nfg22
Feb 19, 2008
You know I wish sometimes Christians would just refuse to answer questions or just keep quiet. Is what your saying really edifying? Is it even worth answering?
You know I wish sometimes Christians would just refuse to answer questions or just keep quiet. Is what your saying really edifying? Is it even worth answering?
Friend, I feel and always have felt - that these threads seldom do anything to help bring unity with us. This is just as much the Body attacking the Body as what you see that doesn't please you.
Go amongst the threads and say positive things about the positive things you see and anywhere you go - because "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Pro 15:1
These type threads are doing what they accuse others of ('judging') and seemingly arrogant (though you're not), in seemingly saying that all of the person saying these things own posts are 'always' annoited but [i]"those other"
Exhorting what's right is better than wide-brush condemnations.
I'm not putting you down, honestly, just have seen so many of these counter-productive threads that divide rather than help. It lifts-up the one(s) posting it or to it, above their fellows and no one is sure 'who' exactly you're pointing at with such wide brush statements, as in "Christians in General".
It's not fair to 'everyone'. We're One Body.
None of us have gotten the full grasp of how to inter-relate over text.
Face to face is so much easier but even in many churches, people don't truly love each other and God is the One who 'is' working on us all, if we're His.
Read the Articles section or Devotional Thoughts.
These type of posts are self-defeating and divide the Body as they cause others to say "Yeah, it's THEM" and then the same folks that are caught in that snare to type, "Yeah, it's THEM" - will stumble next week.
And the LORD will allow them to, to teach them to not judge on minor issues. So, these "I'm a better poster than you all" type threads do nothing but bring a snare and divide.
And Actually - I've seen most folks trying really hard this last week to get along and forget minor differences and so have many others of us.
Aside from all of that "getting along with each other stuff" ---- how are you doing with getting over your recent broken-heart?
We're still praying for you brother.
Love one another. Pray one for another. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
And Overcome evil with good.
Thanks for caring! Im doing ok. God's hand is heavy upon me but He lightens it at times. I guess I am just tired and got sick of reading some stupid question to where people argued over them. I dont mean to condemn, it was more of my heart being burdened. I just had this today when I met with a brother and I realized I had something to say for everything he said. Then it occured to me that I just need to listen. I did. It went good.
I guess in full I want to say sorry. I dont mean to tear the body, I just hope we all listen more and talk less. Even me. Thanks Brother.
Oh Brother, no need to say sorry at all. I spend half my time feeling I should just stick my keyboard in my mouth.
We're growing 'together'. As you said, it happened to you just today. The days it doesn't happen to me - I'm shocked.
Seriously though - you pegged it very well when you said "listen".
Getting to know each person by reading what each other says, looking at their profile, what country they come from - how they normally post - try to see why they are having a bad day. On and on it goes.
Not everyone has the time to do that. Most folks are very busy with work and family and can only come when they can. And all they can see is the first post that hits their eyes.
Not knowing the person who posted it, maybe we don't know that they've had a really bad day or week or month or life.
I still think that, unless it's a dangerous heresy, it's not worth the debate. But if it is and folks who are young in Christ see it - then and only then should we contend.
We were talking the other day about people's health also. How people feel, plays a role on their responses too. Sooo many factors. Even folks with high blood pressure can get angry and that's not their real nature. Thank GOD that's something I don't have - HA - I have very low blood pressure - but my heart rate goes to high for no reason. That doesn't affect my mood - but other things can.
Some folks come on here to get away from a day after a bad day at work or school or at home - you know.
So many things going on behind the scenes of each poster's lives that we must consider may be happening to them. We have No idea what is going on or what they've been through, unless we learn to be sensitive to listen to them, by getting to know them, by watching how they post from day to day. But how many have that much time on their hands? Just look for good threads, that will build you up and not upset ya.
And if you stumble on a heavy situation - tell a joke or something. It usually always works out in the end - somehow.
