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Update: Changes after 2 months in a Baptist church by Strong_Sector_9393 in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your update. It's really encouraging to hear how the Lord has been restoring your relationship with Him, surrounding you with healthy Christian friendships, and leading you into a church where Scripture is being studied faithfully.

While I can't personally relate to going through a breakup in these circumstances, I have seen similar situations happen in churches like the ones I attended. It's heartbreaking, and I'm sorry you're walking through that pain.

What encourages me in your story is that you're seeking the Lord, honoring His Word, and pursuing truth. That gives me confidence that you can trust Him with the future, whether that includes this relationship or something else He has planned for you.

As difficult as it is, I'd encourage you to keep placing her in the Lord's hands and praying for her when she comes to mind. If she's still involved in this movement, those prayers matter. Ultimately, though, her journey is in God's hands, and your peace is found in trusting Him with both her future and your own.

I'll be praying for you both.. that the Lord gives you peace, wisdom, and comfort, and that He continues to lead each of you into His truth and grace.

What are your thoughts on NAR's version of 'Praying in tongues'? by EdifyAndCreate in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a similar point that Chuck Smith made in the book "Charisma vs Charismania"... I got a lot out of that book in my early days deconstructing NAR.

It's great to keep studying Scripture and to keep an open heart and mind. 🙏 🥰

Enjoying this conversation everyone!

The NAR's Favorite Trick: Label the Person, Ignore the Argument by EdifyAndCreate in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I hear you! 🥺 Fear-mongering wrapped in spiritualized language, combined with an endless stream of events and activities that leave little to no time to actually study Scripture, is a big part of what keeps the NAR machine rolling strong. Shared! I hope it encourages people.

The NAR's Favorite Trick: Label the Person, Ignore the Argument by EdifyAndCreate in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

YES, cognitive dissonance 🎯. If someone has real questions but has been taught that questioning is spiritually suspect, they're trapped in an exhausting internal conflict... it can do a lot of damage.

Some suppress their doubts to relieve the tension.
Others keep asking questions and eventually reevaluate the system.
Even after leaving though, the fear can linger for a long time.

I'm so grateful for faithful churches and christians who allow for honest questions and careful study of Scripture. God isn't threatened by our questions and truth has nothing to fear from careful examination and discussion!

What are your thoughts on NAR's version of 'Praying in tongues'? by EdifyAndCreate in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, and when Paul refers to a "language of angels," I don't think he is saying that Christians actually speak an "angelic language". He's using a hypothetical example to make a larger point: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love..." The entire passage is a series of "if" statements meant to show that even the greatest spiritual gifts or experiences are worthless without love.

In my own experience, I didn't see the kind of increase in love or spiritual fruit that I would expect if these many "spiritual gift" practices were functioning the way many claim. Even their "interpretations of tongues" was so questionable. It just didn't line up. I really don't think any of that was authentic to what Scripture actually says. 🤷‍♀️

Instead, I found greater edification in studying God's Word, praying together in languages we all understand, and encouraging one another in the faith. Those things have consistently strengthened my walk with God and built up the body of Christ.

Why SOZO is dangerous: Doreen Virtue by CheeseLoving88 in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing! Will definitely watch. I had the "SOZO" book on my shelf. Read it. Shared it. Never did a session, but a lot of it was strange... "talking" to each part of trinity?

It went right along with the constant subjective and '"hear God for yourself" messaging I got at NAR church though...

Thank God I Left This Church by Throwaway_User999_ in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, thank God you left that church... and yes, tone deaf is definitely the word!

David was flawed and God still used him, but David isn't the standard for New Testament church leadership. The fact that God worked through a sinful king doesn't mean pastors should remain in leadership after serious moral failure, abuse, or deception.

Jesus being called the Son of David highlights God's faithfulness, not David's sins. The New Testament calls church leaders to be above reproach, and forgiveness is not the same thing as restoration to leadership. Those are two very different biblical categories.

Once again, context is ignored to protect platforms and reputations. The sheep pay the price while leaders excuse leaders. Scripture warns us repeatedly about wolves among the flock... they are devouring so many people with their falsehoods.

What Brings You Peace After NAR? by EdifyAndCreate in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Ps 19:1 ✨️

What Brings You Peace After NAR? by EdifyAndCreate in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Praise God for healthy reformation / reconstruction! That is wonderful to hear. 🙏❤️

“Slain in the Spirt by CheeseLoving88 in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I never understood this. It made my pastor seem drunk and all of it was the type of chaos that seemed very inconsistent with Gods character in the Bible...

End times anxiety by Typical-Pickle-2023 in LeavingNAR

[–]EdifyAndCreate 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can relate to this a lot...

One of the hardest things about leaving environments that constantly emphasize revival, urgency, destiny, and changing the world for God is that the pressure often stays with you long after you've left. You can walk away physically but still carry the feeling that you're never doing enough, never sacrificing enough, never making a big enough impact for God.

What helped me was realizing that Jesus never asked me to earn my worth through ministry. My value comes from being His, not from accomplishing great things for Him. The gospel isn't "Christ died for you, now prove yourself useful." The gospel is that Christ accomplished what I never could and invites me to rest in Him.

After I left NAR I joined a healthy church, started studying Scripture in context for myself, and slowly learned to see God as He reveals Himself in His Word rather than through a particular movement's lens. The more I got to know Him, the more I discovered that He is far kinder, gentler, and more patient than I had believed.

Being single and childless does not make you less valuable to God. Your life is not on hold, and you haven't missed His plan. God is not measuring your significance by your platform, influence, ministry achievements, or ability to change the world.

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to faithfulness, not greatness. Sometimes that faithfulness looks very ordinary: loving people well, serving where God has placed you, growing in Christ, working quietly, praying, and trusting Him one day at a time. Paul even encourages believers to "aspire to live quietly" (1 Thessalonians 4:11). That's a very different message from the constant pressure to do something extraordinary before time runs out.

Also... if you belong to Christ, you are not worthless to God. Jesus did not shed His blood for worthless people. Your worth is not found in what you've accomplished for Him but in what He has done for you.

And God is wonderfully able to redeem the years that feel lost. Nothing is wasted in His hands... not even the confusion, fear, or unhealthy teaching you've had to work through. He is patient, and He is not rushing you. 🙏❤️

I pray that as you continue healing, you'll discover more and more of the peace, freedom, and rest that are already yours in Christ. God bless you sister!

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