 |
ICQ Status: 
My ICQ #19090937
Visitor Count #68239
Since 05/25/02 |
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
FREE!
|
|
 |
|
PDA USERS CLICK HERE: pda.truthforfree.com
|
Check out the tithing info resources on this site!
Tithing Study Resource Page
"Get the truth and don't ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment." - Proverbs 23:23
Welcome to the TRUTH FOR FREE website. SITE UPDATED: 05/01/2008 I know sometimes it looks like the page hasn't been updated in a while, but there are changes throughout and more to come as I have time. You may want to refresh your browser each time visiting this site to make sure you are viewing the most recent pages. Be sure to check out Shean Smith's fantastic FREE book called "Free Indeed" (just look for the pic of the book cover on the left column of this page)! I now post at the top of most all pages when it was last updated so watch for these notices.
All the articles and e-books available as downloads from this site have been contributed by people who generally describe themselves as sincere followers of Jesus, though are not necessarily proponents of any "religious organization" or denominational group. All articles and e-books are 100% free! You are welcome to use these materials to enhance your personal study of Scripture as well as to share and encourage others with. And... BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE NEW TRUTHFORFREE MYSPACE PAGE!!! Just click here if you would like to visit it now. It contains articles, videos, and blogs in addition to those available here.
While you're here, if you would like to listen to some  inspiring music while browsing the Internet (and this website), CLICK HERE. The player will open in a separate window so you can continue to listen even if you leave this site to browse another. Enjoy! :)
CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY
TO THE ARTICLES PAGE
FEATURED article:
 The Church That Christ Built - by Darin Hufford. This excellent article deals with the subject of man's general concept of church versus God's idea of Church. Darin eloquently shatters some long-held myths about the so-called "five fold" ministry concept and invites the reader to experience a relationship with God that is very unlike the typical "drag yourself to a meeting Sunday morning" routine idea of "church". Darin offers some simple observations that, while controversial to the traditional concept of "church" and "church ministry", are entirely biblical and bring "Christianity" back into the realm of a relational experience with God and one another instead of a cold, institutional program and building. Highly recommended article!!! Check it out and pass it around!!!
FOR OTHER RECENTLY FEATURED ARTICLES SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE
Introduction
Hi everyone! :) Welcome to TruthForFree.com. My name's Dave, author of this site, and I'm really happy you found it! I hope you enjoy the content provided here and find it encouraging and thought-proviking. I started this site waaay back in 1995 when I was just learning to code websites and never dreamed it would grow to the point where so many people visit and write. Currently I'm receiving somewhere around 60 e-mails a day and it's really hard to keep up. Please know that I read every e-mail but sometimes it's hard to find time to respond right away. I apologize if you have written and have not received a response yet.
Sometimes I get some rather interesting e-mails from folks who seem to have the idea that this website represents something a little more "organizationally-minded" than is intended. I realize that this site will likely invoke the presumption that TruthForFree is some kind of religious group, church website, or "ministry organization" (because the content is centered on discussion about God and things pertaining to an honest examination of biblical content), however, TruthForFree is simply authored by one guy (yours truly) with the assistance of a couple close friends and is not any kind of church-affiliated group and there is no huge agenda whatsoever, except to share some information that has encouraged me over the past several years in relation to my own desire to better understand the real heart of God and purpose in life and all that. Pretty simple stuff and I have no intent to convert anyone or shove anything down anyone's throat.
I do desire to follow after Jesus but am not interested in religious games and legalistic agendas. I am not a pastor and I don't attend a church, though religion was a very large part of my life (nearly 30 years) until the latter part of 2001 when I felt like God, in His mercy, allowed some circumstances to help me see things more clearly and find a far more meaningful expression of relationship with Him without the "red tape" of organized religion. It was at that time that I decided to put my obsession with organized religion away once and forever! You can read more about me and the heart behind this site on the "About Us" page (also check out my article: Message From The Heart). I don't mind being identified as a Jesus follower (because Jesus is awesome)... but I want to be clear that my conviction is that following Jesus, at its most basic core, has nothing to do with participation in some religious organization, cult group or denominational covering. I am a free man who trusts there is a God who sincerely loves us and desires to know us intimately if we will simply respond.
