Lakeview Christian Life Church

7 billion people living on the hardened crust of the earth, formed by God. \r \r 500 fortunate people heard about Lakeview, enrolled in the Christian Life Class and became members.\r \r 250 people remain, looking through rose colored windows… but the light grows dim.\r \r 15 churches associated in the glory day.\r \r 3 churches remain, with Ichabod written on the door.\r \r 1 God. \r \r 1 Spirit. \r \r 1 Son… sent to die and redeem all 7 billion people on the planet.\r \r But the people who left… they must serve a different God… they are dangerous...\r \r Which God are you serving? The God who came for 7 billion, 500 or the remaining 250?\r \r Go into all the world and preach the gospel?\r \r Lakeview and its satellite churches have not been successful, not because of God or the failure of Gentiles to hear, but because of bad management and poor leadership. Leaders that fail to understand how grace works properly in growing, thriving churches that truly seek to fulfill the great commission. \r \r Lakeview is ruled by self-righteous, angry fists. They have a limited number of prestigious roles to dole out to their chosen, trusted few. When will YOU be chosen? When will YOU get the chance to help the hungry, sick and imprisoned? Do you want to?\r \r “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’""\r \r You are living in a prison, right now! You are not reaching out to help anyone! You are singing the same songs, week after week! You see the same people week after week who are already saved by grace.\r \r If God is God, what are you afraid of? Whom do you fear? Are you afraid to talk to family and friends who left this church? Do you even know why they left… or did you just believe what you were told?\r \r Living on the outside we are helping the hungry and thirsty… and the imprisoned…you. We would stop... if Lakeview stopped being a religious prison.\r \r Can the leadership make real changes to undo the prison, or will they just make new rules?\r \r Can they harness the energy of the congregation to reach out to the community and help the poor? \r \r No.\r \r They are too busy cleaning the building and paying the mortgage, electric bill, armed guards, house payments, car payments and salaries. That is their focus. They are filling out school reports, home meeting reports and youth group reports. They dutifully scribe every verbal and non-verbal communication related to you, your work, your wife and your children. They deliver these reports all the way to the top. Did you say something negative about someone? They know about it. Did you say something negative about them? They know about it. They will mark you. You have seen it happen, you know it’s true.\r \r Legalism in Lakeview trivializes the work of Jesus on the Cross. \r \r He died once for all, not once for the members of Lakeview. Why are you so insulated and protected by the leadership there?\r \r Stop trivializing what’s happening around you… \r \r Will leaving be difficult? Yes.\r \r Will they pursue you at first? Yes.\r \r Will you then be shunned? Yes.\r \r Will they tell lies about you, just like they did about us? Yes.\r \r Will good, truly Christ like people help you once you leave? Yes! \r \r Will you be glad you made the choice to live a New Testament life in Jesus full of grace? YES!\r \r My wife and I left this church more than fifteen years ago and it was the best decision we ever made. We spent a year looking for a new church without the legalism, and found a good one. It wasn’t that hard because Lakeview is so bad. My children are happy, healthy, well-adjusted and God fearing.\r \r Make your plan and RUN, don’t walk, to the nearest exit… and be free. \r more

Folks, whether we are members of a congregation or we are charged as leaders of God’s people, we all sin and fall short. None of us deserve God’s grace, but He extends it to all who confess their sins and trust in Jesus Christ. Scripture provides an interesting contrast between the Apostle Paul (who was about to be imprisoned) and the self-proclaimed apostle at Lakeview. A quick reading of the following passage is sufficient to expose Lakeview’s false apostle:\r Acts 20:17-35 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them,\r “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.\r “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”\r Just in case you missed it, note, in particular, verse thirty which describes wolves as leaders who speak perverse things, to DRAW AWAY DISCIPLES AFTER THEM(SELVES). This is a much higher priority at Lakeview than encouraging repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. more

