You are exactly correct about that. It is important that we always consider the "fruit" of our choices to behave or respond in a particular way. Will it encourage or discourage? Will it help or hurt? Will it edify or demean? I have absolutely no interest in insulting or embarrassing anyone - which is all pointing folks out would do. I am sure there are good men and women on here who have a lot of zeal for what they believe and I respect that. Sometimes we simply get carried away with it all. It is up to the Lord to show them what His will is for how they respond to others. THAT'S NOT MY JOB! I just wanted to bring to everyone's attention that I see the potential harm much of this ATTITUDE on here can cause to others. TRUTH is good - HOW it is presented is important. Ephesians 4:15 says we are to speak the truth in love. And because that is what the Bible said, I am simple-minded enough to simply believe that's the way the Lord wants it.
I AM NEW AND VERY DISAPPOINTED
- Thread starter SoulSearch
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I'm not certain why you think I have judged EVERYONE in here - I had no intention to jude ANYONE in here - I thought that was obvious from my comments. Maybe not. However, "Me thinketh thou protesteth too loudly." I noticed you go by PASTOR Keith - interesting ATTITUDE for a "pastor." It appears you may have made my point for me. Thanks for your help. By the way, what kind of church do you pastor?
C
I like the way you put that. There is so much hurting and pain in this world. The adversary is on his job, and we are helping him by some of the post that are on here. I might not agree with my fellow brothers or sisters, but there is a way to do it with out belittling or putting down. The disrespect is terrible on here. There seems to be cliques and if you are not in that clique or down with some people are speaking you are attacked.
I don't know about everyone else, but I get attacked enough in my everyday walk with Chirist to come here and made to feel small. We are The Light of This World. Lets let it shine!!!!!
I don't know about everyone else, but I get attacked enough in my everyday walk with Chirist to come here and made to feel small. We are The Light of This World. Lets let it shine!!!!!
L
I have not conversed with Pastor Keith in a thread ever, but he tends to often be spot on in his posts. He does come across as gruff sometimes, but that's just him. We have to accept others as they are.
Welcome to the site SoulSearch. I *mostly* do not involve myself in the Bible discussion threads as most of them (to me) seem kind of like pointless bickering over issues that ultimately have no impact on our salvation. I have found that there are vastly differing christian websites out there....how much fighting goes on each particular site usually depends on how much moderation there is and the overall tone set by the site's owners. I know one site in particular that does not allow bible discussion to escalate to a heated level.
I find it quite discouraging here sometimes, but if you believe in the end times, it's not all that surprising. Take what you can and leave the rest behind.
D
Hello all,
Like SoulSearch, I'm drawm 1st and foremost to biblical discussion forums, but I've found that in every online medium I've used, this tends to be the place where the most contentions arise. To be honest, ChristianChat has been one of the better ones I've come across... so kudos to the Mods here. That said, I do not think that means that 'we' (as a Christian community) should vacate Biblical Discussion.
After all, we are told that faith comes through hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Ro 10:17), so by all means let's discuss the word of God and write them in our hearts.
I try to abide by the words of James in most of these situations, "be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
What forums remind me of the most, is how we are not discipling ourselves in the word. I applaud the desire to fulfill the Great Commission, but am constantly reminded that Jesus did not merely call us to get people to make a staement of faith, but to teach them to obey everything I have commanded you (Mt 28:20). As always, I find the my own personal action on the matter is where I should begin
By the way SoulSearch, my appreciation for your giving a personal reply to each person that adresses you. We serve a God who values relationship, and too often I focus on the task vs the relationships.
Like SoulSearch, I'm drawm 1st and foremost to biblical discussion forums, but I've found that in every online medium I've used, this tends to be the place where the most contentions arise. To be honest, ChristianChat has been one of the better ones I've come across... so kudos to the Mods here. That said, I do not think that means that 'we' (as a Christian community) should vacate Biblical Discussion.
After all, we are told that faith comes through hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Ro 10:17), so by all means let's discuss the word of God and write them in our hearts.
I try to abide by the words of James in most of these situations, "be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
What forums remind me of the most, is how we are not discipling ourselves in the word. I applaud the desire to fulfill the Great Commission, but am constantly reminded that Jesus did not merely call us to get people to make a staement of faith, but to teach them to obey everything I have commanded you (Mt 28:20). As always, I find the my own personal action on the matter is where I should begin
By the way SoulSearch, my appreciation for your giving a personal reply to each person that adresses you. We serve a God who values relationship, and too often I focus on the task vs the relationships.
