What folks have learned via CC discussions:

[GWH]

Christian Chat exists for the purpose of providing Christians the opportunity of learning from one another as they discuss their understanding of Scripture. I think it might be interesting and edifying for us all to share significant truths we have learned that have caused us to amend some belief(s).

For example, being raised in a Baptist church from infancy, I had always believed that souls are saved by faith or trusting in Jesus as Savior,
but while discussing the role of faith and works regarding salvation after joining CC, I gained the following insight:

There is no qualitative difference between a soul's/sinner's faith that accepts God’s saving grace at conversion and a saint's/saved sinner's faith that accepts God’s working grace while walking/living, but only a quantitative difference as each additional moment passes–and of course faith remains non-meritorious during the saint’s lifetime. (Eph. 2:8-10, 1Cor. 15:10, 2Cor. 5:7, Rom. 1:17)

Please share one example at a time of how participation on CC has blessed your life with new or amended understanding of God's Word.
Thanks!

 

[passion84god]

When it comes to the written word itself, I definitely learned something new and helpful from @Aussie52 regarding the meaning of the word "meet" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. It did not change my beliefs, but it did help to solidify them.

When it comes to seeing the written word in action, I have experienced the love of Christ from several members here who have prayed for me in times of great need, and I am very thankful for that.​

 

[GWH]

When it comes to the written word itself, I definitely learned something new and helpful from @Aussie52 regarding the meaning of the word "meet" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. It did not change my beliefs, but it did help to solidify them.

When it comes to seeing the written word in action, I have experienced the love of Christ from several members here who have prayed for me in times of great need, and I am very thankful for that.​

Well, learning something new and experiencing divine love on CC is very good. Thanks for sharing that.
However, you prompted this cat to be curious about the new meaning of meeting in the air, so please explain if you want.

Anyone else?

 

[Mem]

Well, learning something new and experiencing divine love on CC is very good. Thanks for sharing that.
However, you prompted this cat to be curious about the new meaning of meeting in the air, so please explain if you want.

Anyone else?

I would characterize the meaning as the reception of an honored guest. And as I think of it I think the meaning of a wedding reception has become inverted somewhere along the way. It seems the idea is of the bride and groom having a banquet to welcome their guests but isn't it actually a call to meet the bride and groom, and honoring them, now, as husband and wife?

 

[seoulsearch]

CC directly influenced me to do deep dives into the study of water baptism.

I was raised in a church denomination that strictly believes in the water baptism of infants, so my parents had me baptized very soon after they adopted me (at 6 months old.)

I went through a very challenging time in my life, started going to another church, and decided to get baptized again as an adult. At the the time, this was my own way of expressing that I was entering a new chapter in my walk with God.

But it was reading posts here on CC from users I highly respect for their faith, knowledge, and integrity that inspired me to do keep searching the Scriptures...

Now I believe that a person must make the decision to get baptized (but that's just me.)

I have many friends who still believe in infant baptism, but I don't debate them or anyone else about.

I just try my best to be a good student, study diligently, pray fervently, and rely on the Lord for guidance.

 

[GWH]

CC directly influenced me to do deep dives into the study of water baptism.

I was raised in a church denomination that strictly believes in the water baptism of infants, so my parents had me baptized very soon after they adopted me (at 6 months old.)

I went through a very challenging time in my life, started going to another church, and decided to get baptized again as an adult. At the the time, this was my own way of expressing that I was entering a new chapter in my walk with God.

But it was reading posts here on CC from users I highly respect for their faith, knowledge, and integrity that inspired me to do keep searching the Scriptures...

Now I believe that a person must make the decision to get baptized (but that's just me.)

I have many friends who still believe in infant baptism, but I don't debate them or anyone else about.

I just try my best to be a good student, study diligently, pray fervently, and rely on the Lord for guidance.

Interesting, and I think you are correct, because Scripture plainly teaches that water baptism is for those old enough to have saving faith in Jesus as Messiah and Lord. Thanks for sharing how CC helped with your spiritual progress.

I guess you are aware that the main discussion of baptism on CC these days is whether water baptism or Spirit baptism is what saves a believer or is required for salvation. I presume your first church baptized infants because it believed water was essential.

