The dark side came calling

[mikado5001]

Hey all. Today, just as I got out of the shower, a Chabad rabbi was leaving a voice mail. He said that "the person who drove the van" said the Rabbi would get back to me. I am also gratefull to G-d for not getting me to the phone sooner. I knew after hearing the message, that I am not ready for these types of conversations. And I was, by Jews for Jesus, warned that this might happen. The so called "special Rabbi". I am not suspicious of anyone I know well. Save the person I live with(My Aunt). That anyone would betray my phone # to anyone. I am not sure how to deal with this situation. And I am a tad nervous. What with my Baptism coming up. That Satan will try to keep me away form this act of obedience.

BTW:Chabad Lubavich is an Orthodox Jewish Sect. You may have seen the "Mitzvah Mobile" driving around? That's them.

Any advice, prayer, and or testimony in how you dealt with it. Would be welcome. I am, even as I type this, praying that whomever betrayed my phone # to this Rabbi. THat I would find it in my heart, through THE HOLY SPIRIT, to forgive they who betrayed me.

If the title of the post is a tad mellow dramatic. Well anything or anyone, in my opinion, that tries to get me to put my faith in anything other than G-d, Jesus, and THE Holy Spirit. That is the Dark Side.

[M45510G1C]

Not sure I follow 100%. Why would this rabbi be calling you? All of the Lubovichers I have met have been fairly friendly toward my Messianic beliefs, much more so than the Orthodox community at large. Mebbe he just wanted to talk?

[mikado5001]

Not sure I follow 100%.  Why would this rabbi be calling you? All of the Lubovichers I have met have been fairly friendly toward my Messianic beliefs, much more so than the Orthodox community at large.  Mebbe he just wanted to talk?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why would the Rabbi be calling?

He invited me to "a class" at his home.

All of the Lubovichers I have met have been fairly friendly toward my Messianic beliefs, much more so than the Orthodox community at large.

I am glad to hear that. I am, however, a lot more cynical. Cynical of people calling me. Having been given my phone # by someone they did not mention by name.

[ayin jade]

Please do not look at it as a betrayal. Remember that to your family you are in a "cult". It is out of love that they did this to you. Granted they happen to not realize that you found the only real truth, but at least it was out of love. In love for them you can pray for them. Pray for their salvation. They need that so much. Have compassion that they have not seen the Lord as you have. You have been given much, in the way of forgiveness by God. Have pity for those who dont have that.

[mikado5001]

True words there AJ. Thank you!!

[Work in Progress]

mikado, you sound so stressed and I'm so sorry to hear it.

Just as God kept you from dealing with that phone call, He will continue to keep you............and see you through this trying time. God Bless you, mikado.

[Iryssa]

If they come to see you again, I'd just tell them exactly how you feel. Obviously, they are men of rank, so you wouldn't want to be belligerent about it...simply say "I'm very sorry, but I do not feel prepared to have this conversation."

Most people will get the hint when given such an obvious send-off, but if they don't, try more obvious ones..."I'm sure you gentlemen have very busy schedules; I don't want to waste any more of your time." Failing that, you might just have to ask them to leave.

A far as your family goes...again, honesty is the best policy. It's the toughest (edit) policy there is sometimes *rueful grin* but it's still the best. If/when you decide to talk to them about it, tell them that you know that they do these things out of love, but that it also hurts you that they would do something like that. Don't go into it with anger, but understanding. Typing these words, I know that I'm making it sound easier than it is...*sigh* I'm not sure I have the words to capture it accurately, though. You're in my prayers, brother.

If you would like to be more prepared, you may want to do a search for the tapes "Jesus: Legend or Lord?"...I forget the name of the apologeticist (is that a word? I think it is...anyway, a guy who studies apologetics *grin*), but he had some amazing things to say in defense of Christ's existence, divinity, and his life as recorded in the gospels. I'd send you a copy, but my dad lost the tapes we had

Edited August 17, 2005 by IslandRose

[Iryssa]

Just found a site that sells them...Anyway, here it is:

Jesus: Legend or Lord?

They offer the series on DVD, VHS, CD, and casette. It's cheapest on casette at $15.95 USD

I would recommend these to anyone interested in apologetics (knowing how to defend the faith)

Also, "The Case for Christ" is great...I found it a little hard to stay interested sometimes, and eventually found that I needed to treat it as a textbook, but it's great stuff all the same

[Guest yod]

If I were you, I'd start reading the Bible until I knew it backwards and forwards.

You have nothing to worry about when you know the truth....and know it well....because when you start telling them about Yeshua with the full authority of the Bible they will either repent or run.

If you don't know the Word, you are open to deception from anyone with a religious agenda.

[mikado5001]

If I were you, I'd start reading the Bible until I knew it backwards and forwards.If you don't know the Word, you are open to deception from anyone with a religious agenda.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Right you are yod. I just started a Bible in a year plan. And, dare I say, it has been interesting and fun. Someday I will even quote Jesus, better than I can The Jedi.

Thank you all so much. Ayin, Iryssa, M45510G1C, Work In Progress, and yod. For the prayers and council. It most likely was not my Aunt that betrayed me. And I glad for that. She is not happy with my finding Jesus. But she keeps her peace about it. I pray for someway to get through to her. And I invite her to my Messianic Prayer Group often. She and my cousin Melissa are the ONLY two in my family that know about my faith.

They did not call again. Nor did they ever visit. I am not prepared for a Face to Face. And would probably run screaming . Or just pray to G-d for the words to come to me. I am far from being skilled at being an apologetic.

WIP: I was not stressed, just a tad nervous. Not by the call in and of itself. A single call from one Rabbi by the way. Just the mystery nature of it. To suddenly have an invite to a house. And without a referal of whom gave the Rabbi my # anyway. And the feeling of being betrayed.

Iryssa: I will look in to the tapes you mentioned. And I have, but not yet read, The Case for the Creator. You might like Christian Wisdom of The Jedi Masters. A great read, it is.