Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered
I think it is very difficult for many of those on these forums to put themselves into Ed's shoes. How difficult it must be to replace JI.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NewManLiving
Those of us on this forum realize a lot more than you give us credit for. Ed's shoes are no different from anyone else's. He has the same responsibility to be faithful to the truth as any leader in the LC, including those faithful leaders that were slandered for attempting to uphold the truth while Ed and others just covered their ears and eyes to make Witness Lee happy.
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Reading "
unregistered's" recent post, I had the impression that he was speaking more about
obeying the Lord than actually
bearing the cross. Of course, they are very much related, and we can hardly have one without the other.
I too have met Ed over the years, living just a couple miles from where he grew up. He is a precious brother for sure, with so many good things I could say about him.
Unfortunately EM was thoroughly convinced by RG and BP that following Witness Lee was akin to following Jesus Himself. If Lee said something, then the Lord must be saying it. If Lee liked something, then the Lord must be liking it. If Lee judged something, then the Lord must be judging it. I was once there too, so I understand some of the dilemmas he has faced over the years serving at LSM.
Once we confront unrighteousness, however, everything changes for us as children of God. We then must choose between the holy, righteous God and fallen, sinful man. No amount of covering our ears or sticking our head in the sand can save us from this personal accountability. We all have a new covenant conscience (
with His laws inscribed) connected to the throne of God. Once we abrogate the responsibility to obey our conscience, then Jesus is no longer our Lord. In His place a man named Lee has been elevated to usurp His throne in man's heart.
In God's infinite mercy, He is longsuffering towards all his children. He will continue to speak that we might obey Him and return to His throne of righteousness. Obedience is crucial. When Jesus walked the earth, the children of Israel faced the exact same struggle while listening to Him. Then Jesus exposed some of their hearts when He said, "
I have come in the name of My Father; if another shall come in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that is from the only God?"
(John 5.43-44)