Danger in the forums.....

sermonindex Apr 13, 2005

"To err is human", so said a wise phylosopher. If we as christians follow after the flesh, we err. Flesh has a tendency to want to reduce God and His Majesty down to an understandable level. When we have discussions here in these forums, we all want to share and know more of Him, and understand His Word as much as possible. However, just because we do not understand something, that does not mean we have to disagree with it, providing God's Word says it is so. We also need to keep in mind that the Word of God says to let everything be established by the testimony of two or more witnesses. This holds true for scripture as well. There are verses in the bible that are not easy to understand. That does not invalidate it's witness. But if there are not other supportive scriptures, then we really must be careful with assumptions made based on our own understanding. Of course most bible readers know the proverb in Chapter 3 that warns us not to lean on our own understanding....rather, we trust in God. In God we trust is a testimony on our money. Do you trust God? Is He a fair weather God only? Or is He God in the storms and trials too? The bible says that His ways are above our ways. He once told me, "Lahry, your wildest imagination is far short of the least of my ability". That is confirmed by the testimony of the Word, "with God all things are possible". Yet too often, we tend to judge the feasability of something by our own perception of it's possiblity. This may short circuit our blessings, beloved. Let God be God. I guess I said all that to say this. Let us continue the work of the Spirit here in peace, truth, and love. Let us encourage one another not to lose heart. Let us all pray that more rhema is given with passion and revelation, that we may all be edified and encouraged. I love this place, the maturity and stability of all the writers. God bless you. Let us not get caught up in vain disputes and idle words. We never know whom God may send here to read what we write. Therefore, we write not only for discussion, but for instruction and edification. It is a responsibility I would never want to attempt if I was shooting from the hip and not speaking the truth in love. Oh God knows I've erred in the past. I've preached messages that had parts I'd like to withdraw. Sigh. Forgive me Lord. I did not write this because I want to discourage contribution here. Oh no, no, no. I love all the contribution. I just know, rather God knows we have a huge blessing in progress here. It is a feast that I do not want to see spoiled. I believe in my heart that God is in it's midst. He takes delight in what we do, as long as we are careful to give Him all the glory, honor, and praise, in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

J

Jimm Apr 13, 2005

Dear LahryThank you for this post… I really needed to hear this, and it is the first blessing God has sent me on this His morning. I don’t know what kind of an image I have here on SI but on my end, brothers and sisters I want to help and be helped, maybe I need more of the latter. This forum has really changed my opinion about many misconceptions I had, but I hope my learning is not at the expense of the peace of others. I do believe God is doing something unprecedented here on SI if we will all bear with each other. I pray the Lord will continue to bless this fellowship and allow us to learn something about His body, the church, which is God blessed forever. Amen.James

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CJaKfOrEsT Apr 13, 2005

Jimm wrote:Thank you for this post… I really needed to hear this, and it is the first blessing God has sent me on this His morning. I don’t know what kind of an image I have here on SI but on my end, brothers and sisters I want to help and be helped, maybe I need more of the latter. This forum has really changed my opinion about many misconceptions I had, but I hope my learning is not at the expense of the peace of others. I do believe God is doing something unprecedented here on SI if we will all bear with each other. I pray the Lord will continue to bless this fellowship and allow us to learn something about His body, the church, which is God blessed forever. Amen.Amen..and amen

R

Rahman Apr 13, 2005

Wow ... Amen brother Lahry ... amen ...

M

MEEKFLOWER Apr 13, 2005

Brother Lahry...The Lord Bless You. You have encouraged me so much. I admit I was hurt by somethings I had read, and discerned, and maybe I lashed out. My apologies to the readers. Forgive me God, cleanser me once more with your blood, and wash me with your word (Ezk). Never the less I always find myself coming back... to this site. You mentioned Proverbs 3 and how it says not to lean on our own understand. I don't understand alot of things, but I do trust him.I am hungry -- hungry to learn his ways. I've served God for many, many years. Now, I realize that I don't know anything. I have failed/prefailure. I am not discouraged, but encouraged and especially as I read/read everyone's replys. I too am in school with you all.You mentioned trust/money I agree. I don't have any money, yet! I don't think of myself as being poor, maybe I am and I don't see it. If I don't see it, it's because I feel rich, rich in him, rich in God.Life has a way of being at times like a Sport, let's say baseball, now I speak not from experience in the sport, but life or death in trials and tribulations, if I may. In baseball you are thrown fast balls, and curve balls, if you don't hit the ball the first time, STRIKE -- if you don't hit the ball the second time, STRIKE -- if you don't hit the ball the third time, STRIKE your out and so you loose your turn or you had your turn and now it's someone else. What the Lord has just spoken to me, is that yes, you may have had some strikes but you are not out of the... Please do not say that with too many strikes, you are then traded.In saying this what I am trying to say, is that trust, trust in the Lord with your money, and with everything that should arise to test your faith. Life has a way of throwing certain curve balls, fawl ball, and fast balls but God word says he will never leave you nor forsake you. When one door closes another one is open, he is faithful in all of his ways, he is faithful. I trust him, he has been faithful to me and my son through every trial, every circustance, every situation...Let's trust in the Lord and not lean on my own understanding. AmenGod Bless You, and once again forgive me I am not perfect, and I am not as strong as I perceive to be, his strength! I hope that this has encouraged someone.And if someone can resay, what I just tried to say, in a more spiritual way, please do so thank you and i appreciate it.Sincerely,MeekFlower

