From Friendship to Community (#996)
We are so accustomed to the fellowship that human effort can engender that many have lost sight of the path to relational community that comes from building friendships. After discussing testing boundaries and how the enemy twists our spiritual hungers into unattainable ideals, Kyle and Wayne explore a pathway to organic community. Beginning with our growing friendship with Father, Son, and Spirit, we are in a better place to take an interest in others and see where friendships develop and who is ready to share their Jesus journeys together. When friendship is the building block of community, people can share an environment where it is safe to be vulnerable and authentic.
Podcast Notes:
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We need to realize that “ideal” is not far from “idol”. Yet, looking (away) to Jesus (the perfect ideal) in order to learn to love Him is highly recommended.
Nevertheless, if we don’t ever try and fail will we ever learn the grace and mercy of God?
Wayne, thank you so much for meeting with the group in Boise and discussing it in this episode (beginning around 22 minutes). I left the 2X2 system in September 2023 after being in it for 63 years, 3rd generation in my family. My husband and I never saw it as a cult while we were in it.
Now that God has removed the scales from our eyes, I have tried to help my friends and relatives who are in still in it to see it for what it is. One of the rules of 2×2 system (aka “The Truth”) is that you do not listen to any teaching outside of their system, don’t go outside the KJV for any religious texts (especially a book that documents the history of the sect), and stay off any internet sites that discuss the 2×2 system. After my husband and I left that religion, we listened to an online pastor, and he said something that really summed up why people can’t understand that they are in a cult, “You can’t convince someone that they are deceived…..because they are deceived.”
Your advice on how to move on and find community was invaluable to me, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Thank you! And praise God (something we never said in “The Truth”)!
It takes tremendous courage to see what’s true about something you’ve been involved in for so many years. I have great admiration for those who have made the painful choices and endured the feelings of guilt to find a better road. I was honored to be with all of you that day and find myself praying for you all often.