I visited a Quaker Meeting yesterday

I have shared here before how my wife and I had attended some meetings when we lived in Maine. We would meet on Saturday night with 3 other couples. We shared wonderful meal, and then we would gather in the living room and "wait on the Lord". One would have a song, the other a testimony, this one a scripture and so on it went. Nobody brought a program or agenda to the meeting. It just unfolded all on it's on, with whatever was laid on your heart. You were at liberty to sit and say nothing at all, just enjoying the presence of the Lord. At the end of the evening, it was very easy to see that there was an agenda after all, the Holy Spirit brought it. Everything intertwined around a central theme or point. It was awesome to experience and very faith building. How I've longed for a place to find and/or establish meetings like this again. It is more like 1st century biblical church than anything else I've experienced. Recently, I read a short bio on George Fox, and low and behold, he preached and led folks to wait on God and let God lead the meeting. Of course this crushed the religious establishment of the day. Their livelyhoods were threatend, along with their position, prestige, and power. Alleluia. So I got online, went to www.quaker.org and began to read. I discoved that my theology best lines up with Friends United Meeting or FUM. There are other sects of quakerism that I cannot embrace, because they are more universalists in that each person's "way" is ok, as long as it's pursued in peace. FUM is evangelical and holds salvation only by the shed blood of Jesus. To my disappointment, there is no FUM meeting near me. The only meeting here in Baton Rouge is more toward the liberal sect. Well, yesterday, I decided to go anyway. There were 8 people in attendence including my wife and I. We sat in a circle in silence. At one point, I read the first five verses of Ps 103. One other precious young man gave a short testimony, and that was it for the hour. The hour seemed like 15 mins. It was so soothing to my spirit, just to sit with God. There has been much said on this forum and elsewhere about revival, reformation, and change in what is called "christianity" and "church" today. I'm not by any means saying that these folks are perfect or have it all figured out. But it is closer than anything else I have experienced. My wife and I both have been struggling for so long trying to find a "church home". We have visited and been a part of many different churches, our experience only ending in frustration. But this is different and we both had a "witness" to return and get to know them better. As we do, we feel that our strong faith will find a doorway to shed light on the beliefs of those who may differ from what the bible teaches. Regardless, I was blessed and I am excited about the possibilities. I have a bible study going on here at the residence. We have about 15 on Tuesday morning. I have been speaking to them about prayer, and sharing a video in segments called "Transformations". The video is about 4 cities that were changed because faith filled people went there and prayed, long term. Since our residency is senior citizens, they probably know more about the bible than I do. But what I feel should happen here is that we first of all come into one accord on prayer. Then I would love to see us get together, and wait on God. Let God lead our meetings and let His power abound as He chooses. There's just no telling what might happen. Ok, ok. That's my testimony, for whatever it's worth. God bless you all real good today. If you run out of folks to pray for, do remember me. Since I have moved out in faith with this bible study, trouble, trial, and temptation have run rampant in my life. Yes, I know it is comformation that I am doing what pleases God. But these kinds of things are never pleasant to go through. So please help me bear my burden. God bless you as you do.a monument to His mercy and grace,Lahry

Lahry,I'm glad you found fellowship at the unprogrammed Quaker meeting. It might be good to say that while Friends United Meeting is evangelical and has more of an emphasis on traditional, biblical Christian testimonies, most FUM meetings are pastoral and programmed, and have little or no amount of time for worship sharing and "waiting upon the Lord."While unprogrammed meetings have no creed except "there is that of God in every person", devout, bible based Christians can witness and share fellowship with those more universalist Friends to the benefit of all.Bub

of folks to pray for, do remember me. Since I have moved out in faith with this bible study, trouble, trial, and temptation have run rampant in my life. Yes, I know it is comformation that I am doing what pleases God. But these kinds of things are never pleasant to go through. So please help me bear my burden. God bless you as you do.This is just typical, isn't it? The adversary has his minions busy, busy, busy whenever the word goes out, or fellowship with the Father is increasing. I'm sorry to hear this and will pray as I remember or am reminded.As for the Quaker meeting, it is wonderful you have found a group of people who are seriously seeking to be in God's presence. May you be blessed as you join with them.In God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew, there is mention of an 'unusual' gathering of saints who also sat quietly. The Lord would give one and another intelligence (not a good word, but I can't remember how the book phrased it) of saints in need of prayer support (through visions and other types of word from Himself) and these dear ones would lift the imperilled saint to the Lord.

I need to comment here as it seems Ron has a prejudical attitude against unprogrammed, liberal Quakers. It is true that I don't interpret the Bible literally and believe modern science has provided more than sufficient evidence for evolution. I interpret Genesis as a cultural story about our origins on par with other cultural stories; except in that it grounds and provides context for the Christian faith, which I belong to. It is also true that I don't fully trust the writings of Paul as I think, because of his past terrible deeds, he had an agenda that needs to be examined and considered when reading his works.But I and many other liberal Quakers hold faith in the Gospels (MMLJ) and believe Jesus' testimony that where ever two or more are gathered, He is among them.Read up on the accomplishments of liberal Quakers on the website you noted. Abolition of slavery, women's sufferage, co-education, prison reform, and much more all were initially brought to the public and government because liberal Quakers spoke out and demonstrated their beliefs with their very lives. Read about Quaker leaders and thinkers such as John Woolman, Clara Barton (founder of the Red Cross) Rufus Jones, Susan B. Anthony and . . . well there's just too many to list. Many are on the Quaker.org website.Think about the fruits of this very minority but influential religion compared to those of very popular but far less dedicated or self-critical denominations. Yes, because we are open to the leadings of the Spirit and respect differences of opinion, liberal Quaker Meetings get some nuts who are not Christian. But, if they are excluded, then who will labor with them on the Truth and Salvation of Christ? Ron? I don't think so.Bubbaguy