L
They should be mature enough, yet I've seen name calling and derision which could be especially discouraging for someone new to Christ. I've seen a person call another person "stupid" for not agreeing with them, and I've seen more than once a person's salvation come into question by another poster. Perhaps I should have reported such incidences.
I was in no way trying to slam CC, I was just saying that there are differing levels of moderation for different sites. This site filters out the profanity, inappropriateness, etc., but most threads are left alone. I've seen some get pretty heated. The other site I was referring to does not allow any arguments to get heated - a thread is shut down when it starts to become a battle of scripture, and while it's much more calm there, it is kind of restrictive at times because you have to be very careful not to offend anyone.
I am in no way plugging this other site, I'm just saying that it's purpose is different than here....it's meant more to be a cove of calm for Christians rather than a place to debate. It's quieter there, but also more restrictive. Perhaps it's not even a question of the level of moderation, but more what the web owners have decided is their mission statement and how it's carried out in the site.
I was in no way trying to slam CC, I was just saying that there are differing levels of moderation for different sites. This site filters out the profanity, inappropriateness, etc., but most threads are left alone. I've seen some get pretty heated. The other site I was referring to does not allow any arguments to get heated - a thread is shut down when it starts to become a battle of scripture, and while it's much more calm there, it is kind of restrictive at times because you have to be very careful not to offend anyone.
I am in no way plugging this other site, I'm just saying that it's purpose is different than here....it's meant more to be a cove of calm for Christians rather than a place to debate. It's quieter there, but also more restrictive. Perhaps it's not even a question of the level of moderation, but more what the web owners have decided is their mission statement and how it's carried out in the site.
B
I'm probably seen as such a one, but defending the faith would cause someone to look like a trouble-maker as raining down on someone else's parade.
Usuallu because I have been victimized as well as seen others victimized by "extra" teachings and "extra" guantlets that voids the rest promised in Jesus Christ when we came to Him and believe on Him. I thank the Lord for delievering me from the deceitful doctrines of man, but I have seen others on other forums as not so blessed.
An agnostic turned athiest pointed out of the hypocrisies of believers keeping their commitmkent to follow Christ when they are not. He noted while their own trespasses are overlooked, they condemn others by it as if only others are not "trying hard enough" or doubted if they were ever really saved. I even came across a mod doubting a believer was saved in a telling of an account in this forum. The mod here made no reference to a religious guantlet, but I can see how he could have picked it up. Evil communication corrupts good habits. One can see the Lord using the mod, but one can also see how a small leaven of the Pharisees can float around to cause even the servants of the Lord to doubt, and they need not. The Lord is doing His work. The fact that they had believed proves that something else is directly responsible for that unbelief to noe those walking away from their relationship with Jesus.
The religious guantlet is a false witness of the believer as we must decrease for our witness of our faith in Him for living this christian life is to increase. I have heard many statements to the similar bad fruit of christianity being a religion... or it is too hard.. or "I tried christianity and it doesn't work". I am breaking the silence of what every believer will not discern by His grace to do. If God is more concerned about the inside than the outside or the appearances thereof, then no believer should be tacking their filthy rags of righteousness over what He has done in making us His. If we had nothing to do with being saved but by believing in Him, then the same will be for living the christian life as the just shall live by faith in the Son of God.
So as those that contend for the faith may turn off the supposed unity we are all supposed to have, it is only because we are not like-minded in Christ after all.
1 Corinthians 11:17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1 Corinthians 1: 9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
So here we are in a forum where the many crossroads of denomenations meet and as some would casually promote another baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of tongues, others .. like in another forum...may take the extreme and say that if one does not speak in tongues, they do not have the Holy Spirit and thus they are not saved. How is that for a faith stealer? So those with tongues that come under fire do not catch those responsible for exalting themselves over others even though they can read the vainglorying posts in the same thread. Some will say they do not believe one point of it like in this forum, they do not believe that everyone has to have tongues to know they have the Holy Spirit, but some will hold to the belief that every believer will have at least one gift... and thus the jounry of self doubts begins for the newbie. Do I have enough faith. Do I really believe? And as they see these "holy rollers" expereincing teh supernatural, calling for the Holy Spirit to come, then they too need a sign to believe that they are His, thus becoming an adulterous generation for there is only one baptism of the Holy Spirit and that happens at salvation as promised by Jesus.
