""It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry."" -Thomas Paine\r
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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
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Some scriptures to consider:\r
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For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10\r
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Whoever BELIEVES that Jesus is the Christ is BORN OF GOD. 1 John 5:1\r
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Remember, ""There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."" 1 John 4:18\r
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""For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."" 2 Timothy 1:7\r
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Do not be afraid...you are not alone...step out and into the light!\r
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