People posing as Christians !!

S

sonofthunder Sep 5, 2007

A relatively short post by my standards!!

But i guess we would be naieve if we did not suspect people find their way into message boards who are really clever debaters/ atheists/ agnostics/ and skeptics of all walks of life !!

Who goad and bait - in a manner like that of uncircumcised philistine goaded - all of Israel!!

With teasing questions they think Christians do not have - the answers to.

Recently i walked past a store which is selling a book - that is eating up book sales entitled " The God delusion"

There are many cynics and critics out there granted - and i know first hand that they cower, THEY masquerade, and hide behind message boards and that of CHRISTIAN MESSAGE BOARDS!!

JUDE WARNED OF IMPOSTERS WHO CREEP IN ~~ UNAWARES

AND TURN THE GRACE OF GOD -- INTO THAT OF LASCIVIOUSNESS

NO - IT should not surprise us that fakes, unbelievers and atheist ... would mask their way into such places brethren ... however spotting them does becomes easier in time - and with discernment !!

Thoughts anyone ??

We would be silly not to think they get into places such as these !!

E

enid Sep 5, 2007

Not trying to GOAD anyone into answering are you?

God bless.

sermonindex Sep 5, 2007

I have seen that on other Christian message boards, I worry more about people who truly believe themselves to be Christians here on SI but are just as lost as the athiest.

In Christ - Jim

C

ccchhhrrriiisss Sep 5, 2007

Wow! Thanks for the warning! I've heard about athiests who frequent Christian forums as a hobby meant to "frustrate the faithful" or mock the faith. What type of answer will these people give to God on that great and terrible Day?

I also worry about those who pass eternal judgment upon those with whom they disagree on a matter or doctrine or belief! I've seen individuals dismiss other individuals as "heritics" for voicing their ideas that contradict another idea. I've personally received emails from "concerned" believers who worry about my status in eternity for embracing such possibilities like a "pre-trib rapture" or the use of a particular Bible version.

Wouldn't it be lovely if we could look past our petty doctrinal differences and, collectively, look toward the face of the One who created all things? Sometimes, I think that we should all spend a few hours in prayer together (without pretense). Maybe such an event would increase our love and respect for one another?

There are a lot of wonderful people here from all sort of backgrounds. I am glad that we can fellowship and share regardless of our doctrinal differences.

:-)

sermonindex Sep 5, 2007

ccchhhrrriiisss... who said anything about doctrinal differences? Why did you write that?

In Christ - Jim

sermonindex Sep 5, 2007

I also worry about those who pass eternal judgment upon those with whom they disagree on a matter or doctrine or belief! I've seen individuals dismiss other individuals as "heritics" for voicing their ideas that contradict another idea. I've personally received emails from "concerned" believers who worry about my status in eternity for embracing such possibilities like a "pre-trib rapture" or the use of a particular Bible version.

AMEN!! You are so right, we are not all going to agree,thank God for that! I to have been attacked because I may believe something different, that has no eternal synificance.

I

iansmith Sep 5, 2007

Bring em on!

C

ccchhhrrriiisss Sep 5, 2007

Hi Jim...

ccchhhrrriiisss... who said anything about doctrinal differences? Why did you write that?

Thanks, Brother. I apologize if this came out wrong. I just meant to interject that there is a little "suspicion" already present amongst some of the brethren because of our doctrinal differences. Sometimes, we are willing to pass off on certain believers simply because of petty doctrinal differences. I apologize for not making this clear.

I once took part in a long debate with a sincere brother about Bible translation. He was a sincere and strong willed KJV-only advocate. However, he somehow "figured out" that I was a "Seventh Day Adventist" through some of my posts. He often emailed and PMed me concerning the "error of my ways." When I tried to explain that I was not a Seventh Day Adventist (nor had I EVER attended such a sect), he asked me to "prove it." It was frustrating, particularly when he called into question my motives in a public forum.

Anyway, I often see similar "suspicions" present within some of the conversations in the forums.

