Local Church Discussions - View Single Post - Challenging Ed Marks regarding apology letter to Phillip Lee

NewManLiving · 10-28-2015, 05:17 PM

Dear brother,

I'm not looking for a fight. Just the truth. You came here searching for an incriminating letter to bring with you to dinner. That is a confrontation, no matter how you dress it up. It ended up causing a problem both for you and Ed. Having a private conversation after so many years is not what happened. Perhaps you did well in "shocking" your brother into some sense. Like I said in my original post, it is "my opinion", and then later, "If it is the Lord's will"; correct? I don't know, and don't presume to know. But I am entitled to look at what just occurred and determine for myself if indeed you were looking to help or hurt your brother. Even If I am wrong. And it stills looks to me like you did not offer much help.

We are all responsible before the Lord. Ed knows this as well as the other brothers. There is not much more anyone needs to know about Ed. His response to you was typical, probably out of embarrassment. Many of us, caught off guard would probably have been digging for something to say as well. That's human nature. That's what makes Ed no different from the rest of us.

Only one other point concerns me. As far as going to be "With the Lord", the bible is very clear about who gets to see the Lord. Without sanctification no one will see Him - that includes you and I. The Lord is also very clear about who gets into the Kingdom - certainly no unrighteousness. And lastly, He is very specific about who gets to reign with Him - If indeed we suffer with Him. Many are called few are chosen. These words were spoken by both Paul and the Lord Jesus to believers, not unbelievers. Even Peter is clear about the difference between stumbling or a glorious entrance into the Kingdom of our Christ.

We would all do well to look away to our forerunner and run the race with all diligence and endurance, forgetting the things which are behind. If the Lord learned obedience through the things which He suffered, we certainly will do the same. There is a very real danger of forfeiting the prize, even the promised rest. I certainly hope PL had a true repentance and change of heart. By the Lord's mercy I was able to do the same

Unfortunately, the LC has left an indelible mark on all of us and we express it many ways. May the Lord have mercy on us all and turn our hearts to see Him as the only means of recovery, including the LC

Thankfully we have a Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens and intercedes for us, one who has been tempted in all things like ourselves and can sympathize with us in our weakness. One who has paved the way for us into the Holy of Holies so that we can come boldly before Him to receive grace and mercy for timely help.

We would all do well to focus on these things - where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. For we have died and our life is hidden in Christ with God - That is truth brother!

Always, Your brother John

10-28-2015, 05:17 PM	#12
NewManLiving Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Posts: 152	Re: Trapped... Help? Dear brother, I'm not looking for a fight. Just the truth. You came here searching for an incriminating letter to bring with you to dinner. That is a confrontation, no matter how you dress it up. It ended up causing a problem both for you and Ed. Having a private conversation after so many years is not what happened. Perhaps you did well in "shocking" your brother into some sense. Like I said in my original post, it is "my opinion", and then later, "If it is the Lord's will"; correct? I don't know, and don't presume to know. But I am entitled to look at what just occurred and determine for myself if indeed you were looking to help or hurt your brother. Even If I am wrong. And it stills looks to me like you did not offer much help. We are all responsible before the Lord. Ed knows this as well as the other brothers. There is not much more anyone needs to know about Ed. His response to you was typical, probably out of embarrassment. Many of us, caught off guard would probably have been digging for something to say as well. That's human nature. That's what makes Ed no different from the rest of us. Only one other point concerns me. As far as going to be "With the Lord", the bible is very clear about who gets to see the Lord. Without sanctification no one will see Him - that includes you and I. The Lord is also very clear about who gets into the Kingdom - certainly no unrighteousness. And lastly, He is very specific about who gets to reign with Him - If indeed we suffer with Him. Many are called few are chosen. These words were spoken by both Paul and the Lord Jesus to believers, not unbelievers. Even Peter is clear about the difference between stumbling or a glorious entrance into the Kingdom of our Christ. We would all do well to look away to our forerunner and run the race with all diligence and endurance, forgetting the things which are behind. If the Lord learned obedience through the things which He suffered, we certainly will do the same. There is a very real danger of forfeiting the prize, even the promised rest. I certainly hope PL had a true repentance and change of heart. By the Lord's mercy I was able to do the same Unfortunately, the LC has left an indelible mark on all of us and we express it many ways. May the Lord have mercy on us all and turn our hearts to see Him as the only means of recovery, including the LC Thankfully we have a Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens and intercedes for us, one who has been tempted in all things like ourselves and can sympathize with us in our weakness. One who has paved the way for us into the Holy of Holies so that we can come boldly before Him to receive grace and mercy for timely help. We would all do well to focus on these things - where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. For we have died and our life is hidden in Christ with God - That is truth brother! Always, Your brother John