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About Me

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Hi everyone! Welcome to the TruthForFree MySpace page! My name is Dave (in case you're wondering who author's the page)
This MySpace site features articles/blogs pertaining to the pursuit of knowing Jesus; most specifically geared towards those who have felt a disconnect from traditional institutionalized religion. This site does NOT represent some kind of organized "ministry", nor does it claim to be necessarily authoritative in terms of the content presented. I am just a guy like anyone else. I love Jesus, but I'm weary of religion. I believe the Bible and follow Christ, but I do not identify with so much of what has come to be labeled as "Christian" today. I offer these articles & links (which are written by many different people besides myself) for your inspiration and thoughtful consideration. I hope that perhaps this page will serve as a means to connect a few brothers and sisters in Christ in cyberspace for means of genuine fellowship, fun, sharing testimony, and encouraging one another.
I'm a firm believer in "spirit & truth" as Jesus told us this is what God the Father desires (John 4:20-26). We should always be sincere and honest before Him and with each other. I mention this detail because I realize that some of the content that appears on this page may strike some traditional church-going folks as offensive, largely due to the fact that it doesn't fit within the construct of traditional organized religion. The objective is not to be "offensive" but to be real and completely transparent as well as stand firmly for what is true. While the theme here is mostly geared in a "spiritual" context, this page may also exhibit content of a personal nature because it's put together by a personal guy. ;) Believe it or not, I don't wear TruthForFree t-shirts all day and talk about God constantly, though His presence indeed continues with me throughout every part of every day and there is not a single thing in life that does not involve some measure of interaction with Him, whether privately or publically. I do not treat God as some untouchable being in outer space that I only think about on Sunday mornings. I remain aware of Him in every facet of my life, whether I'm sitting in front of a computer screen at work, having dinner with friends, enjoying a brewski, away on vacation, or writing blogs for MySpace. It's true I don't "do" church, but I believe in what the Bible calls the "ecclesia" (translated "church" in our English bibles), which is represented by those whom God has called to enter into relationship with Him. These are His people, His body, His "Church" - not according to what man calls a "church", which is nothing more than a building made with hands and a program with invented human doctrines. Because of this understanding, I relate to my family in God according to this truth - not according to denominations or affiliations with religious organizations.
I'm sure it probably doesn't need to be said that I do not at all think I have "arrived" spiritually. I am bodly aware of my own imperfection and need for God. Just ask anyone who knows me personally. ;) I couldn't hide behind a religious facade for long if I wanted to. Like anyone I have opinions, I sometimes stumble, make errors in judgment, struggle with pride, sometimes offend people unnecessarily, and can't always come right up with the answers to life I'm seeking... and a few times I get it right. ;) The point is though, I continue to seek and I continue to rest completely confident in God's grace and amazing love. If that sounds like something you can relate to, I'd love to meet ya. Ok, I'm done blabbing for now. hehehe...
There's a chat room link below if you're interested! (currently available for all visitors of TruthForFree - no password required at this time) For FREE articles, check the Blog section at the top of the page. For FREE downloadable e-books, see the list on the left side of this page. FREE links to related websites, video clips, and audio messages are found below. Feel free to also check out the main TruthForFree website where there are lots more articles, downloads and resource links available. Thanks so much for visiting! Hope you enjoy the page. :)

w w w . t r u t h f o r f r e e . c o m
HE PAID IT ALL, SO WHY DO SAINTS CONTINUE
LISTENING TO THOSE WHO SAY IT'S NOT ENOUGH?
JESUS DIED, NOT JUST FOR OUR SINS, BUT FOR OUR RELIGION!
HE WHOM THE SON SETS FREE IS FREE INDEED!
(John 8:36; Galatians 5:1, 3:25-28)
POLL: Money & Ministry Not counting freewill, voluntary gifts/donations, do you think it's right for Christians to charge money for sharing a message they believe God inspired them to give to others? (including via music/CDs/concerts, teaching, books, other forms of media, etc.)
NOTE: Answering this survey uses an outside website (connected directly with truthforfree.com). Other than your vote and any personal comments you submit, no personal information is collected. MySpace may warn you before submitting this form, thus the reason for this explanation. Thanks again for contributing to this discussion.
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ARE YOU SICK OF ORGANIZED RELIGION? SO IS GOD!
IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST SET US FREE!
"I can't stand your religious meetings. I'm fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I'm sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I've had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to Me?" (Amos 5:21-23 The Message)
"He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since He is Lord of heaven and earth, He doesn't live in man-made temples." (Acts 17:24 NLT)
"I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know GOD, not go to more prayer meetings." (Hosea 6:6 The Message)
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message)
"So don't put up with anyone pressuring you in details of diet, worship services, or holy days. All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ." (Colossians 2:16-17 The Message)
"His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time--he's told us this quite plainly--he'll also rock the heavens: 'One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.' The phrase 'one last shaking' means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered." (Hebrews 12:26-27 The Message)
Jesus then left the Temple. As he walked away, His disciples pointed out how very impressive the Temple architecture was. Jesus said, "You're not impressed by all this sheer size, are you? The truth of the matter is that there's not a stone in that building that is not going to end up in a pile of rubble." (Matthew 24:1-2 The Message)
"However, the Most High doesn't live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, 'Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Could you ever build Me a temple as good as that?' asks the Lord. 'Could you build a dwelling place for Me? Didn't I make everything in heaven and earth?' You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? But your ancestors did, and so do you!" (Acts 7:48-51 NLT)
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
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My Interests