Really, Thank You? You would recommend this church to everyone? What about people who question or want to discuss the doctrine at Lakeview? What about people who don't believe that to be a member of Lakeview is to be part of a special inner circle of God's elite? Or people who are not willing to cut off their family members? What about Christians who don't believe in speaking in tongues every Sunday at 10:25 on the dot, after the slow song? What about women who want to wear pants to church? Or, gasp, want to speak their minds without being called sinful. I could go on, but do you reccomend Lakeview to these people? Only if they conform, right? I remember several sermons about how Lakeview was not for everyone. It was for God's special elect only. Or has this changed?\r \r ""the people demonstrate the love of Christ in such a beautiful way"" Can you please give examples? Through shunning? Wishing death on ex members to their faces? Ripping apart families? Telling ex members that they had a spirit of darkness over them since birth and you always knew they would cause their families heartache? Letting current member's adult children nearly die and advising them to continue shunning them. None of this sounds much like love to me. None of it. And I don't think God would be very pleased to have you so suruptitiously announce that the people of Lakeview display the love of Christ, when they more accurately display the judgement and condemnation of man. ""Judge not, and you will not be judged; Condemn not and you will not be condemned; Forgive and you will be forgiven."" John 6:37.\r \r I forgive you Lakeview, the James and my parents, my ex friends, all of the leadership, my brother...all of you, for what you have done to me. Even though you have never asked for forgiveness, but have instead, condemned me. I will continue to show the love of Christ to you and everyone. \r \r To be clear, this post is not mud slinging. Mudslinging and insulting are an end to themselves. I want change. i want the children of Lakeview to be set free, because I so clearly remember being a captive child there. And if you think that you can tell me to keep my mouth closed, because speaking out about what happened to me is fighting against God and not man, you are wrong. I will not be silent. And I will not be controlled by your manipulations and twisted words any longer. \r \r Being wrong is one of the most difficult things to admit. But you are wrong in how you treat people. God will always respect sincere repentence. And so will His people. \r \r more

Proverbs 6:16-19\r 16 There are six things which the Lord hates,\r Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:\r 17 Haughty eyes\r [showing arrogant superiority to others, prideful], \r a lying tongue and a flattering mouth works ruin - [Proverbs 26:28 and Luke 18:14, I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”] \r And hands that shed innocent blood, [forced separation from loved ones, wishing Death on God""s children]\r 18 A heart that devises wicked plans,\r Feet that run rapidly to evil,\r 19 A false witness who utters lies, [ Matthew 23:27 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.""]\r And one who spreads strife among brothers. [definition: bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension [a : an act of contention : fight, struggle b: exertion or contention for superiority]\r \r \r We are many and have come out from under oppression and law. Yet, we prosper when those in leadership claim we are the rebellious, and curse us.\r \r We are many who reach out to those in need, the sick and hurting children of God.\r \r We are many who pray for those in bondage, that burdens be lifted, the chains be broken, the captive set free.\r \r We are many who understand the questions, the hurts, the fears. \r \r We are many who are thankful to God who spoke to us, not through man, and showed us the path to go.\r \r The reviewers here have and are proof of the statements made of TRUTH. No false statements have been made by any former long standing member.\r \r To offend a believer in Christ and call them the apostate is an act of grave consequences in the eyes of Jesus. Jesus clearly told us (Matthew 18:6) that it would be better for that man to have been cast into the sea with a mill stone around his neck than what is about to happen to them for what they have done to another. \r \r That sounds very serious to me. God is taking note of who you offend and who you call an apostate today. If you are wrong, the consequences will be extremely severe, is that really worth it to call anyone an apostate when you are not God and do not know their heart? more