Have 'hope' for All of us & yourself. And pray for us all. I need prayer very badly - just for one on here.
GOD BLESS YOU Brother!
We love you.
I find just the opposite is true. To someone new to the forum it may appear that this is a place where brother attacks brother... but I dont think thats true at all.
There are many folks here who have come down on the opposite side of an issue from me... and we've had heated debates... but remain very brotherly and loving toward one another.
It's like walking into the middle of a conversation. You dont know the history, so you assume they are arguing and attacking, but that isnt the case.
I'm not dimissing what you've said here. Sometimes your words do apply. But you've posted only 11 times on this forum, which indicates to me that you're new... so please forgive me if I say that I dont believe you have caught the spirit and essence of this forum.
Sometimes all I have to do is quote scripture, showing the truth from God's Word, and I'm accused of "attacking". How can truth be attacking? No... some people are just too easily offended. They dont really want to hear the truth, they want their ears ticked... just as scripture says.
Do things get out of control here? From time to time, yes. But usually when that happens someone says something that pokes us in the heart... and we have a time of renewel and forgiveness that at times is more tender than anything I've experienced in a real church fellowship.
I think Solomon would have some words of wisdom concerning being too quick to judge.
Krispy
Sir, I have not much time and I have enjoyed your posts many times. I need to think about what you said and pray about it but before I head off to work I have two thoughts.
1) I have been a watcher, seeing as I dont like to argue about anything but Christ and Christ alone. But I have been watching this site for about two years. Not often but maybe once a week.
2)I am sure Christ had many scriptures and truths at anytime He could have shared with anyone. Yet rarely did I expect to hear what I did from Him. Scripture and Truth are not always in love, or the right thing to say. I do agree scripture is safer than most other routes. Quoting a truthful statement at the wrong time or to the wrong issue isnt always so good.
I guess one example I have is when someone questions the Diety of Christ. We dont have to get mad, or offended. All we simply have to do is say Christ is God. Quote a scripture and walk away. We dont have to go further and prove logic and other things. We just need to stand upon the truth. I like you Krispy...Thanks for the Prayers HE_Reigns. I will pray on this Krispy and ask God to enlighten my heart's eyes to truth. Thanks for discussion.
After I posted I realized that I did not stipulate that even when using scripture we need to do so in love. Much evil and hatred has been done in the name of God, and because of the twisting of scripture. I came on to clarify, and you did so for me. I'm glad you did.
You dont like to argue for anything but Christ. I agree that we should not argue for the sake of argument. I've admitted on here several times that I do love to debate and argue, but many times I have to hold myself in check because it's not coming from the right place.
But we can not ignore scripture when Paul exhorts us to [b]earnestly contend
I guess one example I have is when someone questions the Diety of Christ. We dont have to get mad, or offended. All we simply have to do is say Christ is God. Quote a scripture and walk away. We dont have to go further and prove logic and other things. We just need to stand upon the truth.
I dont know the heart of the person you're speaking of, but I will speculate that this person wanted to be offended. In almost every conversation that person was involved in they questioned the diety of Christ. That tells me there is an agenda there.
I didnt see anyone here getting mad or offended other than the person who questioned His diety. Everyone else here pleaded with that person, and tried to reason with them.
We did not drive her away. In fact, those who contended with her begged her to stay... myself included.
Quoting scripture and then walking away is not the example we have in scripture at all. Paul stood in a stadium and tried to reason with King Agrippa. Paul stood up in Greece and tried to reason with the Greeks. Stephen preached to the religious leaders as they prepared to stone him.
Jesus did not say a word in His defense, but not because He didnt want to argue. He could have walked out there any time He wanted... He's God. But that was not His mission. His mission was to be crucified for our sins.
But throughout the NT the Apostles reasoned and preached. Preached and reasoned.
Quoting scripture and walking away is not the example we have in scripture... in fact, it's the exact opposite.
Love ya, brother... hope you're having a great day.
Krispy
I think allot of folk who get offended take things way to seriously.