sermonindex Apr 13, 2005

I guess I said all that to say this. Let us continue the work of the Spirit here in peace, truth, and love. Let us encourage one another not to lose heart. Let us all pray that more rhema is given with passion and revelation, that we may all be edified and encouraged. I love this place, the maturity and stability of all the writers. God bless you.Thank you brother Lahry for this note and allowing the Holy Spirit to give an message of exhoration to the believers on the forums here. Yes we do need to seek unity and love in the fellowship of the brethren. It is very easy to be all spiritual when you are off by yourself on a mountain but when you are crammed in with many other believers from all different walks of life then being spiritual doesn't seem as simple. Lord test and prune our hearts for your glory.

sermonindex Apr 13, 2005

Dear Brother LahryThank you for a well written piece of honesty. It is always needed, and several others have written such messages that are just as wonderful. We need these every once in awhile so we can stop what we are doing in the forums, alas we tend to forget our purpose here is to encourage, uplift, any rebuking or heated disputes should be done via email or PM.I too love this website, it is a community that starts the first thing I get off work, or sometimes it's an all day affair.A resounding Amen to your post, let us all heed to Lahry's advice.Karl

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Heavenlyman Apr 13, 2005

Thank you for this post it is a blessing reading it, and also very usefull to share with others.I hope you don't mind me paste copying it, and print it out to share it to my home group.God bless

sermonindex Apr 14, 2005

Dear all, Oh the sweetness of your spirits. Thanks be to God. In this they will know you are His disciples in that you love one another. Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes...yes Lord. I didn't set out to write anything. I didn't wake up with it on my mind. I just sat down and it began to come and I just wrote what came by. I'm glad you all received it so lovingly. God bless you.In Him,Lahry

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crsschk Apr 14, 2005

My thanks as well Lahry,Have found myself in a very difficult and deserted place recently. Hard to understand, harder to express. Hardly feel compelled to say anything whatsoever.Not many weeks ago all the same circumstances were being underwhelmed by a sense of the Lords Presence, not overt, not 'feelings', just the still small sense, perspective, peace...Now... zip, nothing, nada. Silence, anguish..Isahia and David, can relate wholeheartedly. None of this matters in any way towards any particular thing or circumstance even if there are many to Greive over. It is the Lords will as there is nothing I can attribute it to specifically even if rationally there are many generally.So all that is a preface to where this soul is presently at and not even sure why the want of comment here. Being that this was brought under the heading of 'Danger' do think there are those lurking in subtle unnoticed ways. Not to far back there were many contentions and controversial topics, snipping and bitting, it seems to have subsided thankfully. But a different aspect is noticeable in that a wonder towards a fast clip at which things get posted. At this writing, the front page is full of items from the "Lounge", minus one. That in itself isn't particularly out of place, just a wonder that so many other areas get pushed aside in a hurry to feed in the next topic.The whole prophetic thing I must say usually brings up a defensive posture in the sense of pronouncements of what the next move of God may be. Just being honest here, I am very warily of most of this kind of talk, there is much that lends itself to self-appointed forth-telling that is in itself dangerous. That is not a dig at anyone just an urge to caution, there have been many a ministry that has become caught up in it's own 'prophetic' thinking that has gone off the rails and started leading many astray. Even the most recent here had a good sound to it, but wonder if that is less a case of prophecy (as it is interpreted to mean) than just a discernment of what is more or less obvious for brethren that are seeking the Lord. Reading back into the text's can 'make sense' of things but the murmurings in our heads ought to be guarded with diligence, even when they make 'sense' to us....for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecyPerhaps what this plea is, is toward patience and plundering the depths here from the messages and the other areas of the forum. Prayer, scripture especially, but also the minds of Christ that have gone before us who have much to say to us all, much we can learn from and share from and often it takes some time to chew on things and read through them.Not sour grapes or to throw cold water on anyone, just a notice of some things, being sober-minded comes to light. Sometimes the Lord wills us to suffer in different ways without any reason that we may be aware of and at points I could wish to wish it away, there is nothing worse than to lose that sense of abiding, of being alone, though still knowing that you are not alone.Though he slay me yet will I worship Him.

