My understanding was that if your the only 'believing believer' present at a incident then you ARE the 'Man of God' for that incident and you are likely to be receiving revelation about how to handle that incident.
If their are multiple 'believing believers' present at an incident then which ever one of them is the 'closest' to god and presently standing with God; will likely be the one that God selects to be the 'Man of God' during that situation.
I have no idea where the various doctrines about there only being a single 'Man of God' on the planet came from. Nor any biblical conexts to support such an idea.
I think that we did hear such babble coming from various WC [at meetings] but it was never taught in any fellowship that I attended.
My understanding was that if your the only 'believing believer' present at a incident then you ARE the 'Man of God' for that incident and you are likely to be receiving revelation about how to handle that incident.
If their are multiple 'believing believers' present at an incident then which ever one of them is the 'closest' to god and presently standing with God; will likely be the one that God selects to be the 'Man of God' during that situation.
I have no idea where the various doctrines about there only being a single 'Man of God' on the planet came from. Nor any biblical conexts to support such an idea.
I think that we did hear such babble coming from various WC [at meetings] but it was never taught in any fellowship that I attended.
What exactly is a "believing believer"?
God only talks to one person at a time when there is a group of people?
Who determines and how does one know who the "closest" to God is?
How does one know who God has selected?
Isn't that being a respector of persons? Doesn't the Bible say that God is not a respector of persons?
What information or scriptures backs up the answers to those questions?
This whole concept comes from the insecurities of an egomaniac...Wierwille needed to be placed upon a pedestal...this was the doctrine that put him there...
...it went hand in hand with the "absent Christ" doctrine. With Christ "absent", Veepee was more than glad to take his place as the head of the body...
...Ludicrous, devilish, unbiblical, and foolish...
I think that Galen's explanation came right from a twi handbook...totally wrong in my opinion.
My whole view of VPW and TWI could be shattered. :unsure:
I'll try to give you the short version...Man Of God...or MOG is a title bestowed upon the one single person that God Almighty has selected to be his principal spokesperson to the entire human race...The old testament model of Moses is the classic example and is probably the origin for the concept as promulgated by twi.
There were of course, other men of God as well...but they were "lesser" men of God because they had not been selected as the "chief spokesman for the entire human race"...as such, they were subservient to THEE man of God.
Wierwille taught the MOG concept on a regular basis...His entire heirarchy (the waytree) was based upon this idea...the titles that were given to people in the waytree were actually their "rank"...Wierwille ruled his kingdom using the old testament model...he was Moses and the rest of us were his well organized flunkies.
It should probably be mentioned that this MOG concept is not unique to twi...
It seems to be one of the defining characteristics of a cult. Thier leader is always the guy that "God speaks to"...Rev Moon, David Koresh, Jim Jones, the list goes on...Wierwille was one of those guys...he was either delusional or a con man or both...A lot of guys who make that claim, end up in nut houses...in Wierwille's case, he was charismatic, intelligent, and educated in the art of homeltics...people believed him. It wasn't until after Wierwille died that the "spell" lifted for a lot of folks...Their heads cleared, they started to think for themselves again.
As far as I can see, the term "man of God" is used once in the New Testament: Paul talking, not about himself, but to Timothy.
I Timothy 6:10, 11
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
"But thou, O man of God, flee after these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
The word "man" is the word for human being.
Interesting context, don't you think? I mean, what Paul says a man of God should be.
If one person is in a crowd of unbelievers, and that one person is a believer.
Or if one person is in a crowd of believers but the other believers are at current focused on their unbelief.
God only talks to one person at a time when there is a group of people?
I should imagine that G-d can speak with anyone He/She desires to speak with. During times when I have been told to do something, it has turned out that generally I was the only one told [or perhaps I was the only one who listened]. If only one person is so inspired to act to minister, then it is not that person but rather G-d who should receive the glory. If two are inspired to act, then I think it is great that two are 'listening' and willing to assist.
A singing group that Bonnie really likes a lot is the Statler Brothers, one of their songs asks "Is your radio on?" I think that many may have a radio, but folks don't always keep it turned on.
If someone is hurt and G-d needs one to minister to that person, then I should imagine that G-d will tell one. If circumstances are such that G-d needs two to do the ministering then I should imagine that G-d could well tell two.
Who determines and how does one know who the "closest" to God is?
Again I would have to refer that to Our Heavenly Father.
How does one know who God has selected?
Have you attended the Advanced class?
Isn't that being a respector of persons? Doesn't the Bible say that God is not a respector of persons?
