24542 said there is no closed communion with the REB. 24587 says there is. Clarity please!
They have a business masquerading as a church with no Biblical reference whatsoever the Brethren [are] right where they want them.
-
Anonymous
UnregisteredPost # 24602 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredAnd not just the REB. I visited my aunt a few years ago and she goes to some EB-offshoot she joined after leaving the EB - I believe it may be 'Glantons', whoever they are. While I was there I got taken to the 'breaking of bread' but despite having 'broken bread' with her over many years when we were both in the EB, I had to sit at the back 'behind the board'.
I've never been so offended in my life and that was the last time ever I had anything to do with brethen- or ex-brethren-style worship.
roddle
Post # 24603 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
johnw
MemberI had a similar experience, Roddle, and I came to the same conclusion. It's one thing, however, when the group in question say quite clearly what they do. It's another when they say, 'of course we don't have closed communion' when that is what they do.
Post # 24620 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredRoddle’s experience is a perfect example of why I believe according to scripture, a closed or exclusive communion (breaking of bread) is wrong.
He had to sit at the back and let the service take place without him taking part, in other words he was prevented (through traditions of men), from remembering the Lord Jesus as commanded to do so in scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 11 (which was quoted on the previous page). What would the Lord have thought !
A family I know in an EB offshoot, did take their place at the Lord’s table when on holiday in a place not close to a meeting of their own group. They went to a different church and took the Lord’s supper. On return to their usual EB meeting, it came out that this had happened and they were made to apologise for what they had done. They did apologise, facing threat of Excommunication. A while after, I was talking to this Christian brother who’s conscience was troubling him, he was battling with the issue of being made to say “Sorry” for remembering his Lord and Saviour at the Lord’s table as the Lord has commanded in scripture.
I asked him how he would have felt if he had followed the rules of his EB group and let the bread and cup pass by?, His response was, “How could I do that !, That would be like denying my own faith !, That would seem to me, to be denying my Lord Jesus !, denying what it commands and instructs in scripture !”
He then made this statement - “When the words of scripture were quoted, in a free prayer, during the service “this do in remembrance of me”, I had no choice, I had to take full part and take the bread and cup”
Post # 24624 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredAll this Renton v Hales stuff - seems to me it's jumping from the frying pan to the fire????
Post # 24627 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredThe Corinthians were babes in the truth and were as such commanded to keep the Lord's Table "until He comes". That coming is when a saint finds himself as Paul tells the Ephesian saints: "seated in Christ in the heavenly places". Corinthian truth is not the same level as Ephesian truth, one is for babes who as Paul said still need childish things "when I became an adult I did away with the things of a child".
The practice of the Lord's Table is like the greatest sacrament of Holy Roman Eucharist a denial of the Lord's Coming into one's life, a latter day Roman Apostasy "for having tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the son of God on their own account" which many Christians do weekly. It is the greatest sign of apostasy and Rome's influence the Great Harlot and her protestant daughters. It is this very denial that enables the Pope and Hales to reign.
That is why their Gospel does not work, they still continue in sin and apostasy, smashing families and all sacred relationships....while their leaders make huge fortunes. There is no bigger business than the religion business, it is based on the Lord's Table, communion or Eucharist whatever you want to call it. In reality it is founded on the PAGAN BELIEF of HUMAN SACRIFICE, which permeated Roman religion and to deny the efficacy of the blood sacrifice was punishable by death under the Caesar's decree. Dangerous Donkeys rule in religion just like in politics.
"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine[Corinthian babes in the truth] of Christ and go on to maturity." Heb.6:1
Post # 24738 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Peter T
MemberHello again fellow Posters, I thought I would send a new Post in response to the many there have been to my original message. I would like to acknowledge your many posts and say that it has reminded me that I am not alone with how I feel, which can be the feeling when not having any contact with my side of the family or other ex-EB's. As Ian mentioned in one post, this is a site where there is no need to feel condemned or guilty, we've all been affected in a similar way.