I think (even despite surface claims and actions) a lot of people can identify with the "spiritual hunger" to know God or at least resolve the question in their minds, "is there really a God?" (to feel acceptance, forgiveness and that He really does care about their lives) and to find answers for why things happen in life the way they do if He's really around out there somewhere, even if they haven't been able to make a conclusion yet about what the truth is concerning Him. I've met so many people who have been misled and abused by the actions of people who have sold their souls to organized religion. For many, the main reason they want nothing to do with the idea of "God" is because religion sold them the image of a spoiled kid with an ant farm who eagerly waits to take his magnifying glass in hand and burn them to a crisp the first chance He gets.
Many people know all about hell (at least the "Dante's Inferno" hell religion sold them) and so they assume that is their final destination - all because they have done "bad things" and the guilt of those things continually condemns their heart. Many have no idea that the nature and will of God is not to torment us and send us to hell while shaking His head about what rotten people we have been (cause that's no surprise to anyone). While any honest person must admit the reality of sin in their lives and that sometimes people do rotten stuff that deserves hell, God does not desire that to be our end. In fact, I believe that His whole purpose of continuing the spinning of this sometimes seemingly miserable globe we live on, is so that people will find out what He's really like; That He actually loves us very much, wants to forgive us, and set us totally free from the stuff we always seem to mix ourselves up in (that causes both us and other people pain and suffering). So much of the problems in the world we blame on God for not fixing, we forget that people, most often, cause those problems themselves... Often times, it's people who choose to do things their own way and reject the idea of a God who is watching over. Those decisions have a reciprocating effect and it spreads and magnifies over time. Often times even things that we see (in our narrow vision) that affects the apparently innocent, are really the result of some prior act or series of acts and decisions that has passed itself on and grew to ten or a hundred times its original size. The things we all do have natural consequences that affect us and other people, even when we sometimes think what we do harms no one else. If God is truly going to allow us the position of having a free will and not force Himself on us, then He must let us make our choices and experience the results of those choices - otherwise we would be no better than mere robots, programmed to follow commands. Just like a man wants to genuinely win the heart of a woman who sincerely loves him of her own free will because she chooses to, God wants no less from us. So He allows us to make our own choices and sometimes our choices, made outside of His guidence, work an adverse affect. Probably not unlike the time when I was a kid and mom told me, "don't touch that stove son, it's hot!" What did I do? Besides getting annoyed that she told me not to do something I wanted to do, I waited until I thought she wasn't looking and I put my hand right up there! OUCH!!! Tears streaming down my face and blood-curdling screams coming out of my mouth (hahaha). Mom just hugged me and treated my burns - all of which could have been avoided if I just listened and didn't insist upon my own way.
It's kind of funny; at one moment people want to discard the notion of any such thing as God (and want to live independent of His influence and guidance), but in the next moment they will blame Him for all the world's troubles (even those they inflict upon themselves). Of course that doesn't answer every detail about why things happen the way they do, but I think it's just impossible for any one of us to see the larger picture of things so it makes it difficult for us to make concrete judgments about whether God is doing a good job or not. Certainly I don't think He minds our criticism. In fact, I have often complained to God about things that upset me and I don't understand. But I have still resolved that I am not the one who created myself and so, like it or not, that makes me subject to a Creator who has His own will and purpose for me and for this world. The problem is when I start to believe some of the lies that the world and also the religious world have tried to convince me of concerning that arrangement. The way I see it is, why opt for a pessemistic view of God? Why must we always tag Him as the enemy when we cannot understand things in this life? What is it that makes us resist instead of open up and seek His help? Why do we assume evil of God when things go bad? My opinion is that it is at least partly because of the picture organized religion has painted of Him. We want to believe He is in control but when things appear out of control it makes us angry; like He must be slacking off or doesn't care. This is a natural reaction to hardship I think. Even the great patriarchs of the faith as presented in Scripture reacted this way sometimes. It doesn't offend God. He understands our heart and He knows that we cannot yet see everything from His perspective. We are bound to have frustrations about Him until we grow in our understanding.
