Cult Podcasts

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1 hour ago

Reading Parts of a Transcript of a Rosemead Meeting - How Was this Ever Labeled as Rebellion? People familiar with "The Local Church"/"The Lord's Recovery"/Living Stream Ministry, and the history of the members and churches associated with those terms, will likely have heard of "The Rosemead Rebellion" or how the church in Rosemead became a type of byword among members and especially church leaders.... As I began to look into the facts, and read the testimonies, I realized that the church in Rosemead as a community suffered the same type of shaming and false accusing as individuals in "The Lord's Recovery" experience if they dare not submit to teachings and practices that even violate their conscience. Don Hardy, around the time of this meeting, had also caught Philip Lee in an adulterous position with a married sister (not his wife) and Philip Lee had vowed to get rid of Don as a result. The fallout of the entire church in Rosemead - or its falling out of favor with Philip and his dad Witness Lee, is part of the aftermath, though Don Hardy does not expose that incident in this transcript. Few have exposed the lewd acts of Philip Lee over the decades. Most have handled the accounts delicately. As a victim of Philip Lee, I am no longer willing to do so. His assault of sisters, and his abuse of anyone who doesn't bow to his whims and wishes, has stumbled too many, already. Though he is no longer with us on earth, the damages continue to affect intergenerationally, and collective trauma can only be healed when it is addressed honestly and collectively. This transcript helps to get a glimpse into "The church in Rosemead," its leadership in 1987, the pain, and what was deemed "rebellion. For more information, you may be interested in ordering "The Rosemead Rebellion" by Stephen Isitt: https://a.co/d/03AeMUzT Here is a link to the transcript (in Japanese):http://localchurch.web.fc2.com/part1/Rosemead.html #thechurchinrosemead #livingstreamministry #philiplee #witnesslee #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #lordsrecovery

"Reading parts of a Transcript of a Rosemead Meeting - How was this Ever Labeled as Rebellion?"
InconvenientRuth
7 Apr 2026 [1:05:27]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/-PzidvHNBkiFTsHQ6gvgSA

Cult Podcasts

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1 hour ago

Letter of Separation, from the Church in Blackpool, U.K. (1988) #witnesslee #livingstreamministry #philiplee #churchinblackpool #churchinstuttgart #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #lordsrecovery

"Letter of Separation, from the Church in Blackpool, U.K. (1988)"
InconvenientRuth
7 Apr 2026 [0:05:13]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/EtA2FXOIBU2ws8jyaoRWSQ

Cult Podcasts

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2 days ago

Deeply Concerning Excerpts: "The History & Revelation of the Lord's Recovery" (Witness Lee, 2020) I read a few excerpts from the 2-volume set, "The History & Revelation of the Lord's Recovery" (Witness Lee, 2020) in this video, with some commentary. Witness Lee states on page 227 of that set: "We have no desire to relate negative matters of our history to our young people, just as parents do not like to tell their children things that are not beneficial before the children reach adulthood. However, sooner or later, they MUST know, and NOT LETTING THEM KNOW is equivalent to DECEIVING them." (Emphasis added.) I agree with this. We MUST know... the TRUE history of this group, and why so many precious ones have been stumbled and hurt, and so many families destroyed. This is just a small sampling - I mainly focus on Witness Lee's representation of his submission to Watchman Nee as proof he "remained entirely in the Body" (p. 283) and accounts of T. Austin-Sparks, who Lee admits was a deep and spiritual believer with a helpful ministry... yet Lee also claims T.A.S. attacked him and was a main cause of division in the Far East. #witnesslee #watchmannee #livingstreamministry #lordsrecovery #thelocalchurch

"Deeply Concerning Excerpts: 'The History & Revelation of #TheLordsRecovery' (Witness Lee, 2020)"
InconvenientRuth
4 Apr 2026 [0:39:31]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/cwZlp1du1UiYmGZuloiwiw

Cult Podcasts

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6 days ago

Toxic, Vile, Offensive, and/or Hypocritical Publication of Living Stream Ministry: "Character" I came across this book, that we read multiple times during my adolescent years and later with young ones we were "caring for." I was appalled. The teachings are so clearly unhealthy, to put it mildly. This book alone is reason to disavow any allegiance to Witness Lee - allegiance which is demonic to begin with. All reading is from the book "Character" (Witness Lee, 1987, comprised of printed messages given in 1953-1968 in Manila and Taipei). The points that resonate with me in this book, that I agree with, are contradicted by the practices of the author.... and his son Philip who was managing the publication company that printed this book. #character #witnesslee #philiplee #livingstreamministry #spiritualabuse #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #lordsrecovery