I would like to respond to some of the Posts that have stood out to me individually now (bearing in mind there are a number in the same or similar context):
Firstly with #24508 mentioning the bitterness I feel and negativity towards the EB's- you really need to know what I have experienced to be able to comment on that. I am not bitter, it is just the on-going issue with having no contact and my kids growing up without it that cuts at the heart. I noticed on the web-site the mention of a 'Review' being conducted by the EB's a few years ago in which they were meant to acknowledge where people had been dealt with unfairly by the EB's. My parents contacted me at around that time (I know why now- absolute crock of shite that was, unless you can show me otherwise)- to say they were sorry for the way I'd been treated and so on. I met with them a couple of times at the end of which I thought they might actually like to have some form of 'fellowship' with me and family- turned out to be all they were trying to do was get us all back to breaking bread with them and I have only had minor contact with them since. Leaves a sick feeling in the heart beacause blood is thicker than water, and they might not realise it, but they are still my parents, etc and I honour them for that,
Secondly on the topic of breaking bread and in response to # 24419 and # 24437 in particular with the mention of joining the Renton's who are an offshoot of the EB's. Whilst I appreciate the suggestion and it is appealing to some extent (from the point that it may feel like being at 'home' due to the similarities to the EB's), I wouldn't be prepared to consider that option and I know my family wouldn't either. It sounds just too much like the EB's to look at, and I really feel I'd be going back to a simliar level of control and equivalent experience to what I had before,
Thirdly and on a more positive note to respond to Ian's post # 24502 with reference to the various different teachings and how most churches would use differing points of Scripture to justify their principles. I would like to say I agree with that point and can see how it plays out in various churches- I've been to a few different ones since leaving the EB's. At the end of the day, it is the preparation to overcome that and see the church as God's house that needs to be the primary reason for attending a particular one. With the EB's there is just too much that happens that is not right that we can't accept it- otherwise we'd be happy and stay 'in' wouldn't we?
So in the positive, I will certainly take that into consideration and not give up on church- will look for one that allows me to be free to worship and hear the inspired Word of God. Also a church I can feel at 'home'at. That is what lead to me deciding to leave the EB's 20 odd years ago- because I found out that there are churches that don't judge and to them the gospel is free to any who wish to hear it as Jesus himself said,
Next I would like to make reference to posts # 24445 and # 24446 with regard to the concept of us experiencing "Stockholm Syndrome" which helps put a label on what we are experiencing- this struck me as being most helpful and I will be enquiring about that further. Any other information or methods of overcoming (curing?) it would be appreciated. Also I'd like to acknowledge a number of other posts that have referred to us being affected in various ways ('institutionalised' i.e. the Shawshank Redemption, the Armed Forces, etc to name a few) which is beneficial as well. I think we realise that in one sense this is a unique way we've been effected, but it helps to realise there are other forms of 'institutions' out there and we all require an understanding to overcome the effects,
Next (and I'm almost finished) I'd like to mention post # 24554 with regard to accepting our upbringing- being at 'peace' with it. Again, I agree with this one and can see the merit to what it means. I believe that if I'm honest that could be an area I struggle with. I have previously accepted the need to honour my parents, but I don't know whether I accept that the way I was brought up is what it is and I need to come to terms with it. I will take that on board and again would appreciate any comments you might like to add,
Finally, I would like to pick up on post # 24518 from Chisel which was a suggestion to join an ex EB support group such as Feeb's. I would really appreciate hearing of any contact's you could provide on this to follow up on. I would be willing to travel to meet a group within Victoria preferably but I would consider interstate as well. I have one contact- a cousin in W.A. (although I haven't heard from her for a while now), however some more local contacts would be great. I would be willing to provide further contact details upon hearing of options on this one.
In conclusion to all the above- again I appreciate the various replies to my Post. I hope to hear more from you and I would love to meet with some people who have left that I could form lasting friendships with should that be agreeable. Hope this is okay as I hope I don't have to spend the rest of my life on these forums as good as they are.
Best Regards,
Peter T
Post # 24743 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredIf you are in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, Peter you can contact Ken Joyce of 2 Cassan Way, Caroline Springs.