A

AgesofWar Apr 14, 2005

There was a time not to long ago that I sat at my PC and typed truth into topics and was fully convinced that I was helping people.I chose those that I agreed with and from that point I labeled them a true or a false. Is it me or is every man a self appointed teacher and if we rouse one another it is only of our own Goodness and not of God’s Will.Also I have seen that everyman thinks his way is the WAY... and it's mostly flesh with but a few who abide in HIM. I read through some of the topics from time to time only to be proven right. So what is this place?SI Lounge creates strife, when one view is taken in opposition of another.SI Lounge creates confusion in those who can not discern from truth half truth and folly.SI Lounge encourages those who want to be Leaders to express there opinion and not to Obey the Truth of GOD.SI Lounge feeds the solitary Christian and satisfies the need for a real community. (Church fellowship)SI Lounge is a force for good if only all were in one body, we are not in accourd. All are welcome save those branded then disposed of. Those would be prophets wag there tounges to the simple and are then shattered on the rocks to protect the simple... Those who are zealous and shout are shouted down, those who are week are mowed over and those who love to give long liturgies about there point of view are applauded and nest in it.I Love the Downloads here, but how can anyone hope to learn anything with so many would be teachers buying for the Ignorant EAR in the Lounge?I to can encourage you, I encourage you to not to seek to teach others but to be a student to the only Teacher.I will also say that every Good intention that is not of GOD is evil... even if done with the purest of motives.Why should even one of the brothers be hurt for the exaltation of but a few.Nothing can be accomplished from debate, instead I think the Lounge should be removed and only the scripture and Prayer things should be left.PS. Who's Words do you Love to hear Mans or GODS?PPS. May you strive not for the Wisdom of man but the Wisdom of the One GOD.

sermonindex Apr 14, 2005

AOW, I do not defend what I write. I just operate the keyboard. If I am not welcome here to do that, the leaders here need only say so, and I will dust off my shoes and move on. But freind, that has yet to be the case. I was deeply saddened by your comments. I do whole heartedly support your write to make them. I'm not saddened by your comments, but I am saddened by the heart that would make them. I'm asking every reader not to judge your comments, but to love you. I would that you all join me in surrounding our dear freind here with love, compassion, and prayer....especially prayer. For Jesus died for AOW just like He died for you and me. There are none righteous, no not even one. Therefore we are all in this thing together. If he is hurting, we are hurting. But I know what God can do to a heart in answer to someone's faithful prayer. I pray that His love abound toward AOW, and that the joy and rest of Christ Jesus camp at the door of his heart, in Jesus' name, amen.

sermonindex Apr 14, 2005

Agesofwar wrote:Nothing can be accomplished from debate, instead I think the Lounge should be removed and only the scripture and Prayer things should be left.Then it would be one boring site. I am glad the Lounge is there, it's a place to do just that, to lounge. It is the place where side issues from the bible are discussed and shared. So what if there is a little debate, or some scuffles or what have you, we are all unique in character and there is bound to be some clashes. I grew up in a household that was talkative, in that house we laughed, cried, talked, discussed, debated, yelled and complained. A household that doesn't do any of these things is one dull place to live.By these we open up to one another, by these we grow and learn who likes peanut butter and who doesn't. We can't understand why everyone can't be the same, and thank God we are not. Legalistic churches try to do that, they try to get the congregation to look the same, act the same and believe the same. And that simply won't happen by those standards. That will only come by our cooperation with the Apostolic ministry and the holy Spirit.We have no idea what a debate will accomplish. There are scores of people that visit this website, who read only and don't submit a post. They read and they gather information and they leave. We have no idea what kind of an impact it might have in thier thinking.Debates accomplish one thing and that is to convince what is right and what is wrong, it is not so much 'who' is right or 'who is wrong, it's this personal part that gets in the way.When we debate, we should not drag our personal belongings into the ring, we need only bring the truth. Many people perceived the truth differently then you or I, but they believe it is the truth. A Mormon believes strongly in what he perceived the truth to be and a Catholic is head strong in what they believe. They both see the same scripture but see it differently. Only the holy Spirit is able to discern the difference and thank God we have Him on our side. Amen?Karl 8-)

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crsschk Apr 14, 2005

Sometimes you wonder if it's worth the misconceptions...Lahry, God bless you sir, your heart cut's right through it all. Whatever urge to caution I myself may have brought for consideration is not for doing away with anything, nor to quench discussion or sharing of experience, thought, question, concern or otherwise. What else might fellowship be? If anything would encourage it.Maybe it was just a call to explore, to consider, there is just so much that can get lost in the shuffle. I may very well be off here, am speaking out of a state of .... don't have a word for it.Also do not believe that there is a tendency to mold anyone into any line of thought other than that the Lord is all in all however that gets expressed and like Karl alluded to, much of this is an outworking of the innerworking... open heart surgery, not always pretty, comfortable or delicate.Much can be misconstrued and want of explanation or clarification is always helpful. A lot of this type of verbal communication typed with fingers can mangle many a word of expression, an area I feel often that I have much experience in. The 'state' we may be in at any given time also being a reflection of what we may feel the Lord is doing within our hearts.What our brother brought forth here originally was truly edifying and encouraging and keying in on just one aspect wasn't to make it stand on it's own two legs.In everything, that Jesus may be exalted more and more.