G-d spoke to Moses, and not to Pharaoh.
Christ Jesus visited and spoke with Paul, but not to the soldiers that were following him.
I'll try to give you the short version...Man Of God...or MOG is a title bestowed upon the one single person that God Almighty has selected to be his principal spokesperson to the entire human race...The old testament model of Moses is the classic example and is probably the origin for the concept as promulgated by twi.
In PFAL it is explained that anyone anywhere could be the Man of G-d for that instance. The idea that only one person could be a Man of G-d, is not from within the TWI materials that I am aware of.
Moses, Miriam and Aaron all received revelation from G-d during the same time period.
I never heard VPW refer to himself as the Man of God. This was a title that others bestowed upon him. To me the phrase sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse.
Belle, I believe that if there were a thousand people present someplace God could talk to all of them at the same time and tell them different things, none of which would contradict. I'm sure He could do this, after all He is God thats why He's got the job.
I never heard VPW refer to himself as the Man of God. This was a title that others bestowed upon him. To me the phrase sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse.
Belle, I believe that if there were a thousand people present someplace God could talk to all of them at the same time and tell them different things, none of which would contradict. I'm sure He could do this, after all He is God thats why He's got the job.
I agree entirely.
I did not think that VPW ever called himself by such a title. I don't think that the title became popular until after LCM took over, and then it was only popular among WC.
I think it was LCM who added the other phrases onto the three-word phrase. ["the" before, as well as, "for this present time" or whatever silly title they came up with].
"What is a believing believer?" Gee, maybe my memory is getting kinda fuzzy.........but I remember veepee teaching this concept as a born-again believer who "believes" to manifest (via operating the nine manifestations of holy spirit). And further, wasn't this in pfal......specifically referring to apiethia and apistia.....where a believer has heard enough to believe...??
And secondly, regarding this quote:
I never heard VPW refer to himself as the Man of God. This was a title that others bestowed upon him. To me the phrase sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse.
I heard many bible references with inferences made to "the man of God." I sat thru plenty of Romans teachings where implications were made.....especially in corps training.
The corps director /corps coordinators propounded this terminology....and corps went forth carrying this message to others. Besides, men like cgeer, craiggers, vincef, and others were "elevated" by bestowing this title and the closeness of their association with him.
And,didn't vp soak in the adulation of this title (mog) when D@vid B@ilxy sang that song......."We'll follow the man of God wherever he wants to go, 'long as he want to go, onward against the foe.......We'll follow the man of God...
and didn't someone say that vp wore a bracelet with MOG on it??
well... I don't know about that... where I remember first hearing it was around the time that he was going to 'pass the mantle' to LCM... that being that now LCM would be THE man of God.
You're quite right Galen in that there are many men and women of God... but I always heard the emphasis on the THE... that it was "where the buck stopped" ...and veepee set himself up like that many many times... and by his comments about LCM becoming THE man of God he was inferring that HE was it before and until then...
but big deal... it's all 'puffed up' stuff if you ask me... sort of 'pride goeth before the fall' kind of stuff...
well... I don't know about that... where I remember first hearing it was around the time that he was going to 'pass the mantle' to LCM... that being that now LCM would be THE man of God.
You're quite right Galen in that there are many men and women of God... but I always heard the emphasis on the THE... that it was "where the buck stopped" ...and veepee set himself up like that many many times... and by his comments about LCM becoming THE man of God he was inferring that HE was it before and until then...
but big deal... it's all 'puffed up' stuff if you ask me... sort of 'pride goeth before the fall' kind of stuff...
I have been told many times that I was very fortunate for having been so far away from VPW and LCM. So it seems from your point of view as well.
I have been told many times that I was very fortunate for having been so far away from VPW and LCM. So it seems from your point of view as well.
:)
Yeah.......and to think, that there were plenty of others alot CLOSER.
The inner circle, the twi accountants, twi's legal guy at hq, the bodyguards, the WayGB......those people collectively know the hideous secrets and abuses.
And,didn't vp soak in the adulation of this title (mog) when D@vid B@ilxy sang that song......."We'll follow the man of God wherever he wants to go, 'long as he want to go, onward against the foe.......We'll follow the man of God...
Wierwille's silence was consent.
Yep, I saw it with my own eyes.
Let's not leave it there....finish the thought.
Did that guy really originate the concept/term, or was it handed to him?
