Christian Discussion Boards

[angels4u]

How true: Intolerance and may I add pride?

So often we think WE are right, but are we always right?

Its not always easy to be humble and to esteem the other higher then ourself, but remember Jesus accept us the way we are...but He will correct us when we do something wrong, Gods people are suppose to help each other and tell them in love when they see a brother/sister living in sin, but do we want to be corrected by another brother/sister?

That's why I think PRIDE plays a big part in this.

[Matthitjah]

Faith, Hope, and LOVE!

The greatest of these is LOVE!

Peace,

Dave

[WISDOM]

I just did a quick survey of several Christian discussion boards. To my dismay, I was overwhelmed at the number of boards in which members were arguing about trivial issues.

One board had a fight going over whether or not Charles Stanely should step down as pastor of FBC of Atlanta should step down as pastor of FBC of Atlanta due to his wife having left him. Another board was arguing the sexual preferencesdue to his wife having left him. Another board was arguing the sexual preferences of Michael Jackson and whether or not his career was over. Several boards were fighting over doctrinal issues and political issues (and they were doing it with a very non-Christian attitude.)

My question is, "Why do people who call themselves by the name of Christ act in such a deplorable manner?". Is it not possible to discuss issues without attacking the one making the post?

Is there any merit to being involved in threads that become overheated and how do you feel those volatile threads reflect on Christian boards?

Let me first commend YOU for laying out in the open a question that all too often is evaded by many Christians. With that said, I welcome you to WorthyBoard!

Many of the responses I've read on this thread are right on target, however, I'd like to add a little more. There is a time to argue/debate (Jude 3-4) and a time to "walk away" (Proverb 16:18).

One can learn from a heated discussion, if he/she will allow the HOLY SPIRIT to teach. All too often we miss the fact that WE may actually be the "subject" AND NOT the subject we're discussing/debating with others. In many of these moments our FATHER may be showing us our individual shortcomings such as pride, anger, deceit, a religious Pharisee-type attitude, etc.

It is at these times we need to step back and take a look at ourself rather than continue in the manner we are. Pride caused the Enemy and his demonic horde their residency in Heaven. George, Tim (a previous Worthy Moderator) and myself (a previous Worthy Moderator) were on a Board (Jack Van Impe) several years ago (prior to George establishing WorthyBoard) that was so full of Christian knowledge and wisdom that it was incredible.

GOD had blessed that Board with a wealth of spiritual talent and many were coming to the LORD through it. Many also were growing in the Word on it. It was one of the best Christian discussion boards I'd ever seen. Then selfish pride came into it strongly in the form of out-of-control arguing/debating over TRIVIAL MATTERS. This in turn allowed the Enemy to establish a stronghold, and opened the door for satanists, cultists and witches to launch a full scale attack eventually causing the shutdown of the Board. The "ALLOWED" immature, self-prideful attitudes of a few, and weak Moderating allowed Satan to do what he does best (John 10:10a).

Selfish pride is usually at the core of many such heated debates that get out of control. If the Christian would take a step back and take a close look at what is being said (is it encouraging....is it edifying??) and yield to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT, he/she would find that GOD will help them to get back on track. None of us are exempt from this happening to us. I've had it happen to me several times in my Christian walk, and sadly I've failed on many occasions. But now I've learned from my past burns and realize my FATHER allowed such actions in order to mature me for better use in the Body. There is nothing like the Peace of GOD enveloping you during such times. You learn that it's ok to be wrong, and that the world won't end because of it! *smile*

The flip side is to contend for the Faith. I don't disagree with discussions/debates against false teachings/cults, ONLY how they're handled. Many wolves in sheep's clothing find their way onto Christian discussion boards with the apparent intent/ability to poison the water, so to speak (2 Peter 2:1-22). I believe under these circumstances a true blood bought Believer should fight the good fight of Faith and contend for it. Our FATHER has commanded us to (1 Peter 3:15-17). Granted, there are some who have come on this Board under one of those banners, who was sincerely looking for the Truth of the Gospel. Give this person every chance, but if they have made it clear to you that all they're REALLY looking for is an old fashion verbal fight, you should lift the matter up in prayer, shake the dust off your feet and move on IF the SPIRIT leads you to do so. (Proverbs 14:6-7)

We are blessed to have skillful Moderators on this Board, who are yielded to our FATHER's guidance and ensure the truth of the Word isn't impugned upon behind trivial thinking/actions. They are doing a super job and we need to continue to support them in order to keep this Board the way it is!

[Matthitjah]

Wisdom Bless you,

Then selfish pride came into it strongly in the form of out-of-control arguing/debating over TRIVIAL MATTERS. This in turn allowed the Enemy to establish a stronghold, and opened the door for satanists annd witches to launch a full scale attack eventually causing the shutdown of the Board. The immature, self-prideful attitudes of a few, and weak Moderating allowed Satan to do what he does best (John 10:10a).

Pray for me brethren! I have been battling just that.

Wisdom this is a fitting alias for you brother. Brother whenever I am in doubt here I will look back at these words.

I do not desire to fail my Lord.