KrispyKrittr wrote:
But we can not ignore scripture when Paul exhorts us to[b]earnestly contend[/b] for the faith. We have to bring balance to it all. To never contend for the faith is just as wrong as contending for it for the wrong reasons.
Its good to take your walk with Christ seriously, but in regards to what you believe and why you believe it hold it gently. Someone somewhere is going to challenge what you believe and why you believe it. My personality is such that I would challenge it just for the sake of rattling your cage.
I do have a just a comment however, as a man I believe what I believe. Sometimes, though, I get the impression that the forum would like it more that I was on rittalin.
Friend, I feel and always have felt - that these threads seldom do anything to help bring unity with us. This is just as much the Body attacking the Body as what you see that doesn't please you.
[b]MUST READ: SermonIndex Forum Disclaimer / Community Rules
https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=14144&forum=13&8
I do believe the sermonindex forums are "markly" different then other forums on the internet to the glory of God.
My personality is such that I would challenge it just for the sake of rattling your cage.
Ah, good to see you up brother. Glad to know you are still hovering around the edges.
Getting our cages rattled, things that get under our skin ... [i]telling![i]offendeness
Am working on something, something of an observation and maybe even an exhortation that applies to first my own self but broader to just what it is we are doing here. If I had to throw out a hint it would stress one word, one word contained in the link to the left, a little past midway under the [b]Main Menu
[b][u]Discussion
ZekeO, you have been around for a long while and could only guess at your observations. Things have changed and evolved with more and more coming on board and the drag and pull seems often like a tug of war. There is an attempt to re-tie this to it's moorings.
Some days we all need to be on Ritalin. And maybe that was the point the brother who posted this was somewhat after. Can't say I disagree with him completely. Of course I am getting well out in front of myself ...
sermonindex wrote:
I would have to say for the most part the forums have been a remarkable tool in the hand of God to bring unity amongst brethren under truth. Right now there are pentecostals, baptists, brethren, anabaptists, lutherans, home church people, non-denominational, etc all on the forums discussing the same issue and sharing from their experiences. I encourage everyone to prayerfully read this:I do believe the sermonindex forums are "markly" different then other forums on the internet to the glory of God.
This foolish human (me) agrees with this. I do believe I've looked into all other forums on the net since '02.
I've thanked God for the growth in myself and SO many others since - that I get teared up some days with Joy!
What our brother member said is true - just 'listen' (which is 'read' in this format) to each other. Truly Read their posts with His help. You may find their true heart and watch them growing.
Like flowers in the garden - you have to really watch to see that they are growing.
LORD Bless!
crsschk wrote:
could only guess at your observations.
Also, people do not use the search function enough, there are very, very few topics which we have not thrashed out here before.
There is another angle to view the debates from. The debaters say that non-debaters are too thin-skinned and get offended easily. This seems to be the "pat" response. While there is truth to it, it's not [i]always
Some of the debates on this forum [i]do
Debating is seen as a sport to some. This is where the problem is, in my opinion, because it’s a selfish motive that cares more about beating someone than it does about loving thy brother. It's been shown by studies to be "an addiction" for some people. Debating can be a dangerous game when someone debates simply to debate. Sometimes debaters forget that there are people here at all different levels of their walk with the Lord and they must be sensitive to that. One debate-style does [i]not
I believe those who enjoy participating in and creating debates, often have a greater responsibility to be sensitive to this and be sure that 1) their motives are right, and 2) that they aren't carelessly stomping on others in their enjoyment of the debate. Debaters need to ask themselves, "Am I willing to admit when I'm wrong or do I need to be right?" As for the motive, “just to rattle their cage,” I personally see this as an attack mode; it’s disrespectful at the least, because that’s not the object of the SI forums.
Also, the point of debate, [i]to me[i]our opinions[i]anyone's
Another point: Do those in a debate know when to stop or do they need to continue in order to prove they’re right, even at the expense of Romans 12:18? [i]"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
As the Bible says to perform self-examinations, it's safe to say that we should be doing that in all areas, including our postings. Are we doing more debating or edifying?