Thank Y and Christian S...you have posted the same thing for 3 months now. Never answering a question directed to YOU specifically. I am 99% certain that Thank Y is NHJjr and Christian S is CDO..no surprise there!\r \r Let me post something NEW!\r \r James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.\r \r There are many who preach out of petty worldly ambition, seeking a deceived ""following"" for themselves, or for some favorite doctrine that they have come to idolize, so that they may ""lead"" - while arrogantly ignoring the Biblical command that Jesus Christ is our only Leader i.e. ""Christ is the head of the church"" (Ephesians 5:23 KJV).\r \r Those who add rules not clearly stated in the Scriptures and the breaking of which is treated as a reason for disfellowshipping step away from Christ Jesus by hampering true Christian freedom, even stifling and grieving the spirit of God. (Eph. 4:30). The biblical position is not about a Christian who does not agree with the teachings of those in this place whose claim to speak for God cannot be substantiated and some of whose teachings are changeable and can be shown from the Bible to be incorrect or misguided.\r \r The prime reason for the leadership's distorted disfellowshipping/shunning policy is to remove those who disagree with the organization whether rightly or wrongly according to the Scriptures.\r \r Here is how to tell if you are or were part of a “cultish” church:\r \r The teaching does not come from the Bible, or when scriptures are used they are lifted way out of context.\r You are told how to think; when you think for yourself and speak of it you are rebuked.\r Church leaders shame others publicly and gossip about others in casual conversation.\r When someone leaves the church the remaining members are publicly or personally counseled to avoid the departing brother/sister at all costs.\r The mistakes of leaders are covered up; the same mistakes of “regular members” are exposed.\r There is no accountability or safety net in place for the leadership.\r If there is an “accountability safety net,” it does not hold abusive leadership accountable, only the “regular members.” The lack of love, care and gentle restoration is generally absent.\r \r Some of the ""rules"" at LCLC appear to only apply to the flock and not to those in leadership...why is that??\r \r Norman...a direct question to YOU...when was the last time you visited the sick, sat by the bedside of a gravely ill member other than a 'friend', comforted one who had lost a loved one, reached out to those lost and hurting in your community or anywhere in the world? more

I was a member of this church for 16 years, \r everything written on this website is true.\r \r Beware of the leadership of this church. They come as sheep but are wolves, \r they are known by what they do, not what they say and teach. \r They prophesy, cast out demons and perform miracles in the Lord's name. \r They call God ""Lord"" and sound religious but \r do not obey God.\r \r They say you don't have to honor your father and mother's needs \r if you give the money to God instead. \r Their idea of giving money to God is to give \r 10% of your gross income to the church to be used \r by the ""priesthood"" (pastoral staff of the church), \r 5% above that for offerings to building fund or missions. The only missions they contribute to\r are within a tight circle and all are in complete submission to the ""apostle"" Norman James,Sr.\r \r They are spiritually blind themselves and they lead others who are spiritually blind.\r They teach the followers that there is a inner circle of believers who are the remnant. Others \r may believe in Jesus and even be saved from Hell's fire, but will be in the ""outer court"" \r where there is weeping and grinding of teeth. \r Only Norman James, and his closest followers\r will be in the inner courts where Jesus is.\r \r They do not practice what they teach, but crush you with impossible religious demands\r and never lift a finger to help ease the burden. \r Worse, they make the members of the church, especially \r the deacons wait on them hand and foot doing cleaning, cooking,\r ironing, gardening all without being paid.\r \r They do everything for show, love to sit at the head tables at banquets \r and in the most prominent seats in gatherings.\r They enjoy attention and being called teacher.\r They exalt themselves.\r \r It doesn't matter what I call them, \r Jesus calls them False Prophets and Hypocrites. \r Read Matthew 7:15,22, 15:1, 16:1 & 23:1\r \r \r \r more