No, Ron, of course I would not encourage people to go join a mosque or hindu temple. And your all or nothing position that demands complete perfection of scripture is unrealistic and has significant internal contraditions. God gave us common sense as well as the Scriptures and He expects us to use it. YOur position demands that things like Noah's Arc actually held penguins, peacocks, and dinosaurs (either it says two and seven of every kind or not.) It's a good, metaphorical story about God protecting believers and the faith, but it has far too many logistical and spacial problems to be actually possible. And, yes, when I hear false or troubling testimony at Meeting for Worship I generally speak with the person afterwards and give council.Bub

Ron, The Inner Light IS the Holy Spirit and presence of Christ in the here and now. It has nothing to do with one's personal thinking or position. It interprets scripture, and not the other way around. I think it is an incorrect position to say that Christ in the here and now cannot comment upon or alter a person's position on what Scriptures are saying and whether they are literal, figurative, etc. It is a way of avoiding the living God's word and intentions.The Bible is the foundation of Christianity; with the Holy Spirit at hand, we are still building the home.Bub

It is also true that I don't fully trust the writings of Paul as I think, because of his past terrible deeds, he had an agenda that needs to be examined and considered when reading his works.Bubba - a few thoughts, which I don't know whether to hope are new, or that they are a re-presentation of truth you already may think you know. In advance, please be patient with this post, if you have been over the ground before, but I feel I would like to state these things for your consideration before the Lord if they are new.In view of the great increase in the size of humans in the last 40 years, your objection is hard to justify. There's no reason why 'men' and animals were not a great deal smaller, all those years ago. (It is well known that under stress, creatures do not multiply.)There is no way to say the next sentence without an 'ouch' after it, but, as you are taking ownership of your rejection of the effect of forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit, of Paul, (I take ownership of my thoughts, too). May I suggest (imho) your affinity with evolution is in keeping with an inescapable and deep desire not to deal thoroughly with sin? :-? It's amazing how many evolutionists cling to the theory, not because of virtue it contains, but because if they acknowledge a Creator God, they are forced to face their out-of-fellowship-with-Him status. I have observed this. If it does't apply to you, then something will give. You will not be able to nurture (for ever) evolutionary theory, or, you will take Paul's testimony at face value, the way anyone hopes theirs will be taken - if genuinely true.'and [Romans 1:25, they] worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,'This is scary, is it not? (1 Cor 1:30)The wonderful thing about Romans 1:15 - 32, is that it shows Paul has an intimate understanding of the way and effect of truth beng side-stepped by those who prefer not to be detained by it's power to rob of delusion; he even states (later) that those who reject God invite delusion. I have always believed he was able to say this from a certain amount of personal experience, if not all experience. (The remedy is defined in Romans 2:1 - 12) This becomes of extra interest, therefore. Isn't it interesting how Paul links renunciation of dishonesty, with 'handling the word of God'? 2 Corinthians 4:1 + 2Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. The appeal of Paul's writings as those of a changed man, is rooted in his real experience of life, and sin, before meeting the Lord in person. 2 Corinthians 514 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Surely, Paul is still speaking from experience here? Surely this validates his insight with much more than merely human understanding?

I'm well aware of the spectrum of beliefs that run through Quakerism. It's not any different than the erosion of truths from many Main Stream Denominations today. When compromise begins, there is no stopping it. I will never be swayed into any other theology but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I will not exclude those evangelical and Christ centered Friends because of the liberal universalist. I know what each teaches, I have my eyes open. I do so appreciate your caution however. First of all it shows you really care. Second, there may be others reading that think all Quakers are alike. That is no more true than to say that all Christians are alike. Finally, I sure didn't intend on seeing a firestorm debate explode as it has. Just let it be if you dont' mind. If bubbaguy hangs around long enough the truth will either convict him or send him packing. I hope it convicts him. God bless you all as you go on with Jesus.In Him,Lahry

Thanks Ron, I agree.Lahry

Let me rephrase what I'm hearing: It's God contained in a box. The need for certainty about the entire Bible being literally true underpins your belief system, and it also hobbles it and places restrictions on God, as well as scientific discovery. Everything must fit into the box or it is untrue.I don't think so.Bubbaguy

it also hobbles it and places restrictions on God, as well as scientific discoveryAs one who studied science at school and worked in a paramedical profession, no way does my Biblical faith interfere with my receptance of scientific development or discovery, honestly presented. It would be crazy to separate God, who was curing leprosy (just one example) for generations before Jesus came and before we had 'medicine', from science. He set it all up. All we are doing is discovering His creation and systematising our knowledge of it. What we cannot alter, however, unlike the way we can revamp scientific theory, is His word, which WILL endure FOR EVER.

I love you brother. Here's my thoughts on "worship-sharing". I too went to the Quaker site and was stunned at how lax they've become on issues of holiness, and the inerrancy of God's Holy Scripture, how lax they've become on sin issues.so....I believe we shud take worship sharing unto our own, into the Full Gospel churches of Jesus, Let the Holy Spirit have full reign in the meetings of the saints. we did it here ONCE, and it was a heaven sent meeting.....at the end of it, we were washing each other's feet...Praise God!!

Please brother, listen to me...please...repent now in Jesus' Name. I understand your struggles, you know I do. But every Word in that Bible is without flaw. please, for Jesus' sake, repent now, and stretch out before the Lord, and He will teach you everything........didja ever notice that It always says: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart.....all your strength....all your soul"but it never says with 'all your mind'please....turn, I beg you, in the Name of Jesus.