Rather than the spoiled kid with an ant farm, I believe that He is a loving Father who patiently waits for us to come back to arms of love (note, I did not say the restrictive regiment of religion). There's no judgment in His eyes. There's no hate in His heart. There's no holding grudges against us. Organized religion has perverted the perception of who God really is (and it's why I cannot tolerate it anymore). I am not suggesting to anyone that God is not just (or trying to blur any lines of right and wrong). I am simply saying He is not judgmental (too many people have these concepts confused). A good father disciplines the child he loves, but a good father lovingly opens his arms when a child comes to him weeping because he's hurt himself and needs a hug from dad. I remember plenty of times as a little kid when I found myself hurting because I had messed up bad and it was my own fault, but when I'd run to daddy, he just bear hugged me and then we'd talk about things. Some of us have had pretty nasty earthly fathers that has distorted our ability to imagine God as a father figure we can trust, let alone feel love for.
While there is certainly plenty that we won't completely understand about God in this life, I know there is an incredible journey that awaits those who are sincerely eager for the truth. In fact, the more I discover the truth about how cool God is, the more I understand that real "hell" would be a state of total separation from Him and His love. His love reaches us all, even in the midst of our darkest sin. Even when we make our own way and purposely ignore Him, there is the inescapable, nagging notion in the back of most of our minds that God does see us and cares about what we are doing to ourselves and others. Sometimes the guilt we feel is not always "religion-imposed" but is evidence of God at work in our conscience. In other words, there is a sense we have that we are hurting Him (that's "guilt"). However, it is organized religion that works "shame" as a result (because shame has no real redemptive purpose... It's only purpose is to beat you down and make you feel like garbage for the sin you have engaged in). Shame presents the idea that you are not worth forgiving or loving because of what you've done. Shame causes us to believe a lie that God is shaking His head in disgust. But here's a newsflash that religion won't let you know about because it wants to control you with shame: GOD IS NOT SURPRISED BY THE PRESENCE OF SIN IN OUR LIVES! Rather than following our guilt with shame, God's love says, "ok, I know what you've done and what you're doing, but I want you still. I want us to be close. I want to still lavish you with the best of everything. I want you to know I love you completely and unconditionally and I can heal you from all the things you've put your heart through... so I will wait here for you because I love you. There's no condemnation if you come to me. I won't rub anything in your face. I won't laugh at you or put you down and I won't make you jump through religious hoops to earn my acceptance or trust again. Just come. I love you! I made you. I know you better than you know yourself and I want to bring you to your fullest potential and highest state of happiness." This is the truth about God's attitude toward us! We all sin, so what? That's no surprise to anyone, especially not God.
But can you imagine if that wasn't there at all; If there was no sense of a God who made us and cares about what we do? Can you imagine how terrible it would be if He gave us what we sometimes seem to scream in His face for? "Leave me alone! I don't want you around! I want to live my own life, do what feels good for me, and I'm going to choose to believe you are not real or there anymore and I'll find something I can fill this space with and leave You out of it, cause I hate the way You run things and I don't believe a God of love would do that!" What if one day He listened to that request and finally gave us that request and left us alone? I think that would be utter hell, because left entirely to our own devices we will destroy ourselves and life will end in utter depression. And I think that's we can't shake the notion of God and, even when people say they don't believe, they can't escape the question of wondering for sure....... "What if He is real? What if I am wrong?" I think even that is a testimony that He is, in fact, there. The question is, are we gonna believe the garbage that organized religion has often convinced us about His nature? Or are we courageous enough to seek Him out to find out for ourselves. Of course, organized religion doesn't always miss the mark in their doctrine (yes, they get it right sometimes), but they almost always throw other "stuff" into the mix that has nothing to do with Him and, just like a little yeast affects the whole lump of dough, so a little religion can distort the entire truth about who God is.
