The Bondage Breaker, by Neil T. Anderson

[Nell]

This book was the beginning for me to understand what happened to me and to renew my walk with Christ alone.

This link http://www.ficm.org/newsite/index.php?command=faqs will take you to a page of frequently asked questions regarding the topics Neil Anderson covers. His message is Freedom in Christ.

I'm going to provide excerpts to some of his FAQ's here.

Nell

[Nell]

It's not that we are focusing on demons as much as we are bringing light to the truth. We believe we are moving the Church toward a more biblical worldview which openly acknowledges and addresses spiritual realities. One of the major problems that has led to the ineffectiveness of the Church today is the adoption of a western worldview which ignores, on a functional level, much of what the Scriptures teach about spiritual realities. Categorizing our problems under the labels "The World," "The Flesh," and "The Devil" is a little deceiving because it tends to give the impression that they operate independently from each other. According to Genesis 1-6, if it weren't for Satan, the world and the flesh wouldn't be problems for us.

...we must take seriously the spiritual dimension of our struggles if we are to win in the battle against the flesh and the world.

[Nell]

A true Biblical worldview presents all of creation locked in spiritual conflict that extends from Genesis to Revelation. As believers, we are aligned with God against the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). We have been transferred from the "domain of darkness" to the "kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13). In this battle for the heavenly places, the Church is God's method for extending His kingdom and as such is Satan's prime target (see Ephesians 1:3,20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12). The entire book of Ephesians teaches that as believers we already have everything we need to experience spiritual resources through faith and obedience in the power of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual defeat is still a real possibility for believers who still live like unbelievers (see Ephesians 4:17-32).

We are clearly told that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, Paul teaches it is our responsibility to put on the armor of God, to stand firm and to resist the powers of evil (see Ephesians 6:10-18). Peter calls the devil "your adversary" and warns believers of his intention to devour them (see 1 Peter 5:7,8). ...

We are told to submit to God and resist the devil and that he will flee from us (see James 4:7). What happens to believers if they don't obey God's Word and choose to resist the devil? All these passages imply dire consequences for believers who ignore Satan, pretend he doesn't exist or fail to stand firm in their faith.

If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life. We have been clearly warned: "The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). ...

[YP0534]

We believe we are moving the Church toward a more biblical worldview which openly acknowledges and addresses spiritual realities.

That, my friends, is "Universal Church" if I ever heard it...

[PriestlyScribe]

If Satan can get you to believe a lie, he can control your life. We have been clearly warned: "The Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1). ...

Nell, I feel that I could contribute somewhat to this older thread. Would anyone care to explore which key areas of the "local church life" might have been the most attractive targets for the lies of satan to seek a home base?

P.S.

www.CenturyOfSelf.com (http://www.CenturyOfSelf.com)

[countmeworthy]

Nell, I feel that I could contribute somewhat to this older thread. Would anyone care to explore which key areas of the "local church life" might have been the most attractive targets for the lies of satan to seek a home base?
P.S.

www.CenturyOfSelf.com (http://www.CenturyOfSelf.com)

PriestlyScribe,

Raised as a Catholic, I was taught the RCC was the 'one true church'. When I began to seek the LORD a few months before I got saved through the saints of the LC in San Diego, I laid in my bed one night and asked the Lord about the 'one true church'. I told Him I did not want to start walking with Him and as soon as things were 'good' put Him on the back burner. I wanted to be around people who truly were excited about God.....and thus I was led to the LC.

When I 'saw' we were 'THE church', my heart initially leaped with joy for I thought I had found the TRUE church. Perhaps it was 'the true church' at that time....for ME...and for most of us.

I saw a 'pureness' in the saints..be it outward or inward or both. We had brothers homes, sisters homes. We read the Word of God together. But we read from the KJ and the NASB or the ASV I think. There were no 'life study' messages for about 6 months in 1975 if I recall. But the Life Study messages changed everything in the church life.

So to answer your question: Would anyone care to explore which key areas of the "local church life" might have been the most attractive targets for the lies of satan to seek a home base ?

My answer: the church...the LC being the TRUE church...and Brother Lee the 'oracle of God'. That God may have used Brother Lee to give us all a true understanding and even the ability to live the church life close to the saints of the book of Acts, was/is amazing. I don't know of any other group of believers who experienced what we did. But that doesn't mean 'we, the LC had it RIGHT.' I think we could have, IF Brother Lee had not been soo controlling of 'his' ministry. This is what I think brought the LSM/LC down imho. We were almost FORCED to focus on every word Brother Lee spoke.

We focused less on the Word of God. We cared only for those who were following Lee's word's...not whether they were struggling in their Faith in Christ Jesus. The LC lost her First LOVE.........JESUS and replaced Him w/Brother Lee and his ministry.

As an observer and lover of the Body of Christ as well as the LORD HIMSELF, the HEAD of the church, I have come to notice how many people have relied on the pulpit to minister and teach them the Word of God. :frown: how sad. Sooo many saints put their pastors...especially TV evangelists on a high, high pedestal. :(