""It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry."" -Thomas Paine\r \r Asking questions and especially bringing up outside negative information results in angry denunciations of the sources of that information, rather than any attempt to address the questions it raises. Members, former members, and non-members are not allowed to question, criticize or complain--if they do, the leaders allege that the member is defective--not the organization or beliefs. Thank Y, if you are happy and fulfilled at Lakeview, great! But that does not give you the right to discount the experiences that are shared on this sight by those with less than stellar experiences. Are you fearful of disobeying or disagreeing with the leaders? Healthy organizations are not threatened by openly debating issues. Are you instructed not to read information critical of the group? Were you told not to read these reviews? Healthy groups have nothing to fear from their members reading critical information about them. \r \r Some scriptures to consider:\r \r For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10\r \r Whoever BELIEVES that Jesus is the Christ is BORN OF GOD. 1 John 5:1\r \r You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?...You are the light of the World...Not one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. Matthew 5:13-15\r \r Do you see these truths being played out in this church? Are you seeking and saving the lost? Is everyone who believes born of God, or just a select few? Are you salty? Are you a light for all to see, or is your light under the basket of the walls of Lakeview?\r \r This is information one may want to consider before getting involved in this church or association: Part of the Association of New Testament Ministries which also includes Northridge Christian Life Church in Cleveland, Christian Life Church of Westerville in Columbus, and Church of the Living Word in Maine. The association has shrunk over the years as individuals, families, and pastors have left and/or been ejected. Entire churches, in fact, have been shuttered. Practices shunning of former members (including fellow Christians who choose to attend church elsewhere). The leadership instructs members to sever ties with former members including parents, children, siblings, other family members, and friends. The result is a wake of destruction and an ever shrinking locus of control and a tightening of the reins of control over those who remain. \r \r If you are involved, and having doubts about remaining, be bold, pick up your pallet, and walk! The paralytic that Jesus healed did not know he was healed and able to walk until he took the first step! Jesus healed the blind man, but first the blind man had to wash the mud off his eyes. Jesus has already healed you, and given you sight! It just takes action on your part to change your life for the better. You do not get time back. There is life and life abundant on the outside, and in a healthy church where Jesus is on the throne, not man. Almost certainly you have friends or relatives waiting with open arms to reconcile! Cling to the truth: Three things last forever--faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love!\r \r Remember, ""There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."" 1 John 4:18\r \r ""For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."" 2 Timothy 1:7\r \r Do not be afraid...you are not alone...step out and into the light!\r \r more

Dear Looking for a church #: So much pain. A reading of these reviews reveals a place marred by emotional and spiritual scars. These reviews are not written by a few who are ""deceived,"" but rather by many who have been hurt by their involvement with this place and the associated ""churches"" under the same umbrella. Most are written by former members with firsthand experience. Some are even written by current members who admit that the reviews are accurate and that they are either afraid to leave, don't know how to leave, or both. These reviews contain important information which can serve mutiple purposes: 1) Warning and informing others who may be considering getting involved. 2) Affirmation for those of you who remain and are questioning your involvement that you are not alone in your concerns. 3) Confirmation for those of you who have left that you have done the right thing, and it wasn't just you!\r \r A look at the reviews below reveals several characteristics of cult behavior that is being exhibited. Character Assassination, Exclusivism (my organization is the only one that has the truth), Elitism, Isolation, Deception, Information Control (have you been told not to read these reviews?), Fear, and Relationship Control. Shunning of former members, including family members is taught, encouraged, and expected. It is held up as an example of right behavior. And a great deal goes on behind the scenes to manipulate compliance with this expectation. Also described is the expectation of absolute loyalty to a powerful authority figure. And the list goes on. \r \r How many families are broken? How many have cut ties with parents and grandparents? How many mothers and fathers have cut ties with their children? How many brothers and sisters are disowned? When the majority of families are effected in some way by shunning, what does that say about a place? Thank Y.? Yes, Looking For A Church, the shunning (i.e. ""disfellowship"") is severe. Severe enough for a mother to turn her back on her children simply because they decide to attend a different church or forge their own path, as children do when they become adults.\r \r AdamBainbridge, you are under orders? That is telling. Also, you make the assumption that those who leave Lakeview or the association are ""lost sheep"" or ""astray."" That is a bold assumption. So if someone goes to a different church, they are ""lost"" or ""astray?"" That is also telling.\r \r A piece of information that I haven't seen mentioned is that the founding pastor, a self-proclaimed apostle, and his wife, are known by the followers as ""Dad"" and ""Mom."" \r \r Use these reviews as they should be used...to make an informed decision. Excercise your free will and decide, ""Do I want to visit?"" ""Do I want to stay?"" ""Do I want to leave?"" The choice is yours.\r more