 

[seoulsearch]

I was raised WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.)

The church I grew up in does not teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, but they do believe in infant baptism whenever possible. And if not, they will baptize an adult who chooses it -- but with the 3 drops of water (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.)

My adult baptism was full submersion.

I personally don't think that's important (drops vs. fully under water) but that's just me.

I also still don't believe baptism (whether by water or Spirit) is necessary for salvation, but again, this is just my own belief and I'm not interested in debating beliefs.

I just read along quietly (for the most part,) and if something raises my eyebrow or I feel the Spirit prompting me, I will study the topic more in-depth.

 

[Aussie52]

I have learnt that there are a lot of abusive keyboard cowboys on CC.

 

[GWH]

I was raised WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.)

The church I grew up in does not teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, but they do believe in infant baptism whenever possible. And if not, they will baptize an adult who chooses it -- but with the 3 drops of water (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.)

My adult baptism was full submersion.

I personally don't think that's important (drops vs. fully under water) but that's just me.

I also still don't believe baptism (whether by water or Spirit) is necessary for salvation, but again, this is just my own belief and I'm not interested in debating beliefs.

I just read along quietly (for the most part,) and if something raises my eyebrow or I feel the Spirit prompting me, I will study the topic more in-depth.

Well, drops or immersion does not matter because WB is not required for salvation, but immersion is indicated by the NT as an apt act that portrays being buried and raised with Christ.
As you keep reading the teachings of Paul you will learn that SB is necessary for salvation.

 

[GWH]

I have learnt that there are a lot of abusive keyboard cowboys on CC.

They can serve God’s purpose by teaching us patience and not to be like them. Would you want to let learning that lesson be your first contribution to the OP of this thread?

 

[seoulsearch]

Well, drops or immersion does not matter because WB is not required for salvation, but immersion is indicated by the NT as an apt act that portrays being buried and raised with Christ.
As you keep reading the teachings of Paul you will learn that SB is necessary for salvation.

Yes, this is exactly why I don't enter the debates.

Everyone believes their own understanding is the right one, backed Scripture and God.

But you asked a good question, and I felt moved to answer.

 

[Aussie52]

They can serve God’s purpose by teaching us patience and not to be like them. Would you want to let learning that lesson be your first contribution to the OP of this thread?

Several months ago, I was the victim of terrible abuse here on CC because I stand against Donald Trump. It got so bad that I took time out as it was so hurtful. Learning patience is one thing, being the victim of vile, hateful comments is another. Don't spiritualize wrongdoing and hate speech.

 

[HeIsHere]

Several months ago, I was the victim of terrible abuse here on CC because I stand against Donald Trump. It got so bad that I took time out as it was so hurtful. Learning patience is one thing, being the victim of vile, hateful comments is another. Don't spiritualize wrongdoing and hate speech.

I hear you, there have many of us, if that is of any comfort.
Sadly many just leave, they were very astute people with well thought out positions.
I also agree, no excuses, I do not learn anything from them, except that should get help.

 

[seoulsearch]

I also learn a lot from the discussions of people walking out their everyday Christian lives. There are a couple parents of disabled children and others who have cared for sick spouses that I find very inspiring.

A long time ago, we had a girl in Singles who shared that she felt God had called her to foster children, and I wish she would have stayed longer to tell us more about it.

Most of the people I know are in the caretaking stage of life, and my turn is around the bend, so when people share what they do or how they see God in their own caretaking situations, I find that especially helpful.

I was recently in a situation where I was assisting with the care of those with dementia and various challenges, so I appreciate it when brothers and sisters in Christ with a lot more experience share useful advice using practical examples.

I learn the most from those who talk about how to take what we learn in Christ and actually applying it to everyday life and the people around us.

But that's just me.

 

[GWH]

Yes, this is exactly why I don't enter the debates.

Everyone believes their own understanding is the right one, backed Scripture and God.

But you asked a good question, and I felt moved to answer.

Good morning. I did not ask a question, but I agree that we believe our understanding is the right one,
which is why we should be truthseekers, who are moved to learn new teachings and to amend old misunderstandings.
A Scripture backing this belief is 2Thes. 2:10. Scriptures I had in mind for you to read regarding SB included Rom. 5:5, 8:9, 1Cor. 12:13 and Eph. 4:5.
HAND!

