Several years ago when living in Salt Lake City, we began to grow very weary
of a traditional church setting. We couldn't shake the fact that we were
merely spectators.

We found a few other families from various churches and denominations who
felt the same and we started fellowshipping together instead of going to
"the church building". As I recall, nobody had any feelings of hostility or
condemnation for those they left behind in church, just a hunger for
something more. Something deeper.

When we moved away from SLC, we went back into a denomination. I never had
any peace about it, but it was that or be very isolated. It proved to be a
mistake as my oldest was lead astry by members of the youth group that I had
hoped would help him. I am not bitter about this, however.

We moved again 4 years ago, and had bible study with my sister and her
family, but they both left the faith completely. once again we were
isolated.

I read the book "In His Steps" By Charles Sheldon. I asked myself, "What
would Jesus Do?" I decided that Jesus would reach out and teach and not
just stay home. So, back to a denomination. This time Nazarene. I was
attracted to the Holiness message, but didn't find it played out in the
lives of many of the people. Not that there aren't some wonderful
Christians there, but by and large they are becoming "Soft on sin" just like
the rest of the world.

I was troubled by the legalism and lack of discernment. The Lord was
teaching me things that did not line-up with what the denomination taught
and stood for. I was very torn. But, I was teaching 2 classes and felt
needed, so I stayed.

In time I found myself beginnning to compromise on things just for the sake
of the people I went to church with. I didn't want to offend them. But,
the Lord was speaking to me and began to shut doors. By December of '99, I
felt Him tell me specifically that we were to leave that church. I finished
out the season of bible quiz and left the end of March.

During that process, He brought many things to my attention. For example I
read the book, "All Roads Lead to Rome" by Michael De Semlyn. I began to
see that I was unwittingly aiding the cause of ecumenism. the Nazarene
church had been a hold-out, but September of '99 they joined the World
Methodist Council, which, either the council or one of their bed-fellows has
engaged in dialogue with the RCC. How is that significant? You may ask.
Well, in the book, "All Roads Lead to Rome" it is emphasized that dialogue
is the first step to compromise. The pastor also participated in the
community pulpit-switch and we got a 7th day adventist preacher. This was
quite a shock.

Also, the Lord led me to read some information about Contemporary Christian
Music (CCM). I never felt too good about CCM, but it is endorsed by so many
"respectable" leaders, that I never took much of a stand. I now know, that
many CCM artists are aiding ecumenism, are soft on sin, and use the worlds
means which produces worldy Christians.
Not to broad-brush. I couldn't possibly judge their motives, some are
undoubtedly good, but the Lord has spoken. If we stayed in the
denomination, one of our sons would be continually subjected to CCM.

So, we are back at home. Isolated. But obedient. The Lord has blessed,
and we are learning more of Him than ever. We have to because their is no
special so and so with all the answers in the pulpit. It is a challenge now
to search the scriptures daily and find out if this is so...(Acts 17:11)
What a privelege and a blessing!!

So, the bottom line is, each of us must listen to the Lord. The people
still in the IC may be where the Lord wants them for a season. But, when He
calls them out, they must be willing to depart from their traditions and
come out. The more we are given, the more that is required of us. Once you
have heard the truth, you are responsible to respond accordingly.

By the way, (off the subject) it is my understanding that in the last days
when He pours out His spirit on all flesh, has been fulfilled in Acts 2. It
means that all that believe in Him can be filled with His Spirit. Now,
today, and 2,000 years ago as well. In the OT, only the select few had the
Spirit. Thus, no victory over sin. Peter denied Jesus until God poured out
His Spirit. Then, Peter had boldness and did not love his life unto death.

You will recall that when Saul was annointed by Samuel he received the Holy
Spirit and began to prophesy. Though, in his pride and rebellion, he
grieved the Spirit away and God sent a distressing spirit on him instead.

In the bible, the word all does not necessarily mean "all". Not in the
usual sense.

Hope I haven't stepped on a hornets nest!

Praying to be counted worthy,

Yes, I agree that only the Beleivers will be filled. The way is narrow & Jesus asks if he will find any faithful when he comes. I left the IC's about 14 years ago. Have found a close relationship with Jesus since that time. Would not have happened if I had found a IC family. Keep the faith and keep your eyes on Jesus! He is our only master and his spirit teaches us all things.

A servant of the Master,