Re -- “I’m really intrigued to do more digging. I’d love to study in Israel with rabbis, study with Messianic Jews here in the States, and learn about all of the things I’m missing and arrogantly assuming as a modern Western believer.”
Get your hands on Kenneth Bailey’s *Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes* if you can. His massive tome is an awesome place to do some more digging. I have not read it cover to cover yet (these days I tend to peruse books and read where I find myself drawn, lol), but the Samaritan woman + the woman at the house of Simon the leper + the parable of the serving master -- all just wow.
Christy, you are already amazing, and I think you know it :D
Just think about all the amazing things you've done over the past few years. You've escaped from a cult. You've moved jobs, both yourself and Josh. You've waded out into deep waters (like the big cults sing about without having experienced it themselves!) and God has held your head above water. I could go on, but I'm sure you've a more realistic grasp of it than I have :D
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure..." (Is 46:9-10). I love this verse because it reminds me of all the former things that God has done with me; how He's never let me down, and how He'll keep doing things into the future. It's mind-blowing. You too have that testimony.
Regarding the songs from 'off' groups, well personally I think they're only songs. Unless a song makes you think of the uncleanness of its source, feel free to use it in your worship, because to the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15). Nothing that is in those songs can hurt you, so if you want to use them to bless God, go right ahead. I remember back in my Charismatic days, people in more staid churches used to pinch our songs even though they disapproved of our worship style. It's the same in churches all over. You just go ahead and worship, as long as your conscience is clear!
I am really looking forward to your book; please let us know on your newsletter when it has been released!
Re -- “I’m really intrigued to do more digging. I’d love to study in Israel with rabbis, study with Messianic Jews here in the States, and learn about all of the things I’m missing and arrogantly assuming as a modern Western believer.”
Get your hands on Kenneth Bailey’s *Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes* if you can. His massive tome is an awesome place to do some more digging. I have not read it cover to cover yet (these days I tend to peruse books and read where I find myself drawn, lol), but the Samaritan woman + the woman at the house of Simon the leper + the parable of the serving master -- all just wow.
Christy, you are already amazing, and I think you know it :D
Just think about all the amazing things you've done over the past few years. You've escaped from a cult. You've moved jobs, both yourself and Josh. You've waded out into deep waters (like the big cults sing about without having experienced it themselves!) and God has held your head above water. I could go on, but I'm sure you've a more realistic grasp of it than I have :D
"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure..." (Is 46:9-10). I love this verse because it reminds me of all the former things that God has done with me; how He's never let me down, and how He'll keep doing things into the future. It's mind-blowing. You too have that testimony.
Regarding the songs from 'off' groups, well personally I think they're only songs. Unless a song makes you think of the uncleanness of its source, feel free to use it in your worship, because to the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15). Nothing that is in those songs can hurt you, so if you want to use them to bless God, go right ahead. I remember back in my Charismatic days, people in more staid churches used to pinch our songs even though they disapproved of our worship style. It's the same in churches all over. You just go ahead and worship, as long as your conscience is clear!
I am really looking forward to your book; please let us know on your newsletter when it has been released!
Grace and Peace