 

[GWH]

Several months ago, I was the victim of terrible abuse here on CC because I stand against Donald Trump. It got so bad that I took time out as it was so hurtful. Learning patience is one thing, being the victim of vile, hateful comments is another. Don't spiritualize wrongdoing and hate speech.

Well, I support Trump and MAGA because of abuse of the truth by Marxist Dems, but I have experienced abuse by a few folks on CC, which did indeed hurt my feelings. However, I counselled myself by considering the source, realizing I had said nothing that warranted vitriol, and applying Scriptures such as Matt. 5:11-12, Tit. 3:9-10 and Jam. 1:2-4.

If you ever perceive me as being abusive or hateful, please reprove me with love.

BTW, what do you have against Trump?

 

[seoulsearch]

Good morning. I did not ask a question, but I agree that we believe our understanding is the right one,
which is why we should be truthseekers, who are moved to learn new teachings and to amend old misunderstandings.
A Scripture backing this belief is 2Thes. 2:10. Scriptures I had in mind for you to read regarding SB included Rom. 5:5, 8:9, 1Cor. 12:13 and Eph. 4:5.
HAND!

In your original post, you wrote:

Please share one example at a time of how participation on CC has blessed your life with new or amended understanding of God's Word.
Thanks!

The way I was taught in school and college, if someone writes, "Please share," such as in your original post, it should be broken down into a question: "What did you learn and what can you share?" -- because the author is expecting an answer.

So I was taught that phrases worded to elicit a response should be read as questions. Unless maybe it was meant as a suggestion, or a command?

However it was meant, it seems you were hoping for people to respond, at the very least.

And so I read it as being an inquiry, which is what I have been trying to answer in my posts,

But that's just me -- and apparently I'm reading what you wrote in a different way than you intended.

 

[GWH]

In your original post, you wrote:


The way I was taught in school and college, if someone writes, "Please share," such as in your original post, it should be broken down into a question: "What did you learn and what can you share?" -- because the author is expecting an answer.

So I was taught that phrases worded to elicit a response should be read as questions. Unless maybe it was meant as a suggestion, or a command?

However it was meant, it seems you were hoping for people to respond, at the very least.

And so I read it as being an inquiry, which is what I have been trying to answer in my posts,

But that's just me -- and apparently I'm reading what you wrote in a different way than you intended.

Yes, I did not realize you were referring to previous posts but thought you referred to my last post.
Isn't communication tricky?

 

[seoulsearch]

Yes, I did not realize you were referring to previous posts but thought you referred to my last post.
Isn't communication tricky?

Apparently it is in this thread.

Therefore, I shall bow out, but I thank you for your time.

 

[Chester]

Christian Chat exists for the purpose of providing Christians the opportunity of learning from one another as they discuss their understanding of Scripture. I think it might be interesting and edifying for us all to share significant truths we have learned that have caused us to amend some belief(s).

For example, being raised in a Baptist church from infancy, I had always believed that souls are saved by faith or trusting in Jesus as Savior,
but while discussing the role of faith and works regarding salvation after joining CC, I gained the following insight:

There is no qualitative difference between a soul's/sinner's faith that accepts God’s saving grace at conversion and a saint's/saved sinner's faith that accepts God’s working grace while walking/living, but only a quantitative difference as each additional moment passes–and of course faith remains non-meritorious during the saint’s lifetime. (Eph. 2:8-10, 1Cor. 15:10, 2Cor. 5:7, Rom. 1:17)

Please share one example at a time of how participation on CC has blessed your life with new or amended understanding of God's Word.
Thanks!

I enjoy deep discussions, and have been a part of many deep discussions and debates here on CC. I have learned that one needs to begin with the Word of God and deeply dive into the meaning of the text. I have seen how most that come here begin with their church's (or their own) doctrinal creed. If one begins with a doctrinal creed, then it is pointless to discuss the text itself. From the many discussions about OSAS and Calvinism I have been involved with, I have rejoiced greatly that my assurance of salvation comes from the Word (and thus from an active faith in Jesus), and not from a man-stated doctrine.