did a quick check on the references in the NT plainly mentioning New Jerusalem just to have a look, check this out...... Revelation 21: (This post done with NKJV) 1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John,[a] saw the holy city, NEW JERUSALEM, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done![c] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things,[d] and I will be his God and he shall be My son OK, so here in Revelation a vision is given of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven. I feel free to point out that has not come down from heaven yet, right? LOOK AT THE BLESSING HERE, WOW....God's dwelling, God's people, God's children, God's companionship, all troubles from our life gone and done away with, fountain of life, and inherit all things. WHAAT?, inherit....hhhhmmmmm. It doesn't sound to bad right? Revelation 21:(referring to New Jerusalem) 22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it,[j] for the glory[k] of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved[l] shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.[m] 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there) God and Jesus Christ, hey, if Jesus Christ is there won't we be too? ALL NATIONS...THE SAVED.....SOUNDS LIKE US TO ME. :) Hebrews 12: 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly JERUSALEM, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Yes, in a figurative/spiritual sense we already; IN CHRIST; have come to the heavenly Jerusalem! Heck, check out the next one....... MOTHER OF US ALL!!! God through Christ has begotten children, Heavenly Jerusalem is the place where the river of life flows from already, but it is our hope too! WHOO, WHOO, WHOOOOOOOHAAAA! Galations 4 26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written: “ Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.”[e] 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.”[f] 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. I think that The Way practically completely butchered darn near everything in regards to our calling IN CHRIST into the promises and hopes that Israel sought to come too. Frankly there were many uuuugly, antisemitic undertones IMO: what a load of crapola, thanks PFAL. <_< Jesus said there will be many mansions, but only one CITY is spoken of....HHHHMMMMM. (Last sentence was added in editing)

OK Steve and thank you too. :) I will settle for this from 2 Thessalonians as referring to our gathering then..... 2 thessalonians 1: 7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. For me it seems that some specific references come up repeatedly in both the gospels, epistles, and Revelation; Christ, His angels, His fire, the trump or more specifically the last trump, and also glorification vs. vengeance. The more I've considered it the more I am amazed how because of Wierwille's doctrine that I kept them as separate events for soooo long. And I know that the Way was excessively and foolishly fond of referring to the unbelievers facing fire, but I respond w/..... Hebrews 10: 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye , shall he be thought worthy , who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified , an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said , Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense , saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. AND..... 2 Pe 2: 9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: 10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb foot speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire IT IS WORSE FOR THOSE WHO WERE SOLD OUT TO WIERWILLE'S INSANITIES. Personally, I'm hoping for mercy, many were victims only.