I realize that much of the content here appeals mostly to people who, like me, have been heavily involved with organized religion in one way or another (i.e. church world), but I hope that even those of you visiting who do not describe yourself as particularly religious will find some encouragement that even many of us who have come from a churchy background, have discovered the lifelessness of religion and we too desire to know only the truth. If any of this looks weird to ya, please know I understand and part of it is due to the "religiosity" that has not yet worn off since leaving all that behind. Please write if you have questions. Please don't feel intimidated by the site. You are not writing a "ministry". I am just an average guy with an average job and a normal life. I certainly don't know everything, but my desire to know truth is sincere and I can simply tell you that, from my own experience, I know that God is real and that it is possible to have relationship with Him and it doesn't require joining some club or meeting in a special building or acting all pious and nose-in-the-air religious. hehehe.... Welcome to the site!
"Yes, how terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn him into twice the son of hell as you yourselves are." (Matthew 23:15)
Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The religion scholars and Pharisees think they are the modern-day equivalent of Moses over the people. You can follow the teachings Moses gave if they present such accurately, but don't follow their other actions. They say many things and yet do not even practice what they preach themselves. They pile heavy burdens on people's shoulders and won't lift a finger to help. Everything they do, their entire display of religion, is just to show off in front of others. They even make a big show of wearing Scripture verses on their foreheads and arms, and they wear big tassels for everyone to see. They love the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the meeting places. And when they are in the market, they like to have people greet them as their teachers. But none of you should be called a teacher, for you have only one Teacher, and all of you are like brothers and sisters. Don't call anyone on earth father. All of you have the same Father in heaven. None of you should be called the leader. The Messiah is your only Leader. Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored."
[Matthew 23:1-12 (paraphrase)]
(Jesus speaking to the religious teachers) "And so, by your own tradition, you nullify the direct commandment of God. You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for they replace God's commands with their own man-made teachings.'" Then Jesus called to the crowds and said, "Listen to what I say and try to understand. You are not defiled by what you eat; you are defiled by what you say and do." Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?" Jesus replied, "Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be rooted up, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch."
[Matthew 15:6-14 (NLT) emphasis added]
How can you say, "We know the score. We're the proud owners of GOD's revelation"? Look where it's gotten you--stuck in illusion. Your religion experts have taken you for a ride! Your know-it-alls will be unmasked, caught and shown up for what they are. Look at them! They know everything but GOD's Word. Do you call that "knowing"? "So here's what will happen to the know-it-alls: I'll make them wifeless and homeless. Everyone's after the dishonest dollar, little people and big people alike. Prophets and priests and everyone in-between twist words and doctor truth."
[Jeremiah 8:8-10 (MSG)]
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.
[2 Timothy 4:3-5 (NLT)]
"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. A hired man is not a real shepherd. The sheep mean nothing to him. He sees a wolf come and runs for it, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf. He's only in it for the money. The sheep don't matter to him. "I am the Good Shepherd. I know my own sheep and my own sheep know me. In the same way, the Father knows me and I know the Father. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in this pen. I need to gather and bring them, too. They'll also recognize my voice. Then it will be one flock, one Shepherd.
[John 10:11-16 (MSG) emphasis added]
Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work." Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly. "The Father has given me all these things to do and say. This is a unique Father-Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge. No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does. But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen. "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
[Matthew 11:25-30 (MSG)]
25 ATTRIBUTES OF A CULT:
Do you attend an institutional church? Have you ever recognized a "feeling" that something just isn't right? Perhaps the leadership is a bit heavy handed, some of the teachings are a bit "off", there is an unusually heavy focus on money/tithing, "getting involved", or things seem a bit controlled or lifeless? Many Christians would be shocked to find out just how cult-like the churches they attend really are (not to mention how opposed these concepts are to biblical realities)! Below is a simple list of things to watch out for, which are typical of cult-like groups. (This list is taken from a college course called "The Psychology of Fundamentalism" offered by the University of Texas)
1. the leader is charismatic and often militaristically demanding
2. the leader is always right
3. elitism, the leaders treated as royalty or a sense of awe, hierarchical, authoritarian power structure
4. lower members get no respect, or get abused
5. leader is not held accountable for his actions or the actions of his authority structure
6. leader will not tolerate or receive criticism, but leader criticizes all others
7. there is no exit
8. if members exit they are considered rebellious, out of the will of a higher power or the leader
9. members do not have any association with members that have left the group
10. there are no graduates from the “program” or group, just deserters or evil people
11. there is cult speak (a language many others can not understand)
12. personal attacks on critics or those who are not in the group
13. solidarity within themselves, no outside allegiance or association
14. use of guilt to manipulate members
15. the leaders of group are self absorbed
16. instant community
17. members unable to tell the truth
18. money grubbing
19. newcomers don’t “think right” and need to be trained
20. system of punishment and reward
21. intrusiveness
22. sense of powerless, dependency, covert fear, guilt
23. members and leaders are imbalanced or mentally ill
24. thought stopping language, clichés, or slogans
25. demands of ultra loyalty or ultra trust in the groups process and others
Revelation 3:2-3 - "Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you."
