FORMER CRITICS
1. Introduction
The purpose of this section is to record public statements of apology, as time permits, made by former critics who wish to put the record straight in their relationship with NCCG. It does not include retractions, confessions or repentences made privately by email, mail, IM or orally by former critics, who for reasons known only to themselves, have decided not to go public.
In the matter of dealing with critics, NCCG has always relied on Yahweh to put matters right, not withstanding the very real temptation to reactively and impulsively try to untangle the complex web of deceit spun by often implaccable enemies acting under their own impulses and passions, understanding the importance of avoiding pointless debates with hostile (and in partcular, non-Christian) opponents. By this means we believe that, after a season of suffering, in manner taught by Christ, that we shall be vindicated and that the truth will prevail. In starting a ministry committed to "all truth" 25 years ago we fully understood from the very beginning that there would be a heavy price to pay but that equally much joy would proceed out of being true and living with a clear conscience before Yahweh-Elohim.
We are, however, always grateful when former opponents see through the lies, twistings and misinformation of the enemy, recant and renew their relationship with Christ and the Body. We shall always welcome such back, no matter what damage may have been done by them by their forrays into darkness. Ultimately the only thing we desire is union with Christ, no matter which part of the Body they may have originally allied themselves to or to which they wish to ally themselves now. They certainly have their good reward and there is much celebration amongst the righteous on their behalf, both in heaven and on earth, even as Yah'shua (Jesus) testified:
"There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Luke 15:7, NKJV).
Inevitably, weaknesses and faults are exposed on all sides and whilst this can be a painful realisation for all concerned, we too welcome the opportunity to makle matters right with our Creator and are thereby enabled to present a purer ministry to the world in the Name of Christ. To our redemptive critics, we say a big thank-you. We have learned much from them. To the rest we have little or nothing to say and are content to simply hand them over to Yahweh for Him to do with as He will. In this we feel we have been justified, in spite of the clamourings of some to respond to them, and the short-term losses we have had to endure in terms of membership, credibility, and the like, for these hostile and destructive critics ultimately become their own witnesses both in terms of their public conduct and their spiritual state. Invariably their anger and hate turn back on them to consume them. As one unrepentant hostile critic witnessed on his own online journal:
"I'm sick of life, I'm sick of people and I'm sick of living. I'm sick of not being able to talk about my fears, of not being able to trust anyone, of everything. I'm sick of being depressed, of feeling incapable of doing anything meaningful in life, of worrying whether I'll live to see another day. I'm sick of life. But fear death too much for suicide (so never any worries there). I'm done talking about feelings and emotions. I'm done talking about my past. I'm done talking about me ... I'm tired of being bored. Of not ever having much enjoyable things to do. Of not having people nearby that I really trust. I'm tired of living the way I am currently living. And I've had enough of it. This boredom is killing me. I hide in my room all day, playing games non-stop. I need someone I can trust. I need someone to do things with. But the last thing I want is pity. I've been doing this for a year. I'm tired of hiding. I just wish my life was a little more enjoyable."
We create our own heaven or hell depending on how we choose to live. The Christian life is a redemptive one and no matter how much opposition, trial and sorrow there may be all around - and there is not a living soul who does not experience this - a person who has got right with God does not feel as this divisive critic records. Those who live by the principles of the Gospel, leaning on the Saviour in all things, have an inner shalom or peace, even as it is written:
"Rejoice in Yahweh always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Master is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to Elohim (God); and the peace of Elohim, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Messiah Yah'shua (Christ Jesus)" (Philippians 4:4-7 , NKJV).
These are awesome promises and they are true, for in spite of the nightmares we have sometimes had to pass through, we have always known this inner peace which guards our hearts and minds. We know in what and in Who we are trusting. That peace can be yours too, whether you are a stranger or a former foe who desires peace in Yah'shua. If you wish to make peace, we wish to help and bless you in whatever way we can.
A thank you, then, to all those who decided to come home and make things right.
This page was created on 17 December 2007
Last updated on 17 December 2007
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