Pastor Jeff,

Thank you for this teaching. It's very interesting, not to mention enlightening. At one time, God directed us to "join" a charismatic Episcopal church. Neither of us agreed with all that they believed but that is where God wanted us - for 23 years. I went in asking all kinds of questions - the kind that long-time Episcopalians never thought to ask. From the beginning and all those years, I swallowed the meat and spit out the bones. The church was one of five in the Dallas metroplex that brought the charismatic movement to North Texas during the Jesus Movement. People came from near and far - even other states - just to attend their Friday night services for the kind of worship that is now found in many churches every Sunday. Even Baptist Churches.

But this particular National Day of Repentance offering from you gave me great insight as to how the scriptures could be read at every single service and well-known guest preachers and teachers from every facet of American Christianity spoke and/or gave conferences at this church, yet most members remained ignorant of many biblical truths.

The founding leadership clearly taught the basic Gospel, including baptism by immersion as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yet 20 years later, a long-time member said he'd never heard about the Holy Spirit. As I was free to go all over the city to learn from the great teachers of the day, learning questions to ask and getting more in-depth study of the Word, few members of the church had any desire to be stretched. Now I know why - they'd been hypnotized, mesmerized, put to sleep.

The services were so comforting and familiar to those living chaotic lives. I understand how needful such sameness can be. But it should never stop us from growing, searching for questions, then asking God for the answers. It should never stop us from being teachable. Believing that with all my heart, I took advantage of every opportunity I could find where the Light was shining, to learn more, and grow ever closer to the Lord.

No wonder I was eventually such a challenge to the hierarchy and some members! I was greatly respected but, over time prevented from teaching or using my gifts and abilities within the congregation. The founding pastor even looked me in the eyes and told a bald-faced lie as to why I couldn't teach adults anymore. Another time, when I was standing in the parking lot talking with a very godly, older woman, he came out and saw us. Walking past, he said, "You two together! Oh my! God is here! I gotta get out of here!" We two ladies laughed it off but I never forgot that. I continued asking questions and seeking more, more, more. Still do.

That's why I was intrigued with this article in the middle of last night. So, never wanting to ignore truth or the three fingers pointing back at myself, I repented and took off any residue of the mesmerization that came on me during those 23 years. We have been gone from that church and from Dallas itself for almost 20 years. Yet some members still look to me for help when they are hurting. Help for situations that, if they hadn't been mesmerized and been teachable, willing to change, they could have avoided. So, so sad.

Anyway, just wanted you to know my appreciation for what you offered here.