Was Mr "Greatest Revelation In Two Millenia",
Mr "Miraculous Snow Follows Me Around",
Mr "So Spiritual I Can Screen Pornography And Not Be Corrupted",
Mr "Stand When I Enter The Room",
Mr "Wear a Tux to Interview Me",
was he actually surprised when this song was done?
Or had he deliberately set the stage for it himself?
Remember his protege-
He had the nerve to appear surprised when someone suggested
that HE play the lead in the musical production HE was pushing.
(Satan's Alley/AOS)
Does anyone think, even for a moment, that he EVER seriously
entertained the option of having someone ELSE play the lead?
lcm was the un-subtle, blindingly-obvious ripoff of vpw all his days.
I say he saw vpw do it, and just carried on his "legacy".
I never heard VPW refer to himself as the Man of God. This was a title that others bestowed upon him. To me the phrase sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse.
Yet he never attempted to dislodge this practice (being referred to as the MOG") even though he was acutely aware of it.
Like many I first knew him as "The Teacher" and later as the "MOG". LCM really worked this one and I guess at some point
the "FOT" was added. See the thing about VPW is he could have stopped all the adulation and glory that was coming his way BUT he didn't. He could have told people about his illness BUT he didn't. He knew very well that people were calling him the "MOG" but he never discouraged it nor did he humbly deny this title. As time went by I though that "The Teacher" was a bit - "unhumble" but no one could openly question VPW's alleged deep knowledge of "The Word" - and get away with it.
Belle, I believe that if there were a thousand people present someplace God could talk to all of them at the same time and tell them different things, none of which would contradict. I'm sure He could do this, after all He is God thats why He's got the job.
Since no man knows how God works and what might motivate Him to speak to one over another I don't think that anyone has any business trying to offer explanations for his method especially since there aren't instructions for this type of thing published any where. Lots of people in TWI alleged to have received revelation about other people that conflicted with reality yet no one would back down and admit that perhaps their hubris and desire to appear to be "salted" was perhaps causing them to imagine things. I suppose if one so desperarely wants to receive revelation then even simply thoughts might appear to be goodies from "daddy's cookie jar". I've seen two Way believers who both claimed to have received revelation that the other was possessed. Neither would back down and after a while they just quit arguing. Both of course told others that the other was operating devil spirits and gave various reasons why the other couldn't possibly have received genuine revelation from God. It was just a pi$$ing contest between these guys and that was all.
In my own opinion I do think that it is possible to get supernatural guidance but I don't think it happens nearly as frequently as various Way classes and leaders taught. God gave us a brain and intellect to use so lots of our decisions can be made using the wisdom of others in combination with experience and common sense. This will get us through a lot. I knew some Way believers that would walk around always "asking father" for information about what food to eat, where to park the car, what color to paint the house, where to plant some flowers, and on and on and on. In many ways they were very anxious people because they simply could not trust themselves with making even the most basic decisions for fear that it might lead to demonic possession or some catastrophe because they didn't "stop to ask Father" about it. I seemed to me that these types of people were far more fearful and
incapable of independent action than any so called "unbeliever or corpse".
Galen: If one person is in a crowd of unbelievers, and that one person is a believer.
Or if one person is in a crowd of believers but the other believers are at current focused on their unbelief.
*scratching head* HOW would one know that the other believers are focused on their unbelief? Isn’t that being judgmental and making assumptions? Where is “believeing believer” in the Bible and set apart from just plain “believer”? How does that fit with “all members of the same body?”
Belle: God only talks to one person at a time when there is a group of people?
Galen: I should imagine that G-d can speak with anyone He/She desires to speak with. During times when I have been told to do something, it has turned out that generally I was the only one told [or perhaps I was the only one who listened]. If only one person is so inspired to act to minister, then it is not that person but rather G-d who should receive the glory. If two are inspired to act, then I think it is great that two are 'listening' and willing to assist.
Then I guess I don’t understand this part of your post above:
Galen: If their are multiple 'believing believers' present at an incident then which ever one of them is the 'closest' to god and presently standing with God; will likely be the one that God selects to be the 'Man of God' during that situation.
Why does there have to be a competition for being the “closest” to God and where does the Bible say that God selects one person to be the “man of God” in any situation?
Galen: If someone is hurt and G-d needs one to minister to that person, then I should imagine that G-d will tell one. If circumstances are such that G-d needs two to do the ministering then I should imagine that G-d could well tell two.
I can see this, but why does it have to be the one “closest” to God? Couldn’t it just be that maybe someone has a “strong suit” in that category or a connection to the person needing ministering that makes them the best person for that situation – not necessarily that they are a “man of God” or closest to God? I don’t recall any scripture about this situation either.