I would very much like to recommend the following article by my friend Deanna Rodriguez that aligns very closely with this issue:
How Did We Stray So Far From The Truth
ALL VOICE MESSAGES ARE SCREENED BEFORE POSTING
QUESTION: WHO ARE THE CLERGY?
I hope you'll check out the article/e-book called "Who Are The Clergy?" This article examines some of the typical modern day concepts surrounding what many refer to as "clergy" and "laity" as well as some of the common ideas people tend to hold concerning "church" and "ministerial service". This article introduces some sincere biblical challenges to traditional religious norms but seeks to emphasize a greater central focus on the Lordship of Jesus Christ, His Gospel and the manifestation of His kingdom. I wrote this article/e-book back in April of 2005 with the assistance of some very close family in Christ; Joe and Deanna Rodriguez. If you would like to read it, please click the following link:
Who Are The Clergy?
For more information concerning where the modern day concept of "pastor" came from and whether or not it's even biblical, please take a few moments to also check out a well-written article by my bro in Christ, Frank Viola (adapted from his excellent book, Pagan Christianity) called:
The Pastor: Where Did He Come From?
Move your mouse over the pics for captions
Check out the new tithing info resources on this site!
Tithing Study Resource Page
PREVIOUS WEBSITE POLL INFO:
Thanks to all of you who have participated in our current and previous website polls. You can review the results and comments of the following past poll questions:
"Do you believe the modern institutional church system is biblical?" | CLICK HERE to view.
"Do you believe that the current, common form of church leadership is Biblical?" | CLICK HERE to view.
Just FYI to our newcomers to this site, TruthForFree.com (a.k.a. The Prayer Shack) is not a "church" or a religious organization of any kind. We don't want your money. You don't need to register to belong. We aren't going to try and persuade you with a bunch of emotional manipulation or half-truths. We're not some whacko cult that's hiding in the back room stirring up a fresh batch of koolaid. ;) Here you will find no pressure to "get plugged-in" to some denominational program. And no one will even get mad if you sleep through the sermons (grin). What you will find are a number of articles and resources written by sincere Christian people who believe the Bible and have a passionate desire to simply know and walk with Jesus. If you find yourself encouraged by this message or are curious to know what this is all about, that's wonderful, you're in the right place! Hang around, view some of the articles and see what's up. God bless you!
MORE ABOUT THIS SITE - CLICK HERE
You can also read another one of my articles about leaving behind religion in favor of running to God by CLICKING HERE.
RE: CONNECTING BELIEVERS
I receive e-mails from time to time asking if I know of any online resource that helps believers connect with other believers in their towns who may be walking the same road (outside of organized/institutional religion). Unfortunately, I do not presently know of too many in-depth resources I could recommend for this. There are some good bulletin board groups you can sign up with on the Internet (a couple of these are listed on my links page), then there's MySpace (check the TruthForFree MySpace page), and there are some house church resource sites (though I personally believe that the concept of "house church" goes a little bit beyond the kind of resource that many have been asking about). Many people are simply looking for other believers they can talk with, pray with or get together with and enjoy fellowship. I have been exploring various different tools that may help to give believers a point of contact with each other (for encouragement, edification and fellowship), not necessarily for the purpose of starting or joining some kind of church group or arguing over in-church/out of church mindsets. This forum for those who have made a full disconnect from institutional religion.If you would like, you may read more about my own message group (and join if you like) called Outside The Gate (Hebrews 13:8-16)
http://outsidethegate.truthforfree.com
OR
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OutsideTheGate
THE TRUTH FOR FREE WEBSITE HAS
IT'S OWN CHAT ROOM!!!