Post # 24755 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Charles
MemberPeter T
I do sympathise with how you are feeling. It was 10 years after leaving that I began to reach any sort of spiritual equilibrium. During the first 10 years we attended first a brethren meeting that left in 1960 but after sitting behind for 3 years we decided we couldn't face asking to break bread and being refused so we stopped going. We then went to another 1960 brethren meeting and were received with open arms from day 1. We went there for 5 years but the meeting disbanded in the end through lack of numbers. We then went to a evangelical C of E and have stayed through thick and thin since 1983. What I liked about it was the complete contrast from brethren. For the future I wouldn't mind going to a local cathedral about once every 6 weeks just to hear good music, then once every six weeks to a modern church with thumping loud music and lots of young people, then one week go to a more conservative church such as we have attended for many years. Then have a couple of Sundays at home. My first 30 years of life in the EBs is responsible for wishing for time off.
For some years after we left my wife felt very sad as her mother stayed in and she had a certain amount of counselling about it. She was told that she was experiencing bereavement but the people were not dead but alive, and this is difficult to cope with.
One of the things that I was surprised to experience was the fact that if you met exEBs you talked about the brethren but this brought up unwelcome memories and you finished up not wanting contact with ex EBs. I don't wish to be misunderstood in saying this and will mention that in 1996 someone I knew when we were teenagers was put out, losing his wife and children and his business. I contacted him knowing that he was completely on his own and we had a few conversations. But I sensed that I was someone from the past and who brought back memories he wished to forget. So in the end we lost contact.
I accept my brethren upbringing and would not be the person I am without it but as far as church going goes I wish to stay on the edge, probably so that I can escape if necessary.
Post # 24758 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredI have some similar feelings, Charles.
I find it difficult to accept all the principles and practices of any particular form of "churchmanship". For example, in my part of the world "evangelical" churches seem to sing some pretty weak and slushy songs with the same lines repeated over and over again (doesn't God find it boring?) plus some rather superficial sermons; while moderate anglo-catholic churches tend to have more thoughtful preaching and richer music (and they don't ditch most of the prayer book), but at times they go off into a long-windedness that would put off most people who happen to come in off the street.
At any suggestion of getting into a permanent "prayer group" or "house group" etc I'm off like a shot! On the other hand I can enjoy study groups that just go for a few weeks, on a particular subject, because there's no implication that you're now one of a select little group.
Nigel Mansell
Post # 24761 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
Unregisteredand I too-I shy away from being a ''member'' of any church-although I do enjoy the Christian fellowship and am free to enjoy it where ever it may be found..I acknowlege the utmost importance of the knowlege of Christ dying for my sins but I adamantly refuse to take any other name than a ''believer''.I have found that two Christians who have just met can get along just fine-and enjoy happy fellowship-until they mention where they goand then they inevitably focus on their doctrinal diferences-rather than Christ.I will have none of it-too many wasted years ''defending the ground that we have won''and what Mr.So and So said .....
the fishermanPost # 24773 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredAnd I'm a full church member!
Johnw
Post # 24776 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredThose who may currently have contact with EBs inside by email, under whatever pretext, get readyfor the message I go today when attempting to communicate by email
: 5.7.1 Your email messages have been blocked by the recipient OR by Trend Micro Email Reputation Service
Post # 24788 - Posted 3 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredPraying 4 U!
Aren AgopianPost # 26455 - Posted 2 months ago LINK -
Jill
MemberHello Peter T
I have not been following this thread - not sure why! I suppose I can't follow them all but because it came to the top of the list again I took a look... and saw your posting re feebI started FEEB back in - well I can never remember, around 1997 I think. So if you want to know more you can email me. Use this email address
research at themyttons.co.uk - I have written it like this to avoid the machines that sweep the web for email addresses and then hack into them. Change the word 'at' to the symbol @ and remove the spaces.It is a totally private email group and specifically for ex HEB folks.
JillOh and by the way my daughter is currently living in Melbourne so I travel there once or twice a year and would be pleased to meet up with you - if that is where you live
Post # 26474 - Posted 2 months ago LINK -
Anonymous
UnregisteredPost # 24587
Come on Johnw, you know as well as I do that communion is not immediate. It is not that unusual to be interviewed by your church first.