Lakeview looks creepy to me. I’m giving you a miss. The 7% recommendation is what initially got my attention. This time, I read beyond page 1 to pages 2 & 3, & beyond. I’ve never seen so many reviews in a citysearch site on a church! I can't believe all these reviews, but this place must be a cult, but some of you exaggerate. Is the shunning really that severe? Is there really a guard standing watch?!! Even so, it sounds mighty strange, maybe you reviewers should contact the township to keep an eye out. They might not know whats going on in there own community.\r I did find some reviews from the inside. AdamBainbridge M, Are you a member?\r Thank Y: How is it possible to vote both ways?? I’m very confused about where you stand, or why you chose the scriptures that you did to both reject, and then support Lakeview?\r LAST WEEK: I'm curious to know what kind of a church this is? I scrolled all the way to the bottom and didn't see a single positive review. Why such harsh comments against the pastor? Did HE really excommunicate ALL THESE PEOPLE??? Most of the reviews appear to be written by godly people that are well versed in scripture!! I'm wondering why you don't defend yourself with a review of your own!?? Anyone in the congregation wish to offer a defense? Should I even come to visit? Can it really be as bad as these people say? I can't believe any place could be this bad, but I can't believe the writers of these reviews could be making all this stuff up, so I'll visit this site again before next Sunday to see a rebutal. Is there anyone home??? more

I saw my parents for the first time in 9 years a few months back for my grandmother's funeral. They were aloof but cordial. The most personal question they chose to ask me during the four days I spent with our extended family was ""how is your steak tonight."" 9 years of cutting us off and the discussion stayed on the weather, food, and their dog. \r \r Four months have gone by and they have not contacted any of us. So the shunning continues. \r \r Maybe someday they will come back to us, but until then two things that should be carved above lclc 1) Wherever there is Legalism there also is Hypocrisy 2) ""Fanaticism and Ignorance is forever busy and NEEDS feeding."" \r \r \r \r \r \r more

I was able to get out recently. I have not been contacted by any of the members that claimed to love me from the first day I attended. So far, the shunning remains.\r more

It can't be long now. The cracks are starting to show. The flock--those previously instructed to act coldly to former members, are showing signs of being under different orders now. Orders to reach out, to show Christian love. \r \r This is a beautiful thing. For one, if the people who left the Lake have truly strayed, it shows that those who remain are now properly reading this verse: ""Treat them as a tax gatherer."" That is, to show them the highest standard of Christ's love, as He did for Zaccheus, Matthew, and others. It's simple: if we're selling His love, we show His love. The Sun and the North Wind.\r \r For another thing, it shows for the first time that the Orders from on high...can be wrong. This is huge. For so long, the Leadership has been unwilling and unable to admit being wrong because...well the consequences of that are obvious. For so long, the control, the anger, the fear--they've been ahead on the scoreboard. But if you flip to the last page, love always wins.\r \r The fact is, when someone we love insults us, disagrees with us, leaves us--this hurts. Bad. There are two paths to go down. The easiest path is that of anger. Of rebuke. Of shunning. It seems ""right""--after all, people need to see that their actions have consequences, don't they? And sometimes God takes His time unfolding those on His own. What could be more right than those of us with His best interests in mind giving His judgment a little boost?\r \r But there is another path. A better path. It's spelled out to us in the words of Proverbs and in the actions of Christ. It rings through the whole Bible, if you read it properly. A soft answer turns away anger. They will know us by our Love. Forgive them for they know not what they do. \r \r I couldn't be happier to see the flock of Lakeview finally reaching out to the lost sheep as the parable instructs: to show that concern for the lost sheep at the expense of the 99. It means that the 100-year winter is starting to break. Jesus is getting through. Once that tide has turned, the triumph of love is inevitable. more