Everyone who joins "Outside The Gate" at the link above will also be notified of special group chat sessions! Members of Outside The Gate can also use the group e-mailer to connect with each other to hold their own chat sessions any time. The link below will take you straight into the chat room. (PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE JAVA VIRTUAL MACHINE ON YOUR COMPUTER THE CHAT APLET MAY NOT LOAD. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE LATEST VERSION OF JAVA FREE HERE.)
CLICK TO VISIT CHAT ROOM!
Featured Quote:
"It's valuable for the body of Christ to find each other and share his life together. Where people are doing that they don't need commitment. They'll bend over backwards to be with each other. Where they aren't doing that, it does little good just to be committed to a meeting. I'm convinced that most Christian meetings give people enough of God's things to inoculate them against the
reality of his presence." - Dave Coleman (from the book So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore?)
Other HIGHLY RECOMMENDED articles:
Some of you may have noticed that some of the following articles have been posted on the home page for a long time... ok, practically forever. One reason for this is because of their popularity, which tells me that it touches a vein that people are concerned with so I continue to post them here for quick and easy access. The other reason is because I place a lot of emphasis personally on the importance of their content. Please also check out the Articles page, which includes the entire archive of writings by various authors that have been posted on this site over the last few years as well as any new articles recently posted. God bless!
 | And They Will Make Merchandise of You - This is a lengthy article by Michael Clark (of awildernessvoice.com and George David (of the In Search of a City website) that examines the current trend of mega-churching today and notes how even the world recognizes the practices of many modern pastors as being the equivalent of entrepreneurial corporate strategies. Michael and George, in a fair amount of detail, compare how differently today's system looks from what we see described in Scripture and present a sincere challenge to our modern way of thinking about finances and the Gospel. Excellent article!
What Denominationalism Does To Christ - by Don Martin. Excellent concise article, proving with simple logic and Scripture why denominationalism is opposite that of Christ's intentions for His Church.
The Hidden Christ - by George Davis. This is an excellent article - A MUST READ - concerning the importance of seeing Christ fully, unveiled, and laying aside all distractions, that we may discover what is really the Christian life!
Does God Still Knock Over Towers of Babel? - by Jack Helser. This is an excellent perspective article by my friend Jack Helser. Often when "church programs" fail, Christians blame the devil, but could it be that it is actually the Lord that is toppling our "towers of babel", so to speak? Highly recommended article!!!
Buying And Selling - by Mike Cook. This is a great, fairly concise article concerning the frenzy of merchandizing that almost trademarks institutional "churchianity" today. Mike examines how this aspect of merchandizing the masses in the name of Jesus (i.e. prosperity doctrines, money for ministry, etc.) is one of the defining attributes of a harlot church system and reason for Christians to take note, be wise, and not be caught in the deception.
Spirit & Truth - by Neil Girrard. Years ago when I was still in church world, the Lord began dealing with me about the position of the modern day worship leader. I felt a certain unease about it and it wasn't long before I completely withdrew my involvement from this "position" and anything that smelled like it. A couple months after this the Lord called me to come out of the institutional church system entirely. It was during this season that I was introduced to Neil's writings and the Lord greatly encouraged me through them because what I read was very familiar to what the Lord was beginning to walk me though and teach me first hand. I had never met Neil before until, just the other day, Neil contacted me via e-mail. I asked his permission to share this article. I believe he's a sincere brother who lives by the conviction of the truth. This article may be uncomfortable for some because it treads on the modern-day concept of a worship leader but it also forces us to face some mindsets that many of us have received our perspective solely from tradition. What is worship? Is being led by a "worship leader" even a New Testament biblical concept? Could such a concept even be harmful to a believer's walk?