Belle: Who determines and how does one know who the "closest" to God is?
Galen:Again I would have to refer that to Our Heavenly Father.
Then how do you know that’s what the criteria is? How do you know that’s what’s going on? Is there a scripture I can read for this?
Belle: How does one know who God has selected?
Galen:Have you attended the Advanced class?
Several. But That doesn’t answer my question. :) I must have been a bad student.
QUOTE
Belle: Isn't that being a respector of persons? Doesn't the Bible say that God is not a respector of persons?
Galen: G-d spoke to Moses, and not to Pharaoh.
Christ Jesus visited and spoke with Paul, but not to the soldiers that were following him.
But Pharaoh wasn’t in God’s camp. Paul was, but the soldiers weren’t necessarily. Are you saying that when the Apostles were gathered together that one of them was the “closest” to God? That they were never on equal footing with God? That when I went to TWIt functions that some one person in that room was “closest” to God? I’m just still not grasping the concept of the “man of God” in the terms that you’ve laid out…. Not trying to be dense, I just don’t get it.
I'll try to give you the short version...Man Of God...or MOG is a title bestowed upon the one single person that God Almighty has selected to be his principal spokesperson to the entire human race...The old testament model of Moses is the classic example and is probably the origin for the concept as promulgated by twi.
In PFAL it is explained that anyone anywhere could be the Man of G-d for that instance. The idea that only one person could be a Man of G-d, is not from within the TWI materials that I am aware of.
Moses, Miriam and Aaron all received revelation from G-d during the same time period.
Then wouldn’t we have a Man of God in Our Day in Time if that’s the way it is? It seems to me that IF that was the way it was that Jesus did away with the “man of God” title and concept as it was understood during Moses’ time. That there is no longer a need for a Man of God because there is no longer the need for a church or synagogue seeing as how we are all of one body and Christ being the head. Seems if there is going to be a Man of God for our day and time that, that Man of God would be Jesus and not some person on earth.
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coolchef1248 @adelphia.net
imo this was all a figment of veepee"s rampart imagination
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dmiller
An *IMG* from *VPW*. :)
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ex10
Jesus Christ is the MOG. The one and only.
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Tom Strange
IIRC "THE MAN" was always emphasized more than "GOD" in that little saying...
...I should've caught on quicker I guess...
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Galen
My understanding was that if your the only 'believing believer' present at a incident then you ARE the 'Man of God' for that incident and you are likely to be receiving revelation about how to handle that incident.
If their are multiple 'believing believers' present at an incident then which ever one of them is the 'closest' to god and presently standing with God; will likely be the one that God selects to be the 'Man of God' during that situation.
I have no idea where the various doctrines about there only being a single 'Man of God' on the planet came from. Nor any biblical conexts to support such an idea.
I think that we did hear such babble coming from various WC [at meetings] but it was never taught in any fellowship that I attended.
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Belle
What exactly is a "believing believer"?
God only talks to one person at a time when there is a group of people?
Who determines and how does one know who the "closest" to God is?
How does one know who God has selected?
Isn't that being a respector of persons? Doesn't the Bible say that God is not a respector of persons?
What information or scriptures backs up the answers to those questions?
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GrouchoMarxJr
This whole concept comes from the insecurities of an egomaniac...Wierwille needed to be placed upon a pedestal...this was the doctrine that put him there...
...it went hand in hand with the "absent Christ" doctrine. With Christ "absent", Veepee was more than glad to take his place as the head of the body...
...Ludicrous, devilish, unbiblical, and foolish...
I think that Galen's explanation came right from a twi handbook...totally wrong in my opinion.
believing believer?....twi doubletalk.
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MountainTopCO
Well…I’m waiting…
Can’t anybody explain this concept?
Give me anything. A morsel would help.
My whole view of VPW and TWI could be shattered. :unsure:
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GrouchoMarxJr
I'll try to give you the short version...Man Of God...or MOG is a title bestowed upon the one single person that God Almighty has selected to be his principal spokesperson to the entire human race...The old testament model of Moses is the classic example and is probably the origin for the concept as promulgated by twi.
There were of course, other men of God as well...but they were "lesser" men of God because they had not been selected as the "chief spokesman for the entire human race"...as such, they were subservient to THEE man of God.
Wierwille taught the MOG concept on a regular basis...His entire heirarchy (the waytree) was based upon this idea...the titles that were given to people in the waytree were actually their "rank"...Wierwille ruled his kingdom using the old testament model...he was Moses and the rest of us were his well organized flunkies.
