In response to a series of mass mailers about a very sick woman, Paul wrote the following response:
Glenn and Ingrid, Willa, and all others who read this letter (to be shared with all those involved on your mailing lists),
You people are putting your trust in what you eat, what you do not eat, what doctrines you believe, what doctrines you do not believe, what church you go to, what church you do not go to, and anything else other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. You are following the doctrines and teachings of men, not God. That is why Trudy is sick and dying (if not dead). That is why all of you will also likewise perish, because, as Jesus said, that is what will happen to you unless you repent.
We have some things for you to read, if any of you are in earnest about getting right with God. Only if you seek His face and turn from your wicked ways will He hear your prayers, forgive your sin, and heal your land. But if you continue in your present ways, you will have the same results as Trudy. Do not be deceived, either, that your dietary fasts and many prayers hold any sway with God. Rather the opposite is true:
“I have hated–I have loathed your festivals, And I am not refreshed by your restraints” (Amos 5:21 YLT).
What God wants is your obedience and attention to what He has to say and to teach you about true righteousness and His ways that do, in fact, prosper:
“Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your food offerings, I will not be pleased. Nor will I regard the peace offerings of your fat animals. Take the noise of your songs away from Me; for I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. But let judgment roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:22-24 MKJV).
What does God require? That is what you need to know. Freely we have received, and freely we share with you, for your sakes and for truth’s sake. Scoff, and be destroyed. Believe, and be saved.
Is Your Profession of Faith Vain, Christian?
The Hallelujah Diet – An Unholy Mixture
Glenn and Ingrid, I have already written you a long letter, to which you never replied; it appears you have not believed anything of what I told you. I enclose that letter again in case you do not have it or never received it in the first place, as well as for instruction in godliness that may benefit others participating in this correspondence.