Christian Discussion Boards

[Guest Teri]

We all need to understand everyone is not in the same place in their walk with Christ. We are new creatures but it does not happen over night that we are suddenly new in all aspects of our beings. Always walking in the Spirit is something that we develop over our journey here. Part of what causes dissention between Christians is the expectations put on it. We also need to be careful about jumping to conclusions on how someone means something and ask before we critisize.

I'll give you an example in this thread. Idolmasher said people are intolerant. I said I love being called intolerant. My first thought when I read that was that it is a coined word used by pro-choice, homosexuals, wiccans, etc. So I said it the way I did because I am intolerant of all things against God. The Holy Spirit which resides within me is repulsed by these things. Then others used the word pride with that word intolerance. I read it all, thought about it and couldn't figure out if it was directed at my post or not because when I say I'm intolerant I mean with joy not pride. We should not have tolerance for things against God, but we do need to know that we need grace supplied by the Holy Spirit to address the issues we feel intolerant of. The feelings of intolerance are what taught me the difference between what was acceptable to God and what was not. If the moderators on this board tolerated the teachings of all other kinds of belief systems we would be in a mess here. I am happy they are intolerant of this and christians new, mature and seeking can come here without weeding through all the garbage to find some truth.

Wow I remember when I was first Babtized in the Spirit, it was wonderful but things I never even noticed before grated on my nerves. Swearing, peoples opinions on unGodly things, all sorts of things. Some things I was very repulsed by like abortion and such. It took time and patience and alot of messing up for the Holy Spirit to teach me how to conduct myself properly in my new skin. And even with that I still jump out there in my flesh and insert my foot in my mouth. What I'm trying to say is we need to put off the expectations of others and consider some are on the road to Damascus and some are wrestling with the angel at the Jordan. We can take Christ's example of tolerance. The Pharisee's knew the scripture's inside and out and were considered teachers of Gods word. For them Christ had no tolerance for their hypocrisy. But the little guy who knew no scripture or little or had been taught falsely all his life he had great compassion and love for. I guess we just have to be more discerning of the differences.

In Yeshua's love

Teri

[OneAccord]

Sometimes I think our brother Kiefer has the right idea!!!

He manages to stay out of ALL the controversies!

[JesusisGod2]

Amen Teri,

Thanks for sharing that, you are right in that we should have intolerance for sin, especially in our own lives.

Its our reactions to this intolerance that need to be seasoned with love toward others.

Stand firm sister.

In Jesus

Kevin

[Guest yod]

Ah..such a good topic. In the words of the prophet Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along"?

Intolerance is close to being correct...but intolerance of what? Like Teri...that buzzword always starts suspicion in me because the only people I ever hear use it are intolerant of a conservative christian viewpoint themselves.

No, it's deeper than that.

It's insecurity in who we are. Ignorance of who we represent.

If we see a debate (or arguement) that challenges our perspective we can choose to;

1. be offended

2. re-examine our perspective

3. ignore it

If we choose option #1 we will likely reply without any grace whatsoever. If we choose option #2 we will come to a conclusion and reply with a reasoned response (positive or negative). We should allow for the possibility that another person's opinion does not necessarily invalidate our own just because it is different. For instance, there are at least 7 different views on the rapture so I don't hold it against someone for having the wrong one (whatever that is!). We all have the right to be wrong until proven otherwise. Once someone has been presented with obvious truth and rejects it, the discussion should just be over. I think this is where we fail in our witness by continuing to try when it is clear that reasoning won't work with such a person.

But even option #2 could be done without understanding that ultimately NONE OF THIS is about us.

When someone hates the Truth, they will hate the messenger of Truth....but that is not solely ours to defend. I like what Michael the Archangel said to Satan when defending the body of Moses. "The Lord rebuke you"

This powerful angel understood that the battle belongs to the LORD and he was just a soldier. Yes, we must stand our ground when contending for the faith but being right isn't the same thing as being righteous.

Truth without love is EXTREMELY brutal.

I find myself locked in a struggle with one brother here. We would probably be good friends except for one topic. On this particular topic I think his position is inconsistant with biblical mandate...and that his position only worsens the bloodshed of many innocent people on both sides of this debate.

I am passionately involved in this subject so it's hard for me to take a "hands off" approach to a discussion.

I honestly don't understand how someone can read the Bible and come to those conclusions so I have concluded that he's forming his opinion on another basis. If there weren't people dying this wouldn't bother me nearly as much.

THIS is what drives me crazy. If we let anything but the Truth be our foundation then we will have division...and I will be intolerant of anything less that the truth. Can I do that with grace? That is the real question that Tallitot is getting at. The answer is to remember that we are called to be witnesses...not Judge, jury, or prosecutor. I have failed in that regard more often than I would like to admit....but I think my brother has forgiven me even though we are still polar opposites.

Btw..I think I would make a good cop!~ I could whack them over the head and bring them to jail where the Judge could decide! hehehehee

The Peace Police!

[Matthitjah]

Grace to you all in Jesus Christ,

This is not a game and G-d takes it very seriously.

I know it is just the internet. Yet G-d does reside here. I can tell you as a moderator that Spiritual battle does go on here. I have to prepare extensively for it.

I had no idea when I was just posting how the enemy uses us and others.

As Wisdom has said earlier when we allow it. The enemy comes rushing in. I have witnessed it. When we brethren strife. This makes a hole and the enemy thrusts in. We are equipped with offensive armour only. A sword , breastplate, shodden feet ,helmet, etc... All used in forward motion. If we turn back or left or right our flank is exposed or our sides exposed. Thus allowing an attack that might and many times does pierce thru. We haven't seen what was coming and not been on offense. Like a watchman asleep. Or like Peter concerned about the others while we were to be doing what He told us to do and not fishing watching over them whem G-d is provident

Often we are concerned , like Peter, with what John is doing. When Christ has said don't worry about him "Feed my sheep!""Focus on me!" In other words move forward take ground look not sideways nor left or right. Focus on Christ not the wind or waves.

We are also here to fellow. We are a family. The family of G-d. I treat my own son with respect. My dad for that matter and he is not saved. The people unsaved that I work with I have more patience with. Yet I would come here and savage my ETERNAL brethren?

You can spend a lifetime trying to find the perfect board to fellow on. The perfect little church to fellow in. G-d is building His Church not your fantasy! He builds it up in the hopes that you can learn to Love real people just like you and me. Yes we value our opinion! Don't we all?

G-d desires that you Love real people just like He does. You may not agree with someones opinion. Ideally people would fit all our preconceived notions of what a Christian is. Only G-