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GrouchoMarxJr
It should probably be mentioned that this MOG concept is not unique to twi...
It seems to be one of the defining characteristics of a cult. Thier leader is always the guy that "God speaks to"...Rev Moon, David Koresh, Jim Jones, the list goes on...Wierwille was one of those guys...he was either delusional or a con man or both...A lot of guys who make that claim, end up in nut houses...in Wierwille's case, he was charismatic, intelligent, and educated in the art of homeltics...people believed him. It wasn't until after Wierwille died that the "spell" lifted for a lot of folks...Their heads cleared, they started to think for themselves again.
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topoftheworld
As far as I can see, the term "man of God" is used once in the New Testament: Paul talking, not about himself, but to Timothy.
I Timothy 6:10, 11
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
"But thou, O man of God, flee after these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
The word "man" is the word for human being.
Interesting context, don't you think? I mean, what Paul says a man of God should be.
Wish we had truly seen that in action.
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Galen
If one person is in a crowd of unbelievers, and that one person is a believer.
Or if one person is in a crowd of believers but the other believers are at current focused on their unbelief.
I should imagine that G-d can speak with anyone He/She desires to speak with. During times when I have been told to do something, it has turned out that generally I was the only one told [or perhaps I was the only one who listened]. If only one person is so inspired to act to minister, then it is not that person but rather G-d who should receive the glory. If two are inspired to act, then I think it is great that two are 'listening' and willing to assist.A singing group that Bonnie really likes a lot is the Statler Brothers, one of their songs asks "Is your radio on?" I think that many may have a radio, but folks don't always keep it turned on.
If someone is hurt and G-d needs one to minister to that person, then I should imagine that G-d will tell one. If circumstances are such that G-d needs two to do the ministering then I should imagine that G-d could well tell two.
Again I would have to refer that to Our Heavenly Father.
Have you attended the Advanced class?G-d spoke to Moses, and not to Pharaoh.
Christ Jesus visited and spoke with Paul, but not to the soldiers that were following him.
In PFAL it is explained that anyone anywhere could be the Man of G-d for that instance. The idea that only one person could be a Man of G-d, is not from within the TWI materials that I am aware of.
Moses, Miriam and Aaron all received revelation from G-d during the same time period.
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Out There
I never heard VPW refer to himself as the Man of God. This was a title that others bestowed upon him. To me the phrase sounds like you are putting the cart before the horse.
Belle, I believe that if there were a thousand people present someplace God could talk to all of them at the same time and tell them different things, none of which would contradict. I'm sure He could do this, after all He is God thats why He's got the job.
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Galen
I agree entirely.
I did not think that VPW ever called himself by such a title. I don't think that the title became popular until after LCM took over, and then it was only popular among WC.
I think it was LCM who added the other phrases onto the three-word phrase. ["the" before, as well as, "for this present time" or whatever silly title they came up with].
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skyrider
Two things:
"What is a believing believer?" Gee, maybe my memory is getting kinda fuzzy.........but I remember veepee teaching this concept as a born-again believer who "believes" to manifest (via operating the nine manifestations of holy spirit). And further, wasn't this in pfal......specifically referring to apiethia and apistia.....where a believer has heard enough to believe...??
And secondly, regarding this quote:
I heard many bible references with inferences made to "the man of God." I sat thru plenty of Romans teachings where implications were made.....especially in corps training.
The corps director /corps coordinators propounded this terminology....and corps went forth carrying this message to others. Besides, men like cgeer, craiggers, vincef, and others were "elevated" by bestowing this title and the closeness of their association with him.
And,didn't vp soak in the adulation of this title (mog) when D@vid B@ilxy sang that song......."We'll follow the man of God wherever he wants to go, 'long as he want to go, onward against the foe.......We'll follow the man of God...
Wierwille's silence was consent.
Yep, I saw it with my own eyes.
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coolchef1248 @adelphia.net
and didn't someone say that vp wore a bracelet with MOG on it??
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Tom Strange
well... I don't know about that... where I remember first hearing it was around the time that he was going to 'pass the mantle' to LCM... that being that now LCM would be THE man of God.
You're quite right Galen in that there are many men and women of God... but I always heard the emphasis on the THE... that it was "where the buck stopped" ...and veepee set himself up like that many many times... and by his comments about LCM becoming THE man of God he was inferring that HE was it before and until then...
but big deal... it's all 'puffed up' stuff if you ask me... sort of 'pride goeth before the fall' kind of stuff...