Dear looking for a church. I don't usually post on here but when I saw your comment,I felt like I had to. Let me tell you what at first glance you will find when and if you visit this church. You will find a loving/caring people that welcome you with a warm smile. A friendly pastor that is so glad to meet you, beautiful music and a very worthy praise and worship. You will be welcomed with open arms. All will be well, as long as you do not question anything that is taught, the moment you do, WHAM! Doors will close, you'll be ridiculed, shunned by family and friends and the basis will be, ""they left us, because they were not of us"". Save yourself the absolute pain and find yourself a nice loving church, you do not want to attend this one. more

“You shall have no other gods before [besides] Me.” Exodus 20:3.\r Lakeview members, it’s time to decide: “Should my first loyalty be to this self-proclaimed apostle, or to the God of the Bible?” Then either perish in the stifling darkness of Lakeview, or follow Christ to discover the gospel of grace.\r I encourage you to find a church that understands solid, careful, expository preaching. Learn to walk by faith and repentance. more

Pastor, let your members into Citysearch. Have’m vote thumbs up. Increase your rating! Offer 1% cashback on their next tithe if you reach 50% Approval!\r It’s about BELIEVING what the Bible says. I don’t think your pastor really believes IT IS THE WORD OF GOD. Why twist its meaning?\r Norman, Chris, teachers at Lakeview: Don’t ignore these reviews. Teachers will receive a stricter judgment. Do you believe the Bible? Do you have saving faith?\r Congregation: Your best defense against bad preaching is to learn the Word of God better than your pastor. Learn the CORRECT applications.\r SANCTIFICATION involves suffering. So does ABUSE. Lakeview’s ABUSE offers no redemption, so leave! Sanctification brings great gain, profiting God’s TRUE Kingdom. Suffer for Jesus instead.\r Beloved, faith is eroded by doubt. Doubt the prophet when his word is unfulfilled—but not the Savior whose grace grants saving faith.\r Christian, how is God challenging you today? Is He suggesting that you put away the idol of Lakeview’s false apostle?\r Where does God’s Word justify divorce because one partner “disagrees with the pastor?” 1Co 7:16 indicates otherwise. Pastor, be careful to counsel with correctly applied scripture. more

Norman, Chris: Please get some serious theological training at a seminary. Learn to preach and pastor by ""speaking the truth in love"" (Eph 4:15).\r Previous Post: Tickle ears. Take Post-it-Note’s obscure scripture (Hebrews 6:1-2) and interpret it yourself (without knowledge of Greek) to create new doctrines. Better yet, NHJSr: Plagiarize! more

Will you bear with me in a slight oversimplification?\r It seems to me that the crux of the Christian Life Book, Lakeview’s policy manual, is about a couple of parenthetical verses (Hebrews 6:1-2), and on through verse 8, around which is built the entire doctrine of Lakeview. I slightly oversimplify, but if you pretty much entirely ignore the rest of the Bible, this brief passage, when misconstrued, could lead one to where that group is today—right up to the shunning of all those who have left.\r The error is a misapplication of what follows the first two verses of Chapter 6, and which has been taken out of context.\r But first, leading into this passage, the immediate context in chapter 5 is that of the writer of Hebrews attempting to wake up his congregation (telling them they have become “dull of hearing”-vs 11)—that it is time to pay attention. He is encouraging the people to stop acting like nursing babies and to move on to solid food (vs 12). It appears from this context that the congregation has become complacent in their quest of growing in Christ toward sanctification.\r After naming some very basic, but essential doctrines (repentance, faith, etc.) (Ch 6:1 & 2), the writer begins to use some stronger—even scary—tactics, suggesting that if one were to deliberately turn his back on God—after having been “enlightened” (instructed), and having “tasted the heavenly gift…the good word of God” (having an understanding of grace) and become “partakers of the Holy Ghost” (joined the community of faith with all its benefits)(vss 4 & 5)—there can be a danger of falling away (vs 6). The writer is explaining a progression from a lesser sin of complacency (Ch 5 vs 11) to a very deliberate sin of willfully turning one’s back on Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf and willfully rejecting the Kingdom of God. This would be extremely serious, “for it is impossible (vs4)…to renew them again unto repentance” (vs 6).\r Unfortunately, Lakeview’s bible stops before verses 9 – 12, and on, where the writer expresses that he is “convinced of better things concerning you...that accompany salvation…For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown,…and we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end…who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”\r In summary, the irrational twist at Lakeview is equating “leaving their congregation” (for ANY reason) with “willfully rejecting Jesus Christ,” thus making everyone who is “no longer of us” apostate, reprobate, and “of the devil.” The practice is mind-boggling, but absolutely true!!\r Never mind that the doctrine of Lakeview is too twisted to understand even a whisper of God’s amazing love and grace through anyone who preaches from that pulpit.\r Never mind that many who left Lakeview, and have matured in Christ to live abundant fruitful lives are now helping to fulfill the Great Commission. more

