Bewitched into Works Away from Faith
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? … “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?
Galatians 3:1,2-5
I still remember the first time I read the GCM apology paper and being shocked - because all of the weaknesses remained in my church to some extent. In my opinion, there are some MAJOR issues woven into the DNA of GCM as an organization. . . .
I am sad because of the way I have pressured others and robbed them of the true grace and freedom that Christ intended for them. I am sad because much of what I have worked so hard for has been “chaff” that I think will not produce lasting fruit. Most of all I am sad because of the damage that these sinful attitudes and motivations have had on my own life.
-Anonymous, 2007
I think that the over-directing of people’s personal lives by GCx trained leaders and disciples has contributed greatly to the significant disappointment and dissatisfaction of members there. There are so many works they do for approval and fear of rejection from their disciples and leaders. They are pushed onto a wheel (of works) set in perpetual motion by the leaders. Some of the things are good, but have been turned into rules they must always do in order to keep “God’s approval” (which they are manipulatively taught).
Though they are mentally exhausted and emotionally depleted from trying to EARN favor, they are afraid to step off the “spinning wheel” because they are told that God will not be pleased; that they will forfeit his reward and their “standing” at Jesus’ return. This overbearing persuasion and threat is not biblical, but deceitful and “Lording it Over.”
Actually, they are forfeiting GRACE through Faith by stepping onto this GCx wheel of “God-approved works” Galatians says above. Kind of like Paul says, ‘If you submit to men’s requirements for Holiness Christ will be of no value to you.’ In fact, they are hideously and deceptively taught to transfer allegiance from Jesus and give it to GCx “exulted” men and a group. How? - you may say. Whenever the Holy Spirit leads anyone there in a different direction than GCx is headed. When the Holy Spirit warns those inside of harm to their faith and life, they are told “that is NOT God’s will to leave,” sometimes even that those leadings are of the devil. They want to pursue a ministry that is not in GCx (MANY ministries to the body are missing there) and are told they are arrogant or selfish.
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband,
to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. I am afraid, however,
that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning,
your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2-3
The main “work” of GCx is bringing people into their church - even more than bringing them into God’s Kingdom. This is an added “unscriptural” and manipulative WORK.
Though they claim they have repented of this abuse it was still going on in GCx Churches as late at 2019. As the member above stated while he was still a member in 2007, ‘it’s in their DNA.’