"Toxic, Vile, Offensive, And/or Hypocritical Publication of Living Stream Ministry: 'Character'"
InconvenientRuth
1 Apr 2026 [0:24:14]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/G-lQOCowg0yAi8d8oGMB3Q

Cult Podcasts

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1 week ago

Toxic, Twisted Teachings in "The Lord's Recovery" and Beyond Contents read in this video are from the Bible and from the book "Untwisting Scriptures that were used to tie you up, gag you, and tangle your mind" by Rebecca Davis. #rebeccadavis #untwistingscriptures #thelocalchurch #lordsrecovery #witnesslee #watchmannee #livingstreamministry #spiritualabuse #billgothard

"Toxic, Twisted Teachings in '#TheLordsRecovery' & Beyond"
InconvenientRuth
29 Mar 2026 [0:47:48]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/NY7wlZe0uUWYT9pJkvv-2w

Cult Podcasts

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2 weeks ago

"The Lord's Recovery" - Giving "LOVE" a bad name During the "ITERO" ("International Training for Elders and Responsible Ones"), I hope there would be genuine searchings of heart related to the practices in "The Lord's Recovery" (TLR) that are contrary to the truth. One of those practices is the rejection and shunning of (former) members who speak the truth in love. Over years of abuse in the context of a group of Christians who exclusively identify as TLR on this earth, who believe they are followers of the exclusive "Ministry of the Age" - the teachings and interpretations of Scriptures spoken/written by Watchman Nee and Witness Lee and published by Living Stream Ministry, I have experienced, witnessed, and become increasingly aware of systemic patterns of abuse throughout the history of this group. Abuse and love are incompatible. Love repairs, heals, seeks oneness, strives to restore and repair relationship with loved ones. Love communicates. A lover does not shut out the object of affection or seek to punish or threaten the object of genuine love. Mournfully and very damagingly, practices in TLR are opposite, though some of the group's "unquestionable" teachings seem to be aligned with Scripture regarding words of love. In this video, I share just a few excerpts from only a few books... there are nearly countless I could read from... that demonstrate inconsistency both in words and in practices within TLR, regarding the most critical indicator of faith: love. I also share a couple of examples of the contrast between practices and teachings. Again, there are innumerable examples I could give. I also thank Robert Taylor for posting a recent live recording (www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK4bbfmtklg), in which he addressed deceptive patterns. Love rejoices with the truth - it does not try to conceal the truth - a pattern Robert speaks about, among other concerns. Healing from wounds in which those who profess to love you actually abuse you and then punish you for speaking out about the pain and the abuse, my grief at times has been nearly unbearable. It still is sometimes. But speaking out - sharing our painful stories - is essential for healing. I listened to a podcast last night, a conversation between Anderson Cooper and Sara Bareilles about grief. A couple of quotes of Bareilles particularly resonated: "If we just continue to be brave enough to share the stories that we've lived through, the connection is a part of the medicine," and "The sharing of grief is essential. You actually won't move through it alone. You must find the courage to share it. And I think you'll be surprised to find how medicinal it is. The sharing." #livingstreamministry #thelocalchurch #lordsrecovery #watchmannee #witnesslee #spiritualabuse #love #thechurchinlosangeles #thechurchinla #itero

"'#TheLordsRecovery' - Giving 'Love' A Bad Name"
InconvenientRuth
21 Mar 2026 [0:32:16]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/whfTtkSXoES0Yt3Nr2Q9ew

Cult Podcasts

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3 weeks ago

Lament: "Hope that refuses to lie," more gems from a women's conference, & a response to a comment I spent last night and this morning at a women's conference hosted by North Coast Church. This is my 3rd time attending this conference. I am so thankful for the members of Christ's Body with whom I have been knit in love over these years of no longer participating in the exclusive practices of "The Lord's Recovery" that touts oneness with all believers while also labeling "other believers" as divisive and degraded and even dangerous. Anyway, a highlight for me was a short workshop/breakout session about lament this morning, and I wanted to share with you some from that, as well as respond to this comment posted yesterday: "@Slade_Cunningham_22295 1 day ago I have congregated in multiple local churches for almost 14 years now. Any abuse that you or others have witnessed is due to the fallen nature whose potential for sin is within every human being. This is not a justification for sin but a necessary perspective. These incidents are not a "pattern" unique to the local churches or stemming from the ministry of Witness Lee. If anything, they are an attack to blind believers from seeing the value of the ministry of Witness Lee by drawing their attention away from Christ (Lee's focus) and onto bad actors." I read some from this blog by Rev. Benjamin Cremer, as well: IwY2xjawQjHCVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFtVk1VT3ZmRGoyTjV3T21uc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuiu6JuTcMoDgHNpfH_DmekiE3JfZ0sVZBBPrsEwis60aM5s6_iuTqTRtM3T_aem_yh2r #witnesslee #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #lordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #watchmannee #lament