I'd like to meet:

Anyone who believes the Gospel, loves Jesus, and is interested in Bible truth. I'm interestedin meeting people who, along with their sincere love for God, find themselves disconnected from institutionalChristianity (the general routine and mindset that accompanies typical "church" life). This may also includeindividuals who still attend traditional churches but have grown sick of the distractions, the false teachings,and the lack of real fellowship and/or experience of true spiritual growth and are seeking more. I would like toinvite all those who understand that God does not dwell in temples made with hands (i.e. church buildings) butrather calls us together as one family in Him (a people, who themselves ARE the Church) and to a life whereby werecognize our connection and fellowship in the body is because of Who we belong to (JESUS), not where weattend.

I know you folks are out there, just like me! :) I have met so many wonderful members of the body of Christ whoare tired of the religious substitutes, dry routines, and want only real life, walking with God in spirit andtruth, day by day - not trying to be "religious", or caught up in legalism or "spooky spirituality", but simplyreally living the Christian life (flaws and all, because we know it is God who changes us by His Spirit - notthrough practicing traditions made by man and trying to "measure up" in some way). If this sounds like you,please write me!

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're just looking to post ads to your page, promote your band,or increase your rating on MySpace, I would respectfully like to ask that you please not request to be added tothe group. Nothing at all personal, but I really want to keep this site on topic (as much as possible), to meetand to help connect people who identify with the message this site presents. If, however, you have a band whosemessage and mindset you feel fits the general theme of TruthForFree, please do contact me. Communication is theimportant thing here and I am always eager to meet new people. Also, perhaps it doesn't need to be said, but thisis not intended to be a forum for arguing about "church", so anyone who has intent to join discussions for thepurpose of telling others they are in disfavor with God for not attending a religious organization, need notapply. The friends who gather here already understand that God's Church is represented by people, not buildingsand programs of religion. That issue is no longer in contention for us. I screen all friend requests so pleasesend along a note with any questions you have, a personal introduction of yourself and what about this siteinterests you or that relates to where you're at. I don't want to exclude anyone but I really do look forward tomeeting others who are walking similar paths in this regard. Thanks everyone for your understanding. God blessyou all!

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Please note: This chat room is completely free to use. Currently no password is required to access, however, the chat room is onlyintended for use by friends of TruthForFree MySpace. Please keep the conversation clean and related to thetopic of this page. Thank you.

Current Favorite Websites:

www.seandietrich.com
awildernessvoice.com
insearchofacity.org
www.koinonianet.net
paidionbooks.org
meatindueseason.org
www.iona.uk.com
www.gospelmythbuster.com
www.livingtruth.com
www.TheEndofReligion.org www.his-kingdom.net
www.lordyouare.com
www.ctm.org
www.vandruff.com
www.darinhufford.com
shouldthechurchteachtithing.com
www.thegodjourney.com
www.familyroommedia.com
www.watchman.net
www.livingpress.org

Encouraging Audio Messages:

The following audio clips may require use of Windows Media Player and/or the Real One media player. Broadband connection recommended.

Accept No Substitutes - by Wayne and Brad

Hebrews 13 - by Chip Brogden

Interview with Jack Helser - Sean Dietrich's Podcast

Barna's Revolution - by Wayne and Brad

The Truth About Tithing - by Berean Bible Church

Why I Left The Institutional Church - by Frank Viola

Recognizing False Faith Systems - by Dave Hunt

The Effeminacy of Religion - by Wayne and Brad

Interview with Dave Yeubanks - Sean Dietrich's Podcast

One Woman's View of the Journey - by Lynette Woods

Church Announcements (comedy) - by Shirley Q. Liquor

If you like the imgage above
CLICK HERE to get the T-Shirt!

Inspiring Video Clips:

The following links will enable you to download various video clips with inspirational content (including teachingmessages, excerpts from movies, etc.). Broadband Internet connection strongly recommended.