Someone once said to never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes. I think that it would be better if we never passed such judgment until we have spent a few hours in prayer with him. I wonder how much of our perspective would change if we saw the sincere hunger that we each have for an intimate relationship with Christ? Perhaps our differences wouldn't seem quite so dire?

This is one of the reasons that I look forward to the Revival Conference! I am so eager to spend time with the wonderful brethren that have taught me, motivated me and corrected me on our journey through the wilderness of this world!

:-)

sermonindex Sep 5, 2007

Every Message Board has what some could call an "atmosphere". That atmosphere is set by the ages of those on that particular Board - combined with their Spiritual Maturity.
I've participated on Christian Boards that were open to unsaved people and one in particular had a section just for them to argue their points of why they were atheists and the more mature seasoned Christians on Board, who would not take it personally, but would share God's Truth in love, were having a great deal of success with conversions.

The age of a Christian has no bearing on how they present themselves on Message Boards, but their Spiritual Maturity comes out first by, their "care for the brethren and their care for lost souls" --- their "death to self", as some term it - wherein, taking personal offense doesn't enter in to their replies and thinking of others 'over/above' themselves and over & above how 'they appear' - and their commitment to Love God and His creation and how they put His Love before all else in their replies, is what truly defines 'maturity'.
When topics get "hot" - someone bringing in a gentle laugh or a distracting word to all, may make 'peace' between brothers. Maturity is not in age. Maturity is in the depth of one's dying onto themselves/how they appear and living out Who He is.
If there were unbelievers on this or any other Board, our reactions to each other may either be the witness they need or that which turns them hostile and loses them.

Certain doctrinal or "other" disagreements should be expected and excepted - but other doctrinal postions that pose a threat to the salvation of others or demeans Christ's Position, would necessitate confrontation, but even then in love, by grieving for 'them' first.

I believe in providence and as such feel, despite the spiritual condition of whomever enters a group, they should be drawn to Christ and Truth by His Love and our good nature toward them and each other. Nasty replies should be ignored. That is the easiest way to handle those.
God may have sent an atheist here to save their souls or to give us a chance to prove the genuiness of our walk/talk, by our display of His love. Going into automatic defense for ourselves or a non-essential doctrine that does not affect Salvation, is not the sign of maturity. To attack another's "intents", except in the case of blatant heretical teaching, is always wrong.
If nothing else, here and in other fellowships, we find ourselves in His Boot-Camp of Love, where we all need to be trained, until we see Him.

Found this off the Homepage today:

Thinking Well by Tozer

The creative religious thinker is not a daydreamer, not an ivory tower intellectual carrying on his lofty cogitations remote from the rough world; he is more likely to be a troubled, burdened man weighed down by the woes of existence, occupied not with matters academic or theoretical but the practical and personal.
The great religious thinkers of the past were rarely men of leisure; mostly they were men of affairs, close to and very much a part of the troubled world.
Neither will the sanctified thinker of our times be a poet gazing at a sunset from some quiet secluded spot, but one who feels himself a traveler lost in a wilderness who must find his way to safety.

That others will later follow the path he makes will not be primary in his thinking.

Later he will understand this, but for the time being he will be all engaged hunting the way out for himself.
To think well and usefully a man must be endowed with certain indispensable qualifications. He must, for one thing, be completely honest and transparently sincere.

The trifler is automatically eliminated. He is weighed in the balance and found too light to be entrusted with the thoughts of God. Let but a breath of levity enter the mind and the power to do creative thinking instantly goes out. And by levity I do not mean wit or even humor; I do mean insincerity, sham, the absence of moral seriousness.
Great thoughts require a grave attitude toward life and mankind and God.[end quote]

Another good one posted this morning:

https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=19371&forum=34

N

narrowpath Sep 5, 2007

Without making any suggestions, I think we can almost be certain that there are unsaved people among us. God always tests us by bringing allowing tares among the wheat. Do not pull out the tares before the time. This is a job for the angels. Some tares may turn into wheat and some wheat does not bear fruit.