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Galen
I have been told many times that I was very fortunate for having been so far away from VPW and LCM. So it seems from your point of view as well.
:)
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skyrider
Yeah.......and to think, that there were plenty of others alot CLOSER.
The inner circle, the twi accountants, twi's legal guy at hq, the bodyguards, the WayGB......those people collectively know the hideous secrets and abuses.
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WordWolf
Let's not leave it there....finish the thought.
Did that guy really originate the concept/term, or was it handed to him?
Was Mr "Greatest Revelation In Two Millenia",
Mr "Miraculous Snow Follows Me Around",
Mr "So Spiritual I Can Screen Pornography And Not Be Corrupted",
Mr "Stand When I Enter The Room",
Mr "Wear a Tux to Interview Me",
was he actually surprised when this song was done?
Or had he deliberately set the stage for it himself?
Remember his protege-
He had the nerve to appear surprised when someone suggested
that HE play the lead in the musical production HE was pushing.
(Satan's Alley/AOS)
Does anyone think, even for a moment, that he EVER seriously
entertained the option of having someone ELSE play the lead?
lcm was the un-subtle, blindingly-obvious ripoff of vpw all his days.
I say he saw vpw do it, and just carried on his "legacy".
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coolchef1248 @adelphia.net
but wordwolf
he looked so cute in his tights! i was there for the opening
barf!
damn it was gross
but i bought the coloring books anyway
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topoftheworld
There were COLORING books?????????
Glad I never saw it. I'd rather be tied to chair and forced to watch Beavis & Butthead a thousand times.
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diazbro
Yet he never attempted to dislodge this practice (being referred to as the MOG") even though he was acutely aware of it.
Like many I first knew him as "The Teacher" and later as the "MOG". LCM really worked this one and I guess at some point
the "FOT" was added. See the thing about VPW is he could have stopped all the adulation and glory that was coming his way BUT he didn't. He could have told people about his illness BUT he didn't. He knew very well that people were calling him the "MOG" but he never discouraged it nor did he humbly deny this title. As time went by I though that "The Teacher" was a bit - "unhumble" but no one could openly question VPW's alleged deep knowledge of "The Word" - and get away with it.
Since no man knows how God works and what might motivate Him to speak to one over another I don't think that anyone has any business trying to offer explanations for his method especially since there aren't instructions for this type of thing published any where. Lots of people in TWI alleged to have received revelation about other people that conflicted with reality yet no one would back down and admit that perhaps their hubris and desire to appear to be "salted" was perhaps causing them to imagine things. I suppose if one so desperarely wants to receive revelation then even simply thoughts might appear to be goodies from "daddy's cookie jar". I've seen two Way believers who both claimed to have received revelation that the other was possessed. Neither would back down and after a while they just quit arguing. Both of course told others that the other was operating devil spirits and gave various reasons why the other couldn't possibly have received genuine revelation from God. It was just a pi$$ing contest between these guys and that was all.
In my own opinion I do think that it is possible to get supernatural guidance but I don't think it happens nearly as frequently as various Way classes and leaders taught. God gave us a brain and intellect to use so lots of our decisions can be made using the wisdom of others in combination with experience and common sense. This will get us through a lot. I knew some Way believers that would walk around always "asking father" for information about what food to eat, where to park the car, what color to paint the house, where to plant some flowers, and on and on and on. In many ways they were very anxious people because they simply could not trust themselves with making even the most basic decisions for fear that it might lead to demonic possession or some catastrophe because they didn't "stop to ask Father" about it. I seemed to me that these types of people were far more fearful and
incapable of independent action than any so called "unbeliever or corpse".
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Belle
*scratching head* HOW would one know that the other believers are focused on their unbelief? Isn’t that being judgmental and making assumptions? Where is “believeing believer” in the Bible and set apart from just plain “believer”? How does that fit with “all members of the same body?”
Then I guess I don’t understand this part of your post above:
Why does there have to be a competition for being the “closest” to God and where does the Bible say that God selects one person to be the “man of God” in any situation?
I can see this, but why does it have to be the one “closest” to God? Couldn’t it just be that maybe someone has a “strong suit” in that category or a connection to the person needing ministering that makes them the best person for that situation – not necessarily that they are a “man of God” or closest to God? I don’t recall any scripture about this situation either.
Then how do you know that’s what the criteria is? How do you know that’s what’s going on? Is there a scripture I can read for this?
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