The Harlot Church System - by Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr. - This book will probably be viewed by many average church-goers (as well as many of those who lead them) as one of the more controversial titles of present discussion; however, it is my prayer that this wonderfully-written work will not go unexamined merely because of a surface reaction. This book will encourage believers to pursue Christ with even greater abandon as well as come to a healthy understanding of what "church" really means and why it is so important to discern the body of Christ. My eyes welled up with tears as Charles reiterated the wonder of Jesus' deep love for His people and the reason why status-quo churchianity will never be sufficient for the body of Christ. Charles also shares a vision by Bill Shipman regarding the Lord's jealous love for His bride and His passionate intention to rescue her out of her harlotry and shame, which I found to be particularly moving. This is a powerful book that stays right on target with no compromise! I would even call it prophetic. This is a timely message that the Church needs to hear. I very highly recommend it! The previous link cooresponds to the actual website the book is displayed at, but you may also download the PDF version by clicking here
The Government of Twelve - by Tricia Tillin, is actually part nine of a ten part major study on Church Growth and the Cell-Church Movement. Part nine deals with the current mainsteam "evangelism tactic" known as G12 (a.k.a. "Group of Twelve" or "Government of 12"). This is a concise, well-written discussion of the program's origin, teachings and effect on the Church in general. Believers would do well to take the time and read this article to familiarize themselves with G12 as the program is really developing into a major world-wide movement with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of churches embracing it. It is my personal opinion that Christians need to be wary of this program's doctrine and unbiblical influence. The author of the G12 article has no current affiliation with this site and is provided as an informational source for your personal examination. In the future I hope to post more links to books and articles that critically examine this movement. God bless you in your review and study.
Leadership or Lordship - by Benjamin W. Waters. This is a fantastic, concise examination of the structure of leadership popular in most of the institutional church today. Benjamin discusses why this hierarchical form of leadership is in direct contention with Scripture; even the precise command of our Lord Jesus as it regards how ministry is to function in His Church. Benjamin highlights what biblical "leadership" is really supposed to look like and challenges the reader not to be content with worldly-influenced structures of authority and submission (as are visible and active in the IC), but to truly find what it means to submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Excellent article! Highly recommended reading! I met Ben a few months back through e-mail in some discussions about the Christian life. Ben is now a great friend and dear brother in Christ.
Starting A Church - by Gaylon Embrey. This article asks the important question, "just what is 'a church' and how does one start a church?" Through a series of thought-provoking inquiries, the author seeks to engage the reader's mind and heart in a consideration of Bible realities concerning what "church" is really all about and what it absolutely is not all about. The reader is left with a stirring challenge to rethink some traditional concepts and re-examine the Word of God regarding the Lord's perspective of and intention for His Church. This article will really squeeze some serious thought out of your brain, engage your heart and might even tickle you a bit. Excellent article! A must read!
(Note: Clicking the above link(s) will open a new browser window displaying the article. To return to the home page of this site, just close the article browser window.) |
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING:
| The God's Honest Truth - This is an excellent book by author and friend Darin Hufford. This book challenges many of the preconceived religious notions so many of us were raised with and provokes the reader to honestly reconsider their view of God and who He really is - not according to what man has taught with his misguided religious concepts and his addiction to control and manipulate - but according to the truth as Jesus revealed Him. Darin puts things best in his own words saying, "I believe that our generation has made God out to look like an alcoholic father. We never know what we are going to get from Sunday to Sunday. From sermon to sermon, we are faced with blatant contradictions that eventually leave us feeling terrified of Him. WHAT IS THE TRUTH?" Great book! Deffinitely not traditional, deffinitely will be a shock to the system for religious head thinkers, and some may even find its content offensive or uncomfortable because it bucks traditional religious norms. The God's Honest Truth certainly raises some provoking challenges and soul-searching introspection. How do we relate to God? Are some of the concepts of Him we hold dear actually keeping us from drawing even closer to His heart? Have we made the Christian walk more about following rules, memorizing verses, engaging in religious works, and debating doctrines than we have truly pressed in to intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father? How are our priorities sorted? Darin speaks from the heart and conveys God's Honest Truth for those who have spiritual ears to hear. I've spoken with Darin personally and can tell you he is the real deal. Highly recommended book! :) |