Mat 13:24He put another parable before them, saying, (A) "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds[a] among the wheat and went away. 26So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27And the servants~~[b]~~ of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' 28He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' 29But he said,(B) 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers,(C) Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

Let us make sure that all our discussions are fruitful and edifying. What benefit does may brother have from me if I win an theological debat e against him and elevated myself above him? You can defend biblical truth yet act in the spirit of the accuser. That is the deadly fruit of the tree of knowlegde of good and evil - especially if it is bible knowledge.

Perhaps God can use some of us to minister to those from the synagoge of Satan not by winning arguments but by winning their souls for Christ.

Rev 2 9I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

I've personally received emails from "concerned" believers who worry about my status in eternity for embracing such possibilities like a "pre-trib rapture" or the use of a particular Bible version.

May be the tribulation has already begun for you then...and it is post-trib! just joking :-P

narrowpath

sermonindex Sep 5, 2007

ccchhhrrriiisss said

Sometimes, I think that we should all spend a few hours in prayer together (without pretense). Maybe such an event would increase our love and respect for one another?

Well, that is possible ~~[i]~~before[/i] the conference, over skype. Up to ~~[u]~~nine[/u] people can hear each other at the same time - FREE.

The latest version is at www.skype.com
Older versions, which may work better on Vista or other laptop software, are available at http://oldapps.com/skype.htm

If there is a more personal advantage to skype, it is that it works on username and email address, so anyone who might feel ~~[u]~~un[/u]ready to share their phone number with a stranger, still can meet in a kind of halfway anonymity. From there, closer and more personal communication becomes more of an informed choice.

Why don't some of you guys get together for half an hour a week and ~~[i]~~~~[b]~~do[/i][/b] some praying? It's good experience. :-D

EDIT: Sorry sonofthunder. I didn't mean to divert the excellent discussion. Partly, I think Chris has nailed something important... that praying (together) is a ~~[i]~~safe[/i] way to go on with God together, whether one is a seasoned pray-er, or still unsure, or, seeking a deeper relationship with God, or, in need of some particular practical answer to a problem.

sermonindex Sep 6, 2007

I was talking to an Atheist who was educated to the hilt, and because I was not he did not regard me. However, I caught him on the issue of evolution to which he got up in heated frustration and took off. God inserted a hint of knowledge for me to give to this man to which even surprised me. I am amazed that most Atheist know the bible, but what they lack is the wisdom and knowledge that the LORD imparts to make the dead letter come alive. This is what causes men to either repent or gnash at you with their teeth, as they did with Stephen. In this case this Atheist was gnashing his teeth. (God have mercy on his soul)

sermonindex Sep 6, 2007

Excellent idea Dorcas. Since the discussion went on to touching how we get along together on forums - and knowing part of Revival is very much to focus on winning "the lost", your suggestion would certainly bring about nothing but good to both.

Once people have prayed together, it is much more difficult - if even possible, to treat each other in the same fashion.
And can only cause the burden for way-ward souls to increase.
And, remembering that at Pentecost, "they were all together in 'one accord'." and praying with one mind together, when the Spirit fell.

Excellent idea.

sermonindex Sep 6, 2007

Can we determination if one is indeed a christian or not on a forum post?

First of all, I think it would be next to impossible to determine 100% if anyone were a true Christian from reading a post. Many can talk the talk, but few can walk the walk. Narrow is the way. Of course, occasionary we get a few clues in posts to shine some light that some lack understanding in the knowledge of HIS Word, if we don't even know enough from HIS WORD that is hid in our heart to write about HIS WORD accurately about how HE instructs us to walk, that could it be a sign or either immaturity or lostness, but do we know?

But even if we can say amen to everything in every post that an individual would make on a christian forum, that would be very encouraging to say the least, but I think we would still be lacking in enough information to convict one of being Christian. A true and credible assessment could not be made by us in what one has written alone. The point to be made is, we could be much more successful at making that call, if we were able to observe if one truely honored HIM with their lips and their heart also or was it really visable that their hearts were far from HIM by one's actions in true devotion to HIM. Could we be almost without error in their writings and still live like the devil in reality?