Get it people when your blessed opinion is more sacred than Christ . We come under assault. This we have seen much of lately.

Don't allow the enemy the foothold it seeks. We are G-ds people and cannot lose. Unless we allow it.

Peace,

Dave

[WISDOM]

Wisdom Bless you,

Then selfish pride came into it strongly in the form of out-of-control arguing/debating over TRIVIAL MATTERS. This in turn allowed the Enemy to establish a stronghold, and opened the door for satanists annd witches to launch a full scale attack eventually causing the shutdown of the Board. The immature, self-prideful attitudes of a few, and weak Moderating allowed Satan to do what he does best (John 10:10a).

Pray for me brethren! I have been battling just that.

Wisdom this is a fitting alias for you brother. Brother whenever I am in doubt here I will look back at these words.

I do not desire to fail my Lord.

Get it people when your blessed opinion is more sacred than Christ . We come under assault. This we have seen much of lately.

Don't allow the enemy the foothold it seeks. We are G-ds people and cannot lose. Unless we allow it.

Peace,

Dave

Dave:

Stand your ground and have no fear. Our FATHER has shown YOU HIS favor! Nothing and no one on (or off) this Board can come against you.

Speaking for self, I totally support the job you've been doing and stand behind your efforts 150%! You will always have my endorsement, bruh...*smile*

Don't allow the Enemy to fester doubt in your thoughts. Our LORD appointed you to the position you're in because HE knew you had what it took to do the job and you've left no doubt in the decision. Just DON'T go looking at yourself in a manmade mirror. Use the "mirror" called HIS Word. Don't give in to the "voices" of doubt/unbelief. The KING is NEVER wrong!

Trust the "COMFORTER"....HE will NEVER fail you!!

[OneAccord]

One word, and I wouldn't be surprised if it causes an argument! What's the word? Intolerance!!!

I would have to second Idolsmasher on this one. And not only are Christians intolerant, but they take pride in being intolerant.

[WISDOM]

I'm one of the worst about getting sucked into an online battle of wits. Recently thought I've made an assertive effort to read and re-read my posts until I'm sure they come across showing respect to the opinions and beliefs due to the others. In some cases I've learned that it's not even worth the trouble to reply sometimes because my beliefs go against the grain of the majority and I know for a fact that my opinion will be completely disregarded. I've deleted more posts as soon as I write them than those I've left in tact in most recent past.

I am very guilty of speaking before I think and while I apologize for it I will also let everyone know I'm working on that.

God Bless everyone!

River:

I stand with you in prayer on your efforts! *smile*

When thinking about yourself and the impact you will have on the Board and fellow Believers, just try to remember what our FATHER said in 2 Chronicles 7:14, and apply it to WorthyBoard.

You're truly on the right track and I commend you on the honesty of your post!!

*Proverbs 1:5

[JesusisGod2]

Amen Wisdom,

Hey Doc, Whats up? You are doing a great job brother, and I know I am one who at times dont think before I post.

If you see this, dont be afraid to PM or openly rebuke me, my flesh may not like it, but my spirit will be grateful.

As Wisdom has pointed Out, there are some great moderators on these boards, God-man, George I commend you for your patience and tact.

And River my Brother, I have yet to hear an unfit word come out of your mouth, err fingers, God bless you.

And tallitot-- great thread and one we all need to look within and ponder and Welcome to Worthy Boards -- we are always in need of ones who project such wisdom.

God Bless

In Jesus

Kevin

[Guest Tallitot]

Thanks for all of the really great answers, guys!

I remember years ago I used to post on another board that belongs to a "big name preacher" from Louisiana. Several members of that board were like vultures waiting to pounce on their prey. I recall the words "intolerant" and "selfish pride" being used to discribe their behavior by other members.

Things got so unbearable that I eventually left the board. It wasn't so much that my opinions were being challenged, but the spirit of the board was grossly uncomfortable. Instead of a "church atmosphere" it seemed more like a "bar room brawl".

Looking back in retrospect, I think the main reason I left was because I became disallusioned with my preconceived notion of a "church atmosphere". Rather than "feeling the Spirit", I was feeling human emotions. I was described by the "vultures" as being too "fuzzy wuzzy" and too sensitive. That's true. I am a fuzzy wuzzy sensitive type. That's how God made me and I try to use that as a strength, rather than a weakness.

Reading some of your posts makes me wonder how much I was intolerant and prideful. It's always easier to point the finger instead of looking within ourselves for the root of a problem. Maybe my "fuzzy wuzzy" is a weakness??? Or maybe I need to find the fine balance of "fuzzy wuzzy" and tolerance? Hummmmmmm... it makes me wonder.

[traveller]

Reading some of your posts makes me wonder how much I was intolerant and prideful. It's always easier to point the finger instead of looking within ourselves for the root of a problem. Maybe my "fuzzy wuzzy" is a weakness??? Or maybe I need to find the fine balance of "fuzzy wuzzy" and tolerance? Hummmmmmm... it makes me wonder.

Ah - the sign of a mature Christian, when he can look inside himself first, to take the beam out of his own eye... WELCOME to the boards Tallitot!!