 | Pagan Christianity - Have you ever wondered why we Christians do what we do for church every Sunday morning? Have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions: Why do we "dress up" for church? Why does the pastor preach a sermon every Sunday? Why do we have pulpits and pews? Why do we have church buildings, steeples, choirs, and seminaries? Where did these things come from? This incredible book makes an outrageous proposal: That most of what we Christians do in our churches has no root in the New Testament! It rather has its origin in pagan culture long after the death of the apostles. As shocking as that sounds, Viola proves his point by documenting every claim he makes and scholars agree, this book presents some hard, cold facts that cannot be denied. Fully footnoted, Pagan Christianity is the first book ever penned that documents the entire story of our modern church practices. If you are a Christian who is content with status quo "churchianity," then you will not want to read this book. It is reserved for those who are ready to embark on an eye-opening venture that challenges every aspect of their church experience as well as offering a better alternative. This excellent, thoroughly documented book is also available at SeedSowers.com. |
Featured Downloads:
| FREE e-Book by Russell E. Kelly -  This is the complete electronic (BRAND NEW THIRD EDITION) copy of Russell Earl Kelly's amazing book, "Should The Church Teach Tithing," in Adobe Acrobat format (added April 3, 2007). This is not an abridged version of the retail book, this is the whole book - FREE! Over 1,600 downloads from, literally, all over the world have been calculated so far (and that's merely on this website... Total downloads are estimated at over 10,000!!!) - revealing a massive interest in this topic by people all over the globe! The book continues to hold steady in the #1 position on Amazon.com's best-seller list for this topic! This edition has some incredible new updates and changes, which make this book even better than the first and second edition printing! This is no ordinary discussion of the subject of tithing either. Russell's book is the most thorough, in-depth investigation of the biblical tithe and principles of New Covenant giving practices available anywhere! This is no exaggeration! I would personally regard it as thee textbook of choice on the subject. Russ has graciously allowed me to continue providing it free of charge for download here, proving that he's more interested in the message than the money. God bless you Russ!
To download, just click the link above and you will be taken to a download page. You can also purchase a copy of the newly updated book at IUniverse.com. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Great for sharing with friends, family and pastors (and a great way to say "thanks" to Russ for sharing this great work at no cost to the reader - that's my personal plug to buy Russ' book; he has not asked me to promote it at all - I would encourage you also to send Russ an e-mail and share your comments about the book even if you don't purchase it. I'm sure he would love to hear some feedback as well as questions.)! And be sure to check out his website: www.shouldthechurchteachtithing.com. |
"Punching Pilot" Still Rockin'!
Click THIS LINK to find out all the details about Punching Pilate (formerly known as: "And The Pious") and their fantastic demo album. You can also listen to/download some high quality MP3 files TOTALLY FREE! These guys are really good! Check 'em out today!!!
Featured Links:
 - Radical and sometimes viewed as a bit controversial! The XXX Church (heralded as the #1 Christian porn site) is NOT a porn site at all, but rather seeks to provide Christ-centered help and encouragement to those who struggle with pornography and lust. Some great, culturally relevant and spiritually focused information is provided here for everyone from youth to adults. Visitors of the site can even download a free program that helps friends hold each other accountable and engage open and honest conversation about struggles with Internet browsing habits (you have to check out this program). A great site that is not ashamed to talk about a real problem and struggle that faces so many people, and provide encouragement to invite the Lord to work in our lives and pull us together relationally. Good stuff!
A quick note about John 3:8:
To read some of my comments explaining the reason why this passage of Scripture is used as the one of the title verses of this website, CLICK HERE. God bless.
For questions about anything on this site, please feel free to contact me, Dave Y., at the following e-mail address: info@truthforfree.com
© 1995-2008 TruthForFree.com & The Prayer Shack. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce without permission. TruthForFree.com, The Prayer Shack and design logos are trademarks owned by TruthForFree.com & The Prayer Shack, Pasco, WA. Other site graphics are either used by permission or assumed to be in the public domain. If you see an image that you think should not be here, please contact the webmaster at info@truthforfree.com. Privacy Statement.
 |  | 
| |
|
|
|
|