Of course, if we are given an opportunity to view a person and observe just how they serve the Lord, IN HIS church, in their giving, in their witnessing, in serving, and how they use their spiritual gifts in the church on Sunday and the rest of the week as well and does it match up what they say also, when comparing it to the written post?

Would it be helpful to see how we conduct ourselves all through the week would shine much light if they we disciples or not?

Other things that would be helpful to know is, how do we treat our spouse, our family, our neighbors? Do we strive to be pleasing to the Lord in all things? When a brother/sister disagrees with us and we have convictions that the brother/sister is in error about the issue and we can see it plainly in scripture. Do we compromise with the brother/sister in speaking the WORD or do we bow down to pleasing the brother/sister. Is it not our priority to please God first? Do we have the desire to please both the brother/sister, but when we are forced to make a choice. Who do we chose? Do we please God or man?

Did Joshua give us any info?

Josh 24:14-15
14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
KJV

1 Thess 4:1-2
4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
KJV

Gal 1:9-12
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

10~~[u]~~ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.[/u]
11~~[b]~~ But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.[/b]
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
KJV

Rom 16:25 - 1 Cor 1:1

25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God,~~[u]~~ so that all nations might believe and obey him-[/u] 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Rev 1:1-3
1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw-that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3~~[u]~~ Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it,[/u] because the time is near.

Acts 18:6-8
6 But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive,~~[u]~~ he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility.[/u] From now on I will go to the Gentiles."
7 Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.

2 Tim 4:14-18
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm.~~[u]~~ The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.[/u]

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18~~[u]~~ The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.[/u] To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Eph 3:20
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, ~~[u]~~according to the power that worketh in us,[/u]
KJV

Of course. the main point to be made is, examining ourselves with this same measure. If I can see ur short comings, then are we able to ask for more grace and mercy and want to be pleasing to HIM and men, if possible, but HIM for sure.

S

sonofthunder Sep 7, 2007

A well known taunt is the sanctification question

It usually goes like this ~~ can anyone give a difinitive answer on the meaning of sanctification ... as taught in the bible!!

Ive seen this many times in the message boards!

Here's the usual scenario ~~ after the question is submitted mant believers come forth with there answers .... well i belive it means this -- still others contribute - i believe it means that ... and so on and so on it goes. With many sincere and well intentioned answers to the OP'S QUESTION.

ANYWAY WE GET TO THE END OF THE POST -- and the author of the post says THANKS but not one person has answered the question or satisfied me an adequate answer as to what Sanctification means.

Seen this excursion not a few times!

Atheists and mormons love a debate !

In fact whwn a Mormon knocks on the door of a house and finds to his surprise it is a "pentecostal" he rejoices greatly ... as it is common knowledge that mormons know that "most" pentecostals are not familiar with scripture

Now That is what mormons have said amongst themselves ... about the pentecostals.

Also i know of a one particular message board (this is first hand ) knowledge by S.O.F - where avowed satanist and atheists communed to one another saying to one another " come on lets' join and infiltrate many christian message boards and be in "disguise" ... as we know the bible in most instances - than many who profess to know it!!

They saw it as a challenge and an opportunity

Just tick the box when you join ... i believe, i have faith, i believe in the teaching of Christ and in most cases your in ...joined up!

sermonindex Sep 7, 2007

So ?

~~[b]~~HE[/b] Reigns.

sermonindex Sep 7, 2007

It does nothing for us to enter a debate with anyone, unless you know full well that the LORD wants you to pursue the thing. This flesh of ours craves such things and for many it can be a lethal trap. We think we have all the answers thus we enter the discussion with that intent. We do not have any answers, we do not have any wisdom, knowledge or understanding that we can claim to be our own. All these wonderful attributes are given by the Spirit and for His operation, not for us to squander in a prideful display.

If we think we are somebody, then God can't use us in the full potential that He desires. Who are we trying to impress with what knowledge that has been given to us? The Atheist is not impressed with quotations from the Bible, he's heard them before. Unless we have a word that is fitly spoken, we are wasting our valuable pearls.