Then there are the catholics. As sure as they are in USA, they are not in Rome. The regular attendance in churches are poor that my former Presybetrian church sent Rick and Becky Vroon to Italy to be street missionaroes to get the catholics to go back to church back in the 1980's. I do noit know if they are still doing it, but if the catholics that are right there going to their churches do not care, what is the point? The missionaries exhort them to go while the RCC takes away the joy of salvation.
Then I read in a local newspaper of a young catholic boy in a car accident as he was being frantic for the priest to come and give him his last rites before he went into the ER for emergency surgery. The priest did not come, but fortunately, the boy lived as he complained to the priest when he did come about him not being there for God to forgive him of his sins. The Priest assured him that God had already heard him and had forgiven him. ***** Makes me wonder if I was in that boy's shoes...if I would not say this.."WHAT AM I COMING TO YOU FOR THEN?"***** But of course, the newspaper stopped there regarding the priest's comment.
There are too many "thieves" out there getting in the way between us and our coming to and our resting in Jesus. This is the reason for the division. Many that are involved in it may not see the problem, but little do their words macth up with the simplicity of the Gospel. Point by point, things have to be addressed for those that have been ripped off to know they have been ripped off. But of course, only God can peradventure give them knowledge unto repentance.
Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Just as clearing away the snow in the path in reading God's words for what the scriptures says, so can those that wish to show the obvious evidence in nature to disprove the dark imaginings in science of those opposing the Word of God. One has to show that evolution theory is just that: a theory as it has led a high school classmate of mine from catholicism and even from believing in Christ Jesus altogether because of the evolution theory. My science teacher made it known that it was just a theory, but apparently, my classmate either had someone else for a teacher or he did not catch it or believed it as many today present the findings as if they prove evolution when it doesn't. An assumption is still an assumption... and yet getting involved in it are those wishing to share what they have come across because not all believers are ready to credit the Bible over "facts" in science. Some go so far as to read inbetween the lines so as to account for the millions of years, and so begins turning away from the truth in God's words and why so many engage in debunking evolution theory with whatever they come across to help those weak in faith to believe in God's words over man's fallible devices and assumptions.
It is true, but the Word of God has to be kept if we are to keep the faith. There are too many lies in the world and many being moved away from their faith in Christ all simply because they are not reproving the works of darkness in science by the Word of God. One need not only apply them tio false teachings in keeping the faith. But when they doubt God's words, then by science some may be led by God to tackle it head on with the obvious evidence in nature and in the world to debunk the packaged lies in science.
I am hoping that by the grace of God, I am pointing all the wayward to their faith and rest in Jesus Christ for eternal life as well as for living this christian life by faith in the Son of God.
Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
That the prophesy of the falling away of the faith is happening as Jesus said it would where the faith will be hard to find just before His appearing to execute judgment on the House of God first.
Jude 1: 2Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonains 3: 1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; ....14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Thessalonaisn 2:1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,
1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 4: 1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. ..... 9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
2 Corinthians 11: 1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Timothy 4: 1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
And so the love for others and the call for others to be ready for His appearing continues until those doors are shut and the voice of tehy bride and bridegroom will no longer be heard, but Christ will finish His work in those left behind by restoring them to the path of righteousness for His name's sake to be witnesses of Him as the Good News and serve nothing else nor glorify anything else in his name, but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
For it is by the Son can the Father in Heaven be glorified as well.
Usuallu because I have been victimized as well as seen others victimized by "extra" teachings and "extra" guantlets that voids the rest promised in Jesus Christ when we came to Him and believe on Him. I thank the Lord for delievering me from the deceitful doctrines of man, but I have seen others on other forums as not so blessed.
An agnostic turned athiest pointed out of the hypocrisies of believers keeping their commitmkent to follow Christ when they are not. He noted while their own trespasses are overlooked, they condemn others by it as if only others are not "trying hard enough" or doubted if they were ever really saved. I even came across a mod doubting a believer was saved in a telling of an account in this forum. The mod here made no reference to a religious guantlet, but I can see how he could have picked it up. Evil communication corrupts good habits. One can see the Lord using the mod, but one can also see how a small leaven of the Pharisees can float around to cause even the servants of the Lord to doubt, and they need not. The Lord is doing His work. The fact that they had believed proves that something else is directly responsible for that unbelief to noe those walking away from their relationship with Jesus.