THESE VERSES SPEAK OF "GATHERING TOGETHER": Matthew 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven. John 11:52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. THESE VERSES REFER TO THE SAME THING IN THE GOSPELS: Matthew 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Luke 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. NOW, FROM THE EPISTLES: Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, Where does it say in the scriptures that these are different events, the gathering spoken of by our Lord in the gospels and the "gathering" referred to in the epistles? I have never found one prophet or apostle that has "SAID" they are different things. As concerning our standing in the epistles..... Do we not need to confess our sins to be cleansed by the blood and stay IN CHRIST? 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Do we need not to put away lies and hold on to a clear conscience to be fruitful? 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 1 Timothy 3:9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; HEBREWS 6: 3 And this will we do , if God permit . 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened , and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come , 6 If they shall fall away , to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh , and put him to an open shame . 7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed , receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak . (I THINK THE PROPER READING OF HEBREWS IS THAT EVERY WAYFER SHOULD THINK IT IS ADDRESSED TO HIM/HER. :mellow: SERIOUSLY.) HEBREWS10: 9 Then said he , Lo , I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool . 14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified . 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before , 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say , his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised ) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching . 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye , shall he be thought worthy , who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified , an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said , Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense , saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. According to Hebrews ch's 6 & 10, believing and being enlightened holds us more accountable before God than we were before we believed. And the consequences for deliberate wickedness...HOW ARE THEY ANY MORE OR LESS SEVERE THAN JESUS WARNED IN THE GOSPELS? BOTH THE GOSPELS AND THE EPISTLES TEACH RESURRECTION, RIGHT? And as far as the resurrection verses a TWI style gathering together..... The epistles SAY resurrection. The gospels teach of a GATHERING. IN NEITHER GOSPELS OR EPISTLES DOES IT SAY THAT THE EVENTS OF GATHERING AND RESURRECTION ARE DIFFERENT! So since the scriptures do NOT ACTUALLY SAY THEY ARE DIFFERENT it is left us to consider the matter. But since I the scriptures in the epistles teach about the resurrection and do not say to look for anything different than what is already taught in the gospels nobody has the right to say that it is commanded by God to look for anything other than what the scriptures plainly teach.....RESURRECTION. Once I saw this according to the scriptures it was a DUH moment for me that made it very simple to see that I was never correct in believing that Wierwille taught the Word like it hadn't been known since the first century. The first century believers were taught the RESURRECTION and that the events of "gathering" were as the Lord had already taught in the gospels. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection John 5: 28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Philippians 3:10,11 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Small point, the resurrection is something Paul considered a goal, could it be when he wrote Philipians he considered it as not quite a done deal? ------Jesus said he gathers the wheat .................and the tares. Jesus is the resurrection: of the just..................and the unjust. Check this out if you will....The Mystery. Romans ch8: 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off , and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast , thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off , that I might be graffed in . 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off , and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded , but fear : 21 For if God spared not the natural branches , take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell , severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off . 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in : for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits;that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in . 26 And so all Israel shall be saved : as it is written , There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer , and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. I think it is unwise to think that Paul hadn't understood our supposed mystery when he wrote Romans. After reading these verses I conclude that as a gentile believer that Paul warns me to not think that I am in any way immune to what happened to the portion of Israel that has been blinded, albeit temporarily so. Heck he directly says that it is no problem to graft them back in again, even saying if we don't continue in His Goodness, "otherwise thou also shalt be cut off", pretty direct warning, yes? And as concerning vs. 25, 26, & 27, ISN'T THIS THE EXACT SAME THING WE HAVE IN CHRIST? We appropriate Christ w/in the new covenant taking away our sin easy enough, heck, most people consider that truth as Christianity 101, but here Paul say THE EXACT SAME BLESSINGS ARE YET TO COME TO ISRAEL AS A WHOLE. EPHESIANS 2: 11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 3: 1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Isn't Paul's ENTIRE point here that this mystery is that the Gentiles would be FELLOWHEIRS! Christ's promises were there already, and just because most of Israel is presently blinded to Christ does not mean they weren't given the promise of his blessing already, heck, do we need to show the HUNDREDS of promises that were to Israel alone until it was made clear through Paul and others that the gentiles were to be brought into this blessing completely and fully. The vail was tore between the gentiles and the court of Israel, right? Israel was nigh and the gentiles far off, right? And one more consideration, if Paul didn't want the Corinthians to actually look forward to their heavenly bodies without the resurrection then what was he doing teaching the believers about the resurrection soooo darn much? 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him , and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men , another flesh of beasts , another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the RESURRECTION of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. To me, these verses make it plain to me that the proper application of earthly vs. heavenly/spiritual bodies is a reference to what we will recieve at the time of our resurrection.(vs. 46-49) IMO here, the mystery Paul is refering to is that we won't all be dead at the time of the resurrection. I don't need to spiritualize it or paint a vast imaginary picture with the word mystery. he explained it to them right then and that PARTICULAR bit of insider info needn't remain a mystery to them anymore. To me the only mystery left is wondering why other than being misled would anybody insist this passage is not referring to the resurrection, it even says so. (SEE VS. 42) To me, this topic represents a huge error in Wierwille's PFAL and puts the lie to his supposed calling.

I know I talked the same talk that Shiftthis now does, between seemingly decent local leadership and other genuine yet new Wayfers it was pretty easy for me to swallow once Neo. I like how Oldskool has first hand info contrary to the PR Shiftthis has heard, and if his info isn't just PR he is free to say so I suppose. I hope listening to Oldskool and others helps him too. I think it is just hard for some people to realize that yes, people can really be that nasty and two-faced. For me it has been a costly lesson Neo.

I think both Katie and Mary have said it right in part..... ________________________ 2 Co 12: 7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Paul had to deal with buffeting from Satan, and He besought the Lord to remove this trouble. God didn't tell him ok, even though God might have IMO. Paul decided for his walk, that he would be happy seeing Christ's power in him as a result of this situation. _________________________ Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. This makes it plain to me that we too can win yet I'm certain the once and for all crushing belongs to the Lord and hasn't happened yet, but perhaps in part through the resurrection of Christ, yes? __________________ 1 Co 15 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Death may be the LAST enemy destroyed but even though the Lord Himself beat death apparently the fullness of that job is yet to come. I think it is similar as concerning satan. __________________ I'm just hoping for the best for you Katie, that you find solid ground to stand on as I've said before and still feel so. JEFF

CHECK THIS OUT........ EPHESIANS 2 11Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Ephesians 3 1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: _________________ Isn't Paul's ENTIRE point here that this mystery is that the Gentiles would be FELLOWHEIRS! Christ's promises were there already, and just because most of Israel is presently blinded to Christ does not mean they weren't given the promise of his blessing already, heck, do we need to show the HUNDREDS of promises that were to Israel alone until it was made clear through Paul and others that the gentiles were to be brought into this blessing completely and fully, The vail was tore between the gentiles and the court of Israel, right? Picking up where this left off....1 Co 15 44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ____________________ To me, these verses make it plain to me that the proper application of earthly vs. heavenly/spiritual bodies is a reference to what we will recieve at the time of our resurrection. IMO here, the mystery Paul is refering to is that we won't all be dead at the time of the resurrection. I don't need to spiritualize it or paint a vast imaginary picture with the word mystery. he explained it to them right then and that PARTICULAR bit of insider info needn't remain a mystery to them anymore. To me the only mystery left is wondering why other than being misled would anybody insist this passage is not referring to the resurrection, it even says so. (SEE VS. 42)