Also, people do not use the search function enough, there are very, very few topics which we have not thrashed out here before.
ZekeO,
What would you suggest we discuss now since most Bible topics have been "thrashed out"? Cars? Actually, if you would I might get more work done around here! lol
ginnyrose
Well I guess that I started an argument. I suppose maybe I posted this in the wrong sub-forum. I wasn't offended or anything, which is what I guess this discussion once again turned into. I wasn't even denying the work of God through these forums. I was just saying that my heart was saddened by the way we feel we must give a response or advice or argument to everything. Sometimes its better to be quiet. Maybe I should have been.
edited for grammar...
Dear Brother nfg, there's no argument going on here. And thank you for not taking offense to my discussing your thread and understanding what I wrote. I truly did appreciate that you saw 'what' I was trying to say. Truly.
GOD uses ALL things. :-)
_________________________________________
Rom 8:28,29 And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Lyrics to [b]"GOD Speaking"
[i]Have you ever heard a love song
That set your spirit free
Have you ever watched a sunrise
And felt you could not breathe
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Have you ever cried a tear that
You could not explain
Have you ever met a stranger
That already knew your name
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Who knows how He'll get a hold of us
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us I love you
Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here
Do you know what it feels like
To be tangled up in fear
What if He's somehow involved
What if He's speaking through it all
His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger
Than God in a manger
God is speaking
I love you
Hi everyone.
nfg22, how are you? I think I appreciate what you are feeling.
About this...
"I am sure Christ had many scriptures and truths at anytime He could have shared with anyone."
I think that is worth considering.
In John it says...
[b][color=660000]I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. [/color]
- John 8:26(KJV)
I noticed now that this is in the context of being asked
"Who art thou?"
Take care and I wish you well,
Chris
Im at a loss. Sometimes I just get a true taste of how useless I am unless Jesus fills me. Basically I just want us to wait for the Lord to speak before we do. Thanks for the input guys.
Well I guess that I started an argument. I suppose maybe I posted this in the wrong sub-forum. I wasn't offended or anything, which is what I guess this discussion once again turned into. I wasn't even denying the work of God through these forums. I was just saying that my heart was saddened by the way we feel we must give a response or advice or argument to everything. Sometimes its better to be quiet. Maybe I should have been.
You only stated more distinctly what some have tried to do discreetly. Silence. Meddling. Heart issues ... Not hiding that these have been some attempts here to draw the forums in general back to some of the more glaring issues. At least in my observance and indeed, practice.
You said what needed to be said brother. It's appreciated.
. ;-)
ginnyrose wrote:
What would you suggest we discuss now since most Bible topics have been "thrashed out"?Cars
As for the motive, “just to rattle their cage,” I personally see this as an attack mode; it’s disrespectful at the least, because that’s not the object of the SI forums.
As to rattling cages, the ones I really like rattling are those that think they have cornered the market in knowing God and the way he works. Those that speak like their word is law and their understanding of the word is only way. Those that don't allow me to have my own opinions about things, those that try and act like the thought police and don't allow others their own opinion. Seldom have I disagreed with members based on doctrine as to 'rattle their cages', but I have challenged a number of folk on judging the thoughts and intents of peoples hearts. Whether or not those people are in gross error or not is not the issue.
I disagree with you and I find this post a personal attack on me, but its your opinion so lets move on. Lets look though at what has been said. A personal opinion has now become an official position of the website [b](that’s not the object of the SI forums)
I must admit that on a number of occasions I have stepped out of a discussion because its not helpful to those that are reading the post and this is not my website anyhow.
So on the basis of your reply we'll see how this discussion works as an object lesson as to the intent of this original post. I'm not wanting to get your cage rattled, but to let you see that some times rattling the cage may just be in the will of God.
This discussion is locked.