The religious guantlet is a false witness of the believer as we must decrease for our witness of our faith in Him for living this christian life is to increase. I have heard many statements to the similar bad fruit of christianity being a religion... or it is too hard.. or "I tried christianity and it doesn't work". I am breaking the silence of what every believer will not discern by His grace to do. If God is more concerned about the inside than the outside or the appearances thereof, then no believer should be tacking their filthy rags of righteousness over what He has done in making us His. If we had nothing to do with being saved but by believing in Him, then the same will be for living the christian life as the just shall live by faith in the Son of God.
So as those that contend for the faith may turn off the supposed unity we are all supposed to have, it is only because we are not like-minded in Christ after all.
1 Corinthians 11:17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
1 Corinthians 1: 9God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
So here we are in a forum where the many crossroads of denomenations meet and as some would casually promote another baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of tongues, others .. like in another forum...may take the extreme and say that if one does not speak in tongues, they do not have the Holy Spirit and thus they are not saved. How is that for a faith stealer? So those with tongues that come under fire do not catch those responsible for exalting themselves over others even though they can read the vainglorying posts in the same thread. Some will say they do not believe one point of it like in this forum, they do not believe that everyone has to have tongues to know they have the Holy Spirit, but some will hold to the belief that every believer will have at least one gift... and thus the jounry of self doubts begins for the newbie. Do I have enough faith. Do I really believe? And as they see these "holy rollers" expereincing teh supernatural, calling for the Holy Spirit to come, then they too need a sign to believe that they are His, thus becoming an adulterous generation for there is only one baptism of the Holy Spirit and that happens at salvation as promised by Jesus.
Then there are the catholics. As sure as they are in USA, they are not in Rome. The regular attendance in churches are poor that my former Presybetrian church sent Rick and Becky Vroon to Italy to be street missionaroes to get the catholics to go back to church back in the 1980's. I do noit know if they are still doing it, but if the catholics that are right there going to their churches do not care, what is the point? The missionaries exhort them to go while the RCC takes away the joy of salvation.
Then I read in a local newspaper of a young catholic boy in a car accident as he was being frantic for the priest to come and give him his last rites before he went into the ER for emergency surgery. The priest did not come, but fortunately, the boy lived as he complained to the priest when he did come about him not being there for God to forgive him of his sins. The Priest assured him that God had already heard him and had forgiven him. ***** Makes me wonder if I was in that boy's shoes...if I would not say this.."WHAT AM I COMING TO YOU FOR THEN?"***** But of course, the newspaper stopped there regarding the priest's comment.
There are too many "thieves" out there getting in the way between us and our coming to and our resting in Jesus. This is the reason for the division. Many that are involved in it may not see the problem, but little do their words macth up with the simplicity of the Gospel. Point by point, things have to be addressed for those that have been ripped off to know they have been ripped off. But of course, only God can peradventure give them knowledge unto repentance.
Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Just as clearing away the snow in the path in reading God's words for what the scriptures says, so can those that wish to show the obvious evidence in nature to disprove the dark imaginings in science of those opposing the Word of God. One has to show that evolution theory is just that: a theory as it has led a high school classmate of mine from catholicism and even from believing in Christ Jesus altogether because of the evolution theory. My science teacher made it known that it was just a theory, but apparently, my classmate either had someone else for a teacher or he did not catch it or believed it as many today present the findings as if they prove evolution when it doesn't. An assumption is still an assumption... and yet getting involved in it are those wishing to share what they have come across because not all believers are ready to credit the Bible over "facts" in science. Some go so far as to read inbetween the lines so as to account for the millions of years, and so begins turning away from the truth in God's words and why so many engage in debunking evolution theory with whatever they come across to help those weak in faith to believe in God's words over man's fallible devices and assumptions.
It is true, but the Word of God has to be kept if we are to keep the faith. There are too many lies in the world and many being moved away from their faith in Christ all simply because they are not reproving the works of darkness in science by the Word of God. One need not only apply them tio false teachings in keeping the faith. But when they doubt God's words, then by science some may be led by God to tackle it head on with the obvious evidence in nature and in the world to debunk the packaged lies in science.