The Holy Bible is considered by orthodox Christians to be inspired, inerrant, and infallible. It is the Book through which God speaks to His people. The Bible teaches compellingly that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man.\r LET ME BE VERY DIRECT with a basic language lesson for those who have aligned themselves with Lakeview. In Latin, the prefix ""anti"" means “against” or ""the opposite of."" But, In Greek, this same prefix ""anti"" means something more akin to “instead of” or ""takes the place of.”\r The scriptural way to enter into worship is to humbly invoke God’s presence, pleading the blood of Christ to cover our sins. In contrast, when a self-appointed “apostle” subtly takes on the role of a mediator to “lead the congregation” into the presence of God, he “takes the place of” Christ, the only mediator between God and man. Furthermore, in a setting such as Lakeview, when an individual sets himself up to “speak for God,” and any aspect of his message varies from the intended meaning of the scriptures, he is in effect “taking the place” of the Bible. \r This is the spirit of anti-Christ.\r Don't attempt to come into the presence of the living God through any means other than JESUS CHRIST, who shed his blood as a propitiation for our sins! The Lakeview congregation has unwittingly become involved in an unbelievably idolatrous practice!! No wonder this place has become “Ichabod.” No wonder the people here mistakenly perceive the saints who have LEFT to be the lost ones!\r I DON’T KNOW HOW TO BE ANY MORE EXPLICIT.\r As a member of this congregation, if you fear God, PLEASE TAKE HEED! more

I recommend to all at Lakeview that you study your Bible carefully. Find thirty minutes for your daily devotions. Use a lexicon. Consult multiple reputable commentaries, and read entire books of the Bible with an understanding of the historical context. As you become skilled in rightly dividing the Word of Truth, you will become aware of numerous scripture passages which, in context, will directly refute Lakeview’s faulty doctrines. Yes, the preacher uses scripture to support his topical sermons; but they are typically simple “word studies” where SCRIPTURES THAT DON’T SUIT HIS POINT OF VIEW ARE DISCARDED! As your understanding of scripture grows, you will CLEARLY SEE gross misapplication and twisting of God’s Holy Word from the pulpit of Lakeview. \r The Holy Bible is in total harmony with itself when it’s properly understood. Evaluate this Sunday’s sermon in light of the entire Bible! When it becomes obvious to you that the sermons don’t sync with God’s Word, take notice!!\r It is impossible to reconcile the teaching and the actions of those in authority at Lakeview with the entirety of Holy Scriptures. The continual misapplication of scripture, along with the blatant ethical inconsistencies of the leadership at Lakeview is too much to endure. more

Whether you’re a past or current member of Lakeview, or you're just curious about visiting this place, here is a motto from anonymous that can help your perspective:\r God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that the God of the Bible, who created this day, might be glorified. ~anonymous. more