So says who ?
Seems to me that the bible you read speaks of a table being set up,for a large number of society misfits .For there was the characters like Zacchaeus, the covetous tax-collecting traitor .And life giving water was even offered to immoral women at a well,and then another were also being defended when she interrupted a meal to anoint his feet. And this man Jesus once also told a parable, about a certain king who insisted his servant would search and bring in both the good and the bad, the crippled and blind , lepers and outcast to his banquet.
Even some characters gathering in a upper room in the final week, called disciples, were not all really such a very perfect bunch, were they. For indeed its written, that one would deny Jesus outright . It were known how number of folk,still doubted he were son of God .
If Jesus were indeed son of God , then seems even on that very night he would have already known he were to be betrayed, he still continues to invite Judas to also come along and be one of those to partake of the bread and the wine. Its written that Judas already knew of Gods plan for Jesus ,having been tutored for around three years or so, wasnt it ?. So obviously he still lacked in faith,but yet even as an unbeliever ,with Jesus knowing this .This man Judas still recieved an invitation to also partake.
I would like to know, though, what kind of church has no "acceptance policy".
Well yes i tend to agree with you. Seems like many, have decided there is need of one these days.
But still ,maybe that fact actually still says very little about whether such people should really be laying claim ?, to actually be true followers of Christ. If we were to compare, how each chose to run the show.
I suppose it would be convenient to those people who are not serious about their committals, and no sense of responsibility toward the other church members, and even less responsibility to the Lord. His supper is not for our convenience it is a privilege. Privilege involves a responsibility to Him. It rather depends on how you view your responsibility as to how you will answer our Lord's request. Irrespective of which place of worship you attend, it is a responsibility of the members to assure a place where the service is conducted according to what the Lord has asked of us. Don't you think so? Or are you content to please yourself?
Are you saying ? you feel Jesus only invited certian privileged folks.And suggesting he wasnt being serious enough about his faith ?,when continuing with inviting some dubious folks along, like old Judas. Are you suggesting ? that Judas still continued to keep his own invitation to also attend the table , because of him doing such a great job of displaying his own responsibility toward the Lord.
Seems maybe its not really what was recorded within the bible.
You talk about this need of having a responsibility to the Lord. Yet to me it almost seems like, if you Renton folk were around back in those ancient times ,you might have even expected that Judas would first need to meet regulations ,and be prepared to become responsible to you Renton folk, and your special modern day laws, and expectations . Before this man Judas whould have even been given any right, to attend your table.
So to whom do you really expect that these folks ?, should all first need to become responsible to. Is it your table ?. Or is it still owned by Jesus?.
As an atheist. Its really not anything about this man Jesus that i would even feel like i have any real great need to be fearful.
For indeed its actually some people thats busy calling themselves the faithful folks, that i would often tend to fear the most . All those fine folk claiming our need of right to all retain our religious freedoms, and talk lots about the ongoing love of their Gods .Whom then often also seemed to still proceed with turning our right of freedom of faith , into what seems more like many different degree's of tyranny .
And like others who already made comments on this thread. For me also as well,after many years have already past,with my leaving the religious tyranny existing within ebism. The effects of the pain,still continue
Post # 26963 - Posted 1 month ago LINK -
Anony Mouse
MemberHello Rainbow, thanks for the offer of communicating privately. I would like to but I wouldn't be willing to put my email address on this site because of recent hackings and I don't think the peebs.net administators will pass on email addresses.
Rachel
Post # 27170 - Posted 1 month ago LINK -
I don't think the peebs.net administators will pass on email addresses.
Anytime - between consenting adults! Just contact us via info@peebs.net / http://peebs.net/contact-peebs-net/ and we will happily facilitate the 'link-up'.
We suggest you both use a Subject of something like Anony Mouse meets Rainbow so we can track and forward appropriately.
:-)
Post # 27171 - Posted 1 month ago LINK
Top of page | RSS feed for this topic