I am hoping that by the grace of God, I am pointing all the wayward to their faith and rest in Jesus Christ for eternal life as well as for living this christian life by faith in the Son of God.
Galatians 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
That the prophesy of the falling away of the faith is happening as Jesus said it would where the faith will be hard to find just before His appearing to execute judgment on the House of God first.
Jude 1: 2Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. 3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonains 3: 1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; ....14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2 Thessalonaisn 2:1Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first,
1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 4: 1Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. ..... 9There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
2 Corinthians 11: 1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
2 Timothy 4: 1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
And so the love for others and the call for others to be ready for His appearing continues until those doors are shut and the voice of tehy bride and bridegroom will no longer be heard, but Christ will finish His work in those left behind by restoring them to the path of righteousness for His name's sake to be witnesses of Him as the Good News and serve nothing else nor glorify anything else in his name, but the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
For it is by the Son can the Father in Heaven be glorified as well.
Hello all,
Like SoulSearch, I'm drawm 1st and foremost to biblical discussion forums, but I've found that in every online medium I've used, this tends to be the place where the most contentions arise. To be honest, ChristianChat has been one of the better ones I've come across... so kudos to the Mods here. That said, I do not think that means that 'we' (as a Christian community) should vacate Biblical Discussion.
After all, we are told that faith comes through hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Ro 10:17), so by all means let's discuss the word of God and write them in our hearts.
I try to abide by the words of James in most of these situations, "be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
What forums remind me of the most, is how we are not discipling ourselves in the word. I applaud the desire to fulfill the Great Commission, but am constantly reminded that Jesus did not merely call us to get people to make a staement of faith, but to teach them to obey everything I have commanded you (Mt 28:20). As always, I find the my own personal action on the matter is where I should begin
By the way SoulSearch, my appreciation for your giving a personal reply to each person that adresses you. We serve a God who values relationship, and too often I focus on the task vs the relationships.
Like SoulSearch, I'm drawm 1st and foremost to biblical discussion forums, but I've found that in every online medium I've used, this tends to be the place where the most contentions arise. To be honest, ChristianChat has been one of the better ones I've come across... so kudos to the Mods here. That said, I do not think that means that 'we' (as a Christian community) should vacate Biblical Discussion.
After all, we are told that faith comes through hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Ro 10:17), so by all means let's discuss the word of God and write them in our hearts.
I try to abide by the words of James in most of these situations, "be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath" (James 1:19).
What forums remind me of the most, is how we are not discipling ourselves in the word. I applaud the desire to fulfill the Great Commission, but am constantly reminded that Jesus did not merely call us to get people to make a staement of faith, but to teach them to obey everything I have commanded you (Mt 28:20). As always, I find the my own personal action on the matter is where I should begin
By the way SoulSearch, my appreciation for your giving a personal reply to each person that adresses you. We serve a God who values relationship, and too often I focus on the task vs the relationships.
Hi SoulSearch,
I'm sure there's a lot of truth to what you've shared, though it's not all that bad, I don't think. But I wonder what you mean when you say "I see so many comments that do nothing more than gender strife." I occasionally look in the forums and see something unbiblical, like on the role of man and woman, and I want to respond with the Bible, for what it's worth, for whoever may benefit. (And yes, some will, if it's Bible truth, presented in the right spirit.) Same regarding Creation (as opposed to evolution). But I admit that I do have to remind myself to do everything in love, and also not to waste too much time getting into a "debate". Sometimes I just state what the Bible says, then try to withdraw from the thread for a while. It's natural that there will be some debate / discussion / disagreement on Bible topics, especially in such a worldwide non-denominational setting like this. But anyway that can actually sometimes be beneficial. (I was influenced on eschatology, and driven to look at the scriptures more on that matter, after seeing the opposing views play out in this forum.)
There are also several other forums here like "Christian Family Forum" where people post real life problems, and get real (Biblical) help and encouragement.