Church Outside The Walls: Part 1 (176mbWMV) - This is part one, titled "The Dropouts", from a four part series being developed by FamilyRoomMedia.com . If you enjoy this video, please consider purchasing the DVD (only $9.95) to help these guys continue to create films like this... and do tell them you heard about them from TruthForFree.com!

Ending From Brother Sun Sister Moon (48mbWMV) - This clip is the final scene from the 1973 movie Brother Sun Sister Moon; a musical about thelife of Francis of Assisi. In this dramatic clip, Francis gains an audience with the Pope to ask a question, butends up voicing his sorrowful observation of the love of money so prevelant among the religious (to the shock andoffense of all the religious leaders present). I replaced the original ending music with a clip from the song"Bird of Heaven" by Iona, making for an even more dramatic close. Enjoy! :)

Iona performs the song "Inside My Heart" (13mb WMV) - Iona (one of my favorite bands) is a "celtic rock" group from Ireland. This is an excerpt from a recent concert in London, England. This song, called Inside My Heart, speaks about the truth that Christ makes His home in our hearts, we are His temple. Beautiful song with a powerful truth!

Remembering Keith Green (29mb WMV) -This is an excerpt from the First Love DVD (a musical documentary which features music performances andinterviews with some of the artists popular during the Jesus People movement of the late 1960's and early 1970's).This particular clip is a tribute to the life, ministry and music of the late Keith Green; a brother in Christwho was so radically sold out to Jesus Christ. His passion then still inspires so greatly today of what ispossible when we yeild our hearts completely to Jesus and forsake compromise.

What's Wrong With The Gospel? (164mbWMV) - This clip is part three of a four part teaching by the late Keith Green concerning the misguidedpresentation of the Gospel that has become so popular in our day and why it is vital we do not mix the message.This was recorded from and old VHS, so the audio quality is poor.

Clips from God's Outlaw (60mb WMV) -This clip contains some excerpts from the movie "God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale." It's quiteinspiring to consider how it was people like this that actually died for the cause of truth - and not only that,but some of the things these men stood up for are even being attacked again today by those who claim to bereligious leaders. I hope more believers will examine the history of those, like William Tyndale and his friends,who stood for the truth without compromise. We need more Tyndales today!

Clips from the 2003 Movie "Luther" (27mbWMV) - This clip features three excerpts from the excellent movie Luther (including Luther preachingabout his former errors concerning the true Gospel, his trial before the religious leaders, and the princes of thetownships standing against the king in favor of Luther's Bible).

Mr. Bean Goes To Church (24mb WMV) - Now for a little humor... This hilarious clipfeatures the beloved character of Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson) and his mishaps Sunday morning at church. Does anyonerelate? hahaha

All For The Best (10mb WMV) - This is one of my favorite songs from the 70's movie "GodSpell" - which is a hippie version of the Gospel of Matthew.

Phil Keaggy Live - Salvation Army Band (17mb WMV) - This is one of my favorite clips of Phil Keaggy playing one of his most popular live songs, Salvation Army Band. If you've never seen Phil live, this will be a treat for you to watch. This brother is so amazingly talented with a guitar. Great song too! Enjoy!

Another Scene from Brother Sun Sister Moon (9mb WMV) - In this clip (also from the movie Brother Sun Sister Moon, Francis is forced to attend "church" by his father. As Francis observes the poor, hungry for God, yet forced to sit at the back door, and as he observes all the ritual of religion so cold and dead, he looks up to see the image of Jesus on the cross with his eyes open, peering at Francis... Finally, seeming to realize that this is not what it's all about, he tears at his fancy church clothes and cries out "NO!" in the middle of the service and walks out smiling, to the embarasment of his father and the shock of those leading the service.

Iona performs the song "Encircling" (25mb WMV) - Iona performs another song from their 2006 concert in London, England. This song is one of my favorites the band does, called Encircling. It's an old Celtic Christian prayer to "the Mighty Three" for God to be their shield, their hope, their love and protection. Beautiful song!

More to come...

Books:

Click any of the following links to view/download these excellent, highly recommended FREE e-books (links will open in a new webpage):
Are Christians Free Indeed, or Enslaved By Religion? - By Shean Smith
So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore? - By Jake Colsen
Come Out Of Her My People - By Peter Whyte
The Great Ecclesiastical Conspiracy - By George Davis, Michael Clark and Kirk Pearson
The Naked Church - By Wayne Jacobsen
Who Are The Clergy? - By David Yeubanks
Modern Churchianity - By David Yeubanks
Galatians 98 - By Jim Minker
The Harlot Church System - By Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr.
The New Exodus - by Michael Clark & George Davis
When The Church Was Led Only By Laymen - by Gene Edwards
Should The Church Teach Tithing - By Russell Earl Kelly, PhD
"The clergy converted the simple teachings of Jesus into an engine for enslaving mankind and adulterated by artificial constructions into a contrivance to filch wealth and power to themselves... these clergy, in fact, constitute the real Anti-Christ." -Thomas Jefferson
"Lighthouses are more helpful than churches." -Benjamin Franklin
"Experience witnesseth that ecclesiastical establishments, instead of maintaining the purity and efficacy of religion, have had a contrary operation." -James Madison
"They [the clergy] believe that any portion of power confided to me, will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly; for I have sworn upon the altar of God, Eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. But this is all they have to fear from me: and enough, too, in their opinion." -Thomas Jefferson
"Religion I found to be without any tendency to inspire, promote, or confirm morality, serves principally to divide us and make us unfriendly to one another." -Benjamin Franklin
"In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty. He is always in alliance with the despot, abetting his abuses in return for protection to his own." -Thomas Jefferson
"Ecclesiastical establishments tend to great ignorance and corruption, all of which facilitate the execution of mischievous projects." -James Madison
"The blessed Religion revealed in the word of God will remain an eternal and awful monument to prove that the best Institutions may be abused by human depravity; and that they may even, in some instances, be made subservient to the vilest of purposes." -George Washington
RECOMMENDED MUSIC:
SEAN DIETRICH
Sean is a close friend and a great musician who is totally in love with Jesus and completely uniterested in the distraction of organized religion. Check out his website... ALL HIS MUSIC IS FREE!!!
www.seandietrich.com
JACK HELSER
Jack Helser is an amazing brother and friend. I love this dude so much. :) Not only does he compose music but has authored some incredible articles (available at his website). He's a skillful musician with a great sense of humor to boot. He also shares ALL of his music for FREE!!!
www.lordyouare.com
DEVON LEESLEY
Devon is a cool bro in Jesus who is definitely "outside the gate" and connected to the source! If you like 70's style Jesus rock, check out Devon's music... and. yes, all his music is FREE too!
www.soundclick.com/devonleesley

My Blog

Sunday Go To Meetin (by Dave)

Hi there everyone... I haven't posted a personal blog item in a bit so I thought I'd share the following... I hope you'll forgive some of my sarcastic overtones. I guess I'm in a bit...
Posted by TruthForFree on Thu, 31 May 2007 03:28:00 PST

Why I No Longer Go To Church (by Mark Frost)

Why I No Longer Go To Church A Parable of MountaineeringMy beloved spoke, and said to me: "Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away..." (Song 2:10) In my early years, I began hungering for the mou...
Posted by TruthForFree on Wed, 21 May 2008 09:47:00 PST

Forsaking The Assembly? (article by Dave)

Some time ago I wrote a response letter to someone about the subject of "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25), which is a common verse cited by a lot of Christ...
Posted by TruthForFree on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:35:00 PST

Dont Worry About Your Life (by Dave)

In mid 2007 some events transpired in my life that brought another little shaking to my world. These events were nothing cataclysmic in terms of what most would probably normally consider as such (lik...
Posted by TruthForFree on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:48:00 PST

Servants or Friends? (by Dave)

In so much of organized religion today I hear these pleas by religious teachers (and often other Christians in general) that tell people, "you really need to set aside more time to read your Bible and...
Posted by TruthForFree on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:11:00 PST

Agitated For Jesus? (by Dave)

Today I went to the movies with some old friends that I used to "go to church" with. Both of them super nice guys and I genuinely like them. Of course there's the detail that we're mostly ...
Posted by TruthForFree on Sat, 16 Jun 2007 05:12:00 PST

The Snack We Call Supper (by David Servant)

The following article is written by a man named David Servant (a proponent of the house church movement). Unfortunately, I am only marginally acquainted with Servant's "mission" at this poi...
Posted by TruthForFree on Fri, 18 May 2007 11:04:00 PST

Why I'm Not A Christian Anymore (by David Yeubanks)

I knew that title would grab your attention (hehehe). Relax folks, I'm not espousing any fantastic heresies today; However, there is a great deal of sincere reasoning behind why I make such a st...
Posted by TruthForFree on Fri, 04 May 2007 08:00:00 PST

Are You Looking For The Real Jesus? (by Bride)

The following is a repost of a MySpace bulletin by one of the bands I used to love in high school called "Bride". I have to confess that I don't always agree with all of their positions on vario...
Posted by TruthForFree on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 10:57:00 PST

The New Creation Rule (by George Davis)

The following is a great new article by my friend George Davis called "The New Creation Rule." Actually, it is an excerpt from the full article. Info on how to view the entire article, if ...
Posted by TruthForFree on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:55:00 PST