R

Rahman Apr 14, 2005

Wow AOW,i suppose you could use the word "debate" for what we do here on the SI forum and it's true sometimes "debate" we do, and then Holy Spirit will speak thru someone like brother Lahry to pull our coat tails when we slip out of the Spirit into the flesh ... But for the most part i like to think of what we do here on SI as "reasoning", after all even God Himself invites us to sit down and reason together with Him ... When i read Paul's writings i hear God reasoning with we saints, and on Mars Hill His reasoning with the heathen ... i know in my own Christian life if Jesus had not sent the saints my way to debate/reason with me regarding His Word i certainly wouldn't be saved today from Jehovah Witness bondage, let alone know that Christ is in fact God, as well as the Holy Spirit ... With the right heart condition one can learn a great deal on the forum ...You posted;So what is this place?SI Lounge creates strife, when one view is taken in opposition of another.SI Lounge creates confusion in those who can not discern from truth half truth and folly.SI Lounge encourages those who want to be Leaders to express there opinion and not to Obey the Truth of GOD.SI Lounge feeds the solitary Christian and satisfies the need for a real community. (Church fellowship)SI Lounge is a force for good if only all were in one body, we are not in accourd. All are welcome save those branded then disposed of. Those would be prophets wag there tounges to the simple and are then shattered on the rocks to protect the simple... Those who are zealous and shout are shouted down, those who are week are mowed over and those who love to give long liturgies about there point of view are applauded and nest in it.i think this is a good "check our motives" list here, and i've copied it down as such ... But can i ask in Christ love where you fit in on your list? ... And also if SI forum is such an ungodly place why are you reading, let alone commenting here? ... Do you think that maybe Holy Spirit keep drawing you here to learn something(s) you think you already know?You also wrote;"There was a time not to long ago that I sat at my PC and typed truth into topics and was fully convinced that I was helping people.I chose those that I agreed with and from that point I labeled them a true or a false.Is it me or is every man a self appointed teacher and if we rouse one another it is only of our own Goodness and not of God’s Will.Again in the love of Jesus i ask is this one of those times (at present in your life) that you think is still "long ago"? ... Are you aware that you've just done what you've condemned? ...

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AgesofWar Apr 14, 2005

Lahry I just want to say that I was not referring to you in anyway and thanks for the Prayer as I and we all need some. PS Lahry I really Like you just so you know.Rahman Brother I am not even close to being able to say that I was not in error for what I wrote however I can not ignore the strife that is all to often presented in the Lounge even now is a example.Even the purist of intent can be misconstrue as something misguided and then misused to throw a stone at a innocent Motive.Note: I did not use names because who is to say who is who not I.Your right Rahman I do Love SI... that's why I don't like all the disarray... I do not like the strife it turns me off and calls into question the whole Lounge area.If not for the confusion it would to me(just me) be a great place to discuss issues. But how to balance the talk is beyond me,(BEYOND ME) so because of this limitation in my understanding I wrote to remove it. Is this a "Baby with the Bath water" situation thats up to you all to decide.As for me I will continue to try and Learn from some of you a truth or two and from others I will continue to Pray and still others I will have to Pray ever Harder:-P ;-)In Christ Michael

sermonindex Apr 14, 2005

lemme turn you onto a bit of Holy Scripture that I have buried in my heart, and has vastly helped me navigate this website:"While I was with you I resolved to know only Jesus Christ and Him crucified".thats it, thats the key.I've nailed (mostly) self-opinionization to the Cross.

sermonindex Apr 15, 2005

What a friend we have in Jesus, Is there trouble anywhereWe should never be discouraged... if we just take it to the Lord in prayerI was praying once in an online chat room prayer meeting. To myself I prayed, "Lord, I want to be all I can be in You". He replied ever so sweetly, "rather My son, I want to be all I can be in you!" Selah, Selah, Selah!!!God wants to be all He can be in You!!!! Will you welcome Him in, walk in obedience and see what God can do with your vessel sacraficed to Him?

sermonindex Apr 15, 2005

I love you.

sermonindex Apr 15, 2005

Neilgen, God is love. His love in us toward one another is the witness of His life within us. We all need it. Thanks for your kind words. I love you too.Christian brotherly hugs,Lahry