I'm sure there's a lot of truth to what you've shared, though it's not all that bad, I don't think. But I wonder what you mean when you say "I see so many comments that do nothing more than gender strife." I occasionally look in the forums and see something unbiblical, like on the role of man and woman, and I want to respond with the Bible, for what it's worth, for whoever may benefit. (And yes, some will, if it's Bible truth, presented in the right spirit.) Same regarding Creation (as opposed to evolution). But I admit that I do have to remind myself to do everything in love, and also not to waste too much time getting into a "debate". Sometimes I just state what the Bible says, then try to withdraw from the thread for a while. It's natural that there will be some debate / discussion / disagreement on Bible topics, especially in such a worldwide non-denominational setting like this. But anyway that can actually sometimes be beneficial. (I was influenced on eschatology, and driven to look at the scriptures more on that matter, after seeing the opposing views play out in this forum.)
There are also several other forums here like "Christian Family Forum" where people post real life problems, and get real (Biblical) help and encouragement.
Baruch: I really do appreciate the time it took you to express your views. The truth is, it seems you and I agree on many things. If you've had the opportunity to read all of my comments throughout this thread, you know that I believe that we are mandated by God to BOLDLY STAND FOR THE TRUTH. I have spent my entire lifetime of faith making every effort to do just that. However, I can tell by some of the comments in response to my initial post, some folks are missing my point. My point is about HOW WE DO what the Lord requires of us as Believers. I may disagree with your position on a matter, BUT I just can't find any Scriptural support that my ATTACKING your person and your character in retaliation is the will of God. I would like to think that as mature men and women we can discuss, dialogue, and yes even debate without insulting and assaulting one another. Leave that stuff for the politicians - not for the community of faith. In His Grace!
Good afternoon, RoboOp. You are absolutely right - it certainly is not all bad. I have already corresponded with some seemingly good folks. Please understand, I enjoy a hearty debate as much as anyone. I do believe that opposing positions that challenge us to search the scriptures more diligently is very healthy for our faith. My concern was HOW some of the "debates" were going. Since you asked - and only because you asked - I will give you one example. In the thread titled BIBLE TRANSLATIONS - by Lynn - read the first comment by an alleged Pastor. I trust that will be sufficient to illustrate my point. Thanks for your input. In His Grace!
B
I agree that debasing anyone here would be detrimental to showing love for that person in correcting them, but on the actions or more to the point, to the words of the poster, correction needs be addressed as you have implied that it is to be done in love.
And sometimes it takes the standard that the poster judge by to bring it back on them to consider that standard in light of the scriptures, but I lean on Him not to sink to that standard of judging them directly as I would refer to the judgment God has already given to the works of darkness so that they may repent by the grace of God.
If someone called me a piece of work, the Lord helped me to see that the poster is not responding in the way Christ would have him serve as an ambassader. I do not look down on him for doing so as I am where I am by the grace of God. I can only hope that my fellow brother may reconsider the points I have made as only God can cause the increase.
He has reminded me that anything I do or say.. even to the least of the brethren, I am doing it to Him, but I have placed my trust in Jesus to help me to be a witness of Him and so I rest in Him for that as well for these are perilous times we are living in. Keeping the faith is the good fight and showing love for others is by desiring to present them as a chaste bride to Christ... by His grace.
And sometimes it takes the standard that the poster judge by to bring it back on them to consider that standard in light of the scriptures, but I lean on Him not to sink to that standard of judging them directly as I would refer to the judgment God has already given to the works of darkness so that they may repent by the grace of God.
If someone called me a piece of work, the Lord helped me to see that the poster is not responding in the way Christ would have him serve as an ambassader. I do not look down on him for doing so as I am where I am by the grace of God. I can only hope that my fellow brother may reconsider the points I have made as only God can cause the increase.
He has reminded me that anything I do or say.. even to the least of the brethren, I am doing it to Him, but I have placed my trust in Jesus to help me to be a witness of Him and so I rest in Him for that as well for these are perilous times we are living in. Keeping the faith is the good fight and showing love for others is by desiring to present them as a chaste bride to Christ... by His grace.
I understand what you are saying. Im still new here and I was getting discouraged also. Then something unexpected happened. I recieved a gift, a new courage in faith. It was one thing to have courage with unbelievers. But with other christians? If one wanted to shake your faith, what better way than under the cloak of christianity. What I love about Jesus is he is always teaching and renewing our faith. Jesus showed me again how it all comes down to faith in him. That all we claim or carry or spout will pass. The three things that last are faith , hope and love. They are the key, the very path to him. So do not be discouraged, look to Jesus and see through his eyes, that by faith, hope and love that even that which you thought might discourage, can be transformed to encourage. Keep believing, keep hope, keep his love. God bless, pickles
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