"Lament: 'Hope that Refuses to Lie,' More Gems from a Women's Conference, & a Response to a Comment"
InconvenientRuth
15 Mar 2026 [0:21:16]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/CQ4XKqmBo0un9ZssQAOIfw

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 weeks ago

Refreshed by, and Recommending, Mike Winger & Ron Cantor's Videos, which Align with Needs in TLR I have been so helped and refreshed by brothers Mike Winger and Ron Cantor who are holding Christian leaders accountable. I was not a follower of those leaders, but many of the issues they are addressing are the same as those in "The Lord's Recovery"/Living Stream Ministry/"the local churches" - followers of Watchman Nee and Witness Lee to a level at which no one held them (or other sinning leaders) accountable... and who taught that "God's deputy authority" should be covered, even in cases of sin, as Shem and Japheth covered Noah in his tent...... (and who taught much more, that damages the Lord's testimony if practiced). I hope you would listen to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C5y08wNa2o&t=1529s; it applies to "The Lord's Recovery." Please watch to the end, through the prayers. Also, here is a list of verses I got when I searched the internet for instances of excommunication (a practice unscripturally and destructively and divisively carried out in "the Lord's Recovery", as it was/is in the "Exclusive Brethren"): https://www.openbible.info/topics/excommunication #roncantor #mikewinger #witnesslee #watchmannee #livingstreamministry #thelordsrecovery #thelocalchurch #lordsrecovery #localchurches #spiritualabuse

"Refreshed by, & Recommending, Mike Winger & Ron Cantor's Videos, Which Align with Needs in TLR"
InconvenientRuth
12 Mar 2026 [0:22:09]
#TheLordsRecovery #PBCC #PlymouthBrethren #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/FxyLtzoTY0GATuUX4lkqTw

Cult Podcasts

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4 weeks ago

Excerpts from "Writings on the Turmoil Among the Churches" by David Canfield (2012, 2019) The book I share excerpts from in this video can be found on the website thechristianfaith.org; the book is here: thechristianfaith.org/book-1. We don't need uniformity to have unity. We may vary on so many matters, but our oneness is of the Spirit. So, we all won't agree on everything, just as I have a different perspective of Witness Lee and Watchman Nee and Titus Chu and even "the ground of locality" than this author expresses. Yet he and I would surely have unhindered fellowship, and I hope sometime soon to be able to fellowship with him, because we both care for the truth, we treasure the oneness of the Spirit, we defend the faith - what God requires in order to receive us - and we care for righteousness. Our oneness is not uniformity of attitude toward anyone other than the Triune God. We agree with the Word of God, and are not beholden to any man other than our Lord Jesus Christ. We stand with the truth that THE unique ministry that builds the church is the ministry of the Spirit, of righteousness, of reconciliation... not the ministry of any single person or group of people to whom one must submit in order to be received and maintained in fellowship. We have both experienced being avoided by many believers in "the Lord's Recovery"/"the local church" simply because we continue to speak the truth, to testify concerning matters we have witnessed, matters that divide Christ's body and wound believers. To not speak the truth in such situations is iniquitous (Lev. 5:1). I highly recommend this book, for a more thorough understanding of the history of the church as a whole, since the first 2 centuries AD., as well as of the history of "The Lord's Recovery" in this century. #davidcanfield #livingstreamministry #blendedbrothers #blendingbrothers #churchinchicago #localchurches #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #lordsrecovery #churchhistory #witnesslee #watchmannee

"Excerpts from 'Writings on the Turmoil Among the Churches' By David Canfield (2012, 2019)"
InconvenientRuth
8 Mar 2026 [0:50:23]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/Z7WGkkjtPUWNY4K0-922Kw

Cult Podcasts

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1 month ago

Early deaths in Christian Community... and Views of W. Lee and D. Bonhoeffer on Christian Community I continue to reflect on early deaths of which I am aware in "The Lord's Recovery"/"The Local Churches" and on why these affect me. If my belief all my life that we are God's family is true, then deaths of our brothers and sisters in Christ rightly affect me. I read from two sources in this video: "Oneness in the Father's Name" by Witness Lee (www.lsm.org/media/ngb/NGB047_OnenessInTheFathersName.pdf), and Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and apply those portions to my experiences, observations, and reflections of the Christian community of which I was wholeheartedly a member for over 4 decades... #thelocalchurch #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #lordsrecovery #watchmannee #dietrichbonhoeffer

"Early Deaths in Christian Community... & Views of W. Lee & D. Bonhoeffer on Christian Community"
InconvenientRuth
17 Feb 2026 [0:35:13]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/8mMwEQNUwkSH3QLBclK0AQ

Cult Podcasts

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1 month ago

LR138 - Follow-up to 137. Response to Listener, Church and Politics. More the LR, Leftism and Islam, Response to Listener, Church and Politics, Moral Busybodies, Families, Scottish Clans and the Super Bowl Halftime Show

"Follow-Up to 137. Response to Listener, Church & Politics."
The Lord's Recovery & How Religion Goes Wrong
8 Feb 2026 [0:19:30]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/2AkEyOBmgEiy1j2tlakJLw

Cult Podcasts

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1 month ago

Reflecting on Losses and the Cover Up Culture of "The Lord's Recovery" I visited a dear couple today, who lost a son to an untimely death, who had been abused by a responsible brother in "The Lord's Recovery." I gained such precious nourishment from my time with them, as well as more clarity as to patterns of abuse in this group. I have been also following the repentance of some leaders of Bethel Church, who admitted some of their complicity in a cover-up culture that needs to be addressed. I reflected on the possibility of such admissions and repentance ever being made by the "Blended Brothers" in "The Lord's Recovery".... no matter how many of us victims speak out and how much evidence there is of destruction. Sadly, unless those brothers would be willing to disavow a lof of the teachings published by Living Stream Ministry, such repentance would not be possible, because the teachings of Witness Lee and Watchman Nee explicitly require a covering up of the sins of leaders, and the absolute authority of those leaders.... which perpetuates a culture of abuse and unaccountability. #thelocalchurch #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #watchmannee #thelordsrecovery #coverupculture #spiritualabuse

"Reflecting on Losses & the Cover up Culture of '#TheLordsRecovery'"
InconvenientRuth
8 Feb 2026 [0:27:31]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/CZ-Uo1CQL0KPtGMC3UvXKA

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

1 month ago

LR137 -- How the Lord's Recovery Aligns Itself With Leftism and Islam Collectivism is one of the biggest threats to the Church and Western Civilization.

"How #TheLordsRecovery Aligns Itself with Leftism & Islam"
The Lord's Recovery & How Religion Goes Wrong
7 Feb 2026 [0:13:47]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/YZHa-tkPwUaPGE7mwWDFeA

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

2 months ago

Applying Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Essay "After Ten Years" to "The Lord's Recovery" (2) "Who stands firm? Only the one whose ultimate standard is not his reason, his principles, conscience, freedom, or virtue; only the one who is prepared to sacrifice all of these when, in faith and in relationship with God alone, he is called to obedient and responsible action. Such a person is the responsible one, whose life is to be nothing but a response to God's question and call. Where are these responsible ones?" (]p. 20) And... "The ultimately responsible question is not how I extricate myself heroically from a situation but how a coming generation is to go on living.... The younger generation will always have the surest sense whether an action is done merely in terms of principle or from living responsibly, for it is their future that is at stake." (p. 22) I am part of that "coming generation" to which Bonhoeffer refers. I am thankful that I can learn from experiences and wisdom of one who lived and acted responsibly during the Nazi regime, and I hope to also live and act responsibly at this time and in my specific situation, for the sake of the younger generation(s). [Quotes from "After Ten Years" Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Our Times, Edited and Introduced by Victoria J. Barnett] #thelocalchurch #livingstreamministry #spiritualabuse #localchurch #cultrecovery #lordsrecovery

"Applying Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Essay 'After Ten Years' To '#TheLordsRecovery' (2)"
InconvenientRuth
3 Feb 2026 [0:32:30]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/-zuJfda5mkqbp2pV_4f6tQ

Cult Podcasts

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2 months ago

Unhealthy vs Healthy Church Habits Yesterday a sister shared a video with me that I found so strikingly descriptive of some of the destructive concepts and habits of "The Lord's Recovery," so I re-listened and took notes and share those notes here. If you want to just watch the original video, from which I took these notes, it is here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQZUnhNZwrQ. I encourage all of us to consider soberly our attitudes and actions related to each of the points addressed in the original video, "Every Church Habit that Creates Leader Dependency." The damage of such teaching and practices in unhealthy church communities are catastrophic to the Christian life and are hurting many in the Body of Christ... so all of us members, since, when one member suffers, we ALL suffer. #thelocalchurch #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #watchmannee #spiritualabuse #lordsrecovery #cultrecovery

"Unhealthy vs Healthy Church Habits"
InconvenientRuth
25 Jan 2026 [0:21:57]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/GALoBe0ZBUKYy-k6qXQ3Lg

Cult Podcasts

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2 months ago

Witness Lee CULT Exposed – Sexual Abuse and Suicide in New Zealand

"Witness Lee #Cult Exposed – Sexual Abuse & Suicide in New Zealand"
Texas Street Preacher
24 Jan 2026 [0:22:24]
#TheLordsRecovery
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/ovmmLWOrtEScn5g_LoOdjg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

2 months ago

Experiencing the Flock, Body, Bride, Ekklesia - Not Shunning or Control Recently some of us have started to meet using Zoom, and it is such a precious taste of Ekklesia... I catch myself wishing we could gather every day or every evening, and realize that such a sense is because I am a sheep. Sheep flock. They aren't designed to be alone. When sheep sense danger, they naturally seek to be even tighter together. We are sheep. Some of us have experienced and are experiencing danger. And we have a Good Shepherd. Jesus is in our midst when we gather, even as just two or three. Sheep flock together. A family cares for its members. A Head and its Body care for the members and the oneness.... The metaphors of believers, and the Greek word for church - Ekklesia, clearly express our need for one another, and to be together. The cruelty of the common practices of leaders and members in "The Local Church"/"The Lord's Recovery" to shun, reject, control, dominate, and exclude are completely contrary to the nature of sheep, body parts, family members, and followers of Jesus. Some of us have felt isolated after no longer being welcomed or comfortable in "The [Local] Church"/"The Lord's Recovery" in which we were raised or with which we identified for years. But we aren't meant to be alone. We need one another. I want to encourage you to meet, even if over the phone, with another believer. If you have experienced abuse in a Christian group, finding a fellow survivor who understands the nuances of at least some of your story is invaluable. You are welcome to join a zoom call I may host, if you are healing from toxic patterns in "The Lord's Recovery"/"The local church," if your time and situation allow... where we fellowship and share in truth and love. Feel free to email me at ruthewise@gmail.com if you are interested in participating toward mutual healing. #thelocalchurch #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #watchmannee #spiritualabuse #lordsrecovery #cultrecovery #cultawareness #thelordsrecovery

"Experiencing the Flock, Body, Bride, Ekklesia - Not Shunning or Control"
InconvenientRuth
22 Jan 2026 [0:17:01]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/A57jz1aoGEGqj7Nrzhq5xA

Cult Podcasts

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2 months ago

Urgent Request for Help to Find Joshua and Samuel Cook My friend Danielle has an urgent message, seeking help to reunite with her 2 sons, Samuel and Joshua Cook. Thank you for your awareness, prayers and/or any other possible help you may be able to provide, for this broken-hearted mother to find her sons. You can email me (Ruth) at ruthewise@gmail.com and/or Danielle at zealdrink1@gmail.com. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #lordsrecovery #localchurch #cultrecovery #spiritualabuse #wetoo #churchinirvine #churchinhuntingtonbeach #churchinanaheim

"Urgent Request for Help to Find Joshua & Samuel Cook"
Ruth Wise
14 Jan 2026 [0:04:11]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/rYhEWhRpk0_wyNhxzhfr_A

Cult Podcasts

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2 months ago

A Few Exerpts from, and Comments on, Counterfeits at Your Door, by J Bjornstad (1979) In his book "Counterfeits at your Door" (1979), James Bjornstad mentions one of the counterfeit religious groups of that time to be Witness Lee's "local churches." He mentions a couple of unorthodox teachings, but to his short account I could add many examples of teachings and practices that are counterfeit - close to true but not true. Some are even blatantly false. #thelocalchurch #livingstreamministry #lordsrecovery #thelordsrecovery #witnesslee #watchmannee #spiritualcounterfeit #religiouscounterfeit #cultrecovery

"A Few Exerpts from, & Comments on, Counterfeits at your Door, by J Bjornstad (1979)"
Ruth Wise
8 Jan 2026 [0:25:06]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/Md-uEiQgHkWKygYEFGjHBg

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

"I'm not interested in reconciliation" - a few reflections on 2025 This week I received the words in the title of this video, from the man I married over 30 years ago, who is deeply committed to "THE church"/"The Lord's Recovery"/"the local church".... It grieves my heart especially because it frankly expresses the attitude of so many in "The Lord's Recovery" who genuinely have no interest in reconciliation with fellow believers who have expressed deep concerns related to sins and other serious issues in this group. No interest in clearing up offenses. No interest in truly keeping the oneness. No interest in correcting published lies about their brothers and sisters. No interest in even a dialogue toward mutual understanding. I wanted to end 2025 on a "high" note in a video, but the more I sought what to say, the more sorrowful my heart became, reading and listening to the recent speaking of various people in "The Lord's Recovery" and reading testimonies of some who had to part with "the local church" organization in order to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace - to maintain fellowship with the Lord and with believers in the light. So with a heavy heart I recorded this final video of the year and share it with you, hoping for more healing and reconciliation in 2026. Jesus prayed for oneness. Our hearts long for oneness. To not be interested in reconciliation, whether someone states that or expresses it through their shunning of fellow believers, is so dark. It is in opposition to God's heart and longing. It made my heart so sad... not because this is related to my marriage, but because it is characteristic of a Christian community in which I was wholeheartedly involved nearly all my life, a community my parents found in their prayerful search for believers practicing what Jesus prayed for - no division; oneness among ALL believers. I'm sad, because the exact opposite of oneness is being practiced in that group that calls themselves "The Lord's Recovery". I mentioned in this video that I am trying to figure out a way that any of us seeking healing could "meet" online together. I have a zoom account that allows for unlimited time. I am open to suggestions. Feel free to email me at ruthewise@gmail.com if you have any recommendations or interest. Praying for love, grace, peace, joy, blessing... and reconciliation to abound in 2026. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #watchmannee

"'I'm not Interested in Reconciliation' - A Few Reflections on 2025"
Ruth Wise
1 Jan 2026 [0:19:21]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/qCvKvHQL3E6CWaC8HpC50w

Cult Podcasts

@cultpodcasts.com

3 months ago

Response to a Couple Recent Comments, and Sharing from a Recent Gift I read and respond to comments I have received in these past 24 hours, and also share a few pages from a book I also received recently. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #watchmannee #spiritualabuse #cultrecovery

"Response to a Couple Recent Comments, & Sharing from a Recent Gift"
Ruth Wise
28 Dec 2025 [0:15:38]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/Gh-2DUPnd0KOmM-z9cXf1Q

Cult Podcasts

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3 months ago

Mary Would Have Been Quarantined by "The Lord's Recovery" Leaders... and other Contradictions I woke up this morning thinking about how "Living Stream Ministry" publications condemn people like Mary, and Joseph, and the magi, and pretty much the entire story of Jesus being born, that many believers celebrated recently. As I was searching for examples of teachings that would support Mary being quarantined in "The Lord's Recovery," I also found total contradictions about "leadership" in published works by Witness Lee, so I share a couple of those excerpts, too. Benson Phillips' speaking against Jane Anderson as a leader of a "sisters' rebellion" can be heard at: https://lemonstograpes.com/thethreadofgold-feedback-from-local-church-members/. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #watchmannee #cultrecovery #spiritualabuse #spiritualauthority

"Mary Would have Been Quarantined by '#TheLordsRecovery' Leaders... & other Contradictions"
Ruth Wise
26 Dec 2025 [0:20:01]
#Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/5Osm3JM6iU6SfIpSDGAW8w

Cult Podcasts

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3 months ago

Awkward, divisive, painful, complicated... simple, healing, peaceful, joyous December 25 This day, among a few others, is particularly painful and awkward for some of us who grew up in THE church, yet due to various reasons are no longer welcome - nor comfortable or safe - there. After all, we were presented with all the reasons why this day should NOT be celebrated. At the same time, some of us have found we are loved and welcomed and received by precious believers who celebrate this day as Jesus' birthday, who give glory to God for the greatest gift - Himself, God with us, coming to save us from our sins, and we hear the words in the Bible, so simple and comforting and joyful and promising and healing, never growing even slightly old to us, no matter how many times we read them. It is deeply difficult navigating the simplicity of the Bible after being under very complicated "high truths;" it is complexly painful navigating relationships of total love and acceptance with followers of Jesus after being threatened and shunned and rejected by followers of Witness Lee whom we once equated as followers of Jesus (but have since realized that it is impossible to follow Witness Lee while being faithful to Jesus and the Bible, because of too many contradictions.... It is like serving God and mammon. It can't be done, at least once one sees the true condition of "The Lord's Recovery", prioritizing money and image while covering up sins and treating victims of crimes and sins as if they are "negative" and "rebellious".) Anyway, I felt the complexity of the good news of great joy today, along with the need to heal from the "high peak" teachings that divide those for whom Jesus brought peace, teachings that belittle the very sin from which Jesus came to save His people, teachings which condemn people who feel pain as being in death, in an abnormal condition, not in their spirit, and on the wrong tree...... Thankful for time with a fellow believer today who understands and is also healing from this complexity, and all the interactions today with church kids who can relate to what I am trying to describe in this video and its description. Much love. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #localchurch #cultrecovery #spiritualabuse

"Awkward, Divisive, Painful, Complicated... Simple, Healing, Peaceful, Joyous December 25"
Ruth Wise
26 Dec 2025 [0:12:53]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/deifWdhko0Wx5AjyiPY9GQ

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3 months ago

So Precious: "Lessons Learned," by Su Minqiang (1989) I/We were SOOOOO cheated from such healthy words, words that match the Bible, that match our conscience, yet were somehow framed as being "rebellious" because they were not "one with the Minister of the Age/THE ministry." These words MATCH the teaching and fellowship of the apostles and of Jesus Himself, yet I am only now, today, accessing them, because of a requirement in the cult called "The Lord's Recovery" that we should shun anyone who doesn't agree with the leader, who was actually peddling the "Word of God" and requiring absolute submission not only to himself but also to his errant, sexually predatory, devious, swindling, lying, controlling son, Philip Lee. For the full text that I read, see: https://www.ccbiblestudy.org/Topics/85Discern/420.htm. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #cultrecovery #cultawareness #spiritualabuse #spiritualauthority

"So Precious: 'Lessons Learned,' By Su Minqiang (1989)"
Ruth Wise
24 Dec 2025 [0:27:55]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/jmhxP0oXM0SlJWKOrWIz5g

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3 months ago

A Song for You I have been wanting to re-record the song I wrote and shared on this channel over a year ago, this time with more accompaniment, but haven't been able to figure out how to do that. So I decided to just record multiple tracks, with harmony... and some dissonance... I apologize for this very rough recording, but it is from my heart. Some have asked how they could support my channel. Please do not feel obligated at all. The Lord will provide for each of us. He is faithful. If you do feel led to donate any amount, you may do so at www.inconvenientruth.com/donate. Also, sharing this channel with anyone whom it might help also helps to support the channel. Thank you for your care, prayers, and support of not only me, but of all - and there are SO many survivors of "The Lord's Recovery" and other high-control groups - who have been treated brutally by ones who should have cared for them. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #spiritualabuse #cultrecovery

"A Song for you"
Ruth Wise
25 Dec 2025 [0:11:16]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/YjLORPBTGkKZqa0f2sn2yA

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3 months ago

"My Testimony," by Huang Gongzhao, October 10, 1990 This is a firsthand account of a close follower of Witness Lee... until his conscience could no longer allow him to follow a man at the expense of his conscience and the truth. I also directly witnessed many of the items mentioned, especially the worship of Philip Lee, the fear of offending him due to his volatile temper, Philip sitting in a throne-like chair and being served as a king, Witness Lee's public rebuke and correction of dear saints who were ministering scripturally and ministering well, the church in Anaheim hall conflicting with the Living Stream Ministry "Station".... This brother shies away from details, but I experienced some of those details - smelling hard liquor on Philip Lee's breath as he touched my breasts, waist, and upper thighs, when I was 16 and in Taipei. This brother shares how a Fullerton elder asked Anaheim elders for a testimony from an actual victim. I wish they would have asked me. I would have known, decades earlier than I finally knew, that I was right in feeling violated, that Philip Lee WAS a predator, and that I was not alone. Toward the end brother Huang writes: "...some brothers and sisters hold certain erroneous views, yet they still follow Brother Lee wholeheartedly..... As long as these views are not removed, there is no possibility of escaping the control of the "system": 1. We take Brother Lee's conscience as our own. Brother Lee will take responsibility for leading before the Lord, and we are only responsible for following him. 2. We ourselves are sinners, so how can we have the right to condemn others? 3. These people are ambitious to overthrow Brother Lee's ministry, and following them will lead to division within the church. 4. Staying means staying in the church, leaving means leaving the church. 5. How can we Chinese help Americans fight against Chinese people? 6. Brother Lee is our spiritual father, how can we be ungrateful? 7. We should not do it; the Lord will do it. Leave everything to the Lord." The testimony can be accessed in full, I hope, at https://www.ccbiblestudy.org/Topics/85Discern/404.htm. Amen to removing these lies, and to the spirit and heart of this brother expressed in this testimony, matching so many others who LOVE the Lord, LOVE the church, and who, like God, hate "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community," believers who cannot tolerate abuse of their fellow believers, nor the idolizing of leaders. Thank you, brother Huang Gongzhao, for not sparing your image or position to share the truth and to follow your conscience, the Lord, and His Word. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #cultrecovery #spiritualabuse

"'My Testimony,' By Huang Gongzhao, October 10, 1990"
Ruth Wise
24 Dec 2025 [0:50:01]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/S8ScxtqAYU_SEi_t7cRY7Q

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3 months ago

"What Did the Shouting Party/Sect Do Wrong?" (Translated Statement by Huang Jiale) Sadly, in this text, some of the meaning is lost in translation, but the overall meaning is clear enough for me to know that what this brother addresses are similar concerns I and others have repeatedly expressed. Here are links to the text, which hopefully allows you to choose Chinese or English - https://www.ccbiblestudy.org/Topics/85Discern/401.htm. As the Winter 2025 semi-annual training begins today. Thousands gather, who have paid their $200+ and get to listen to tape-recorders of Witness Lee and to catch up with each other, fellow believers who are all faithful to Witness Lee as "The Minister of the Age." I know in such a gathering, I would be perceived by those "faithful to the ministry," as "negative." No one "faithful" or "living" would ever read such reports from concerned saints.... Right?? Such perceptions and labels of lovers of Jesus and lovers of the Bible and lovers of the church should be clarifying enough. If anyone speaks against matters that contradict His Word, they should not be be labeled and shunned. Any who participate in evil works of darkness... ESPECIALLY calling themselves "the Lord's Recovery" refusing to hear victims of gross sins committed by their leaders, should repent. #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #witnesslee #thechurchinTaipei #livingstreamministry #cultrecovery

"'What did the Shouting Party/Sect do Wrong?' (Translated Statement by Huang Jiale)"
Ruth Wise
23 Dec 2025 [0:33:47]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/3iCAmb2ffkmdIDoYamzbKw

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3 months ago

"Unbelievable Collection" by Huang Gongzhao Ephesians 5:11: "Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them." Words and actions mentioned in this list are abhorrent and evil. The only reason these and many other worthless and dark deeds have not been exposed is because of idolatry of a man and his family, which should NOT be the case among the people of God. Hopefully this link works to access this document: https://www.ccbiblestudy.org/Topics/85Discern/403.htm; Google gave me the option of reading it in English, using google translate (thankfully!) #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #livingstreamministry #witnesslee #cultrecovery #cultawareness

"'Unbelievable Collection' By Huang Gongzhao"
Ruth Wise
23 Dec 2025 [0:15:29]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/TsjE-UnGv0aDygjKXh2edA

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3 months ago

Smear Campaign? Substantive Issues vs. Character Assassination #thelocalchurch #thelordsrecovery #domesticabuse #intimatepartnerviolence #witnesslee #cultrecovery #cultawareness

"Smear Campaign? Substantive Issues vs. Character Assassination"
Ruth Wise
22 Dec 2025 [0:10:01]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/dDzdC-UKAE_Pei7nqYtbCA

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3 months ago

LR136 - One Thing You Must Realize Which Will Make Leaving the LR Easier This simple idea might make all the difference.

"One Thing you Must Realize Which Will make Leaving the LR Easier"
The Lord's Recovery & How Religion Goes Wrong
22 Dec 2025 [0:09:59]
#TheLordsRecovery #Cult
https://s.cultpodcasts.com/IfyYEeh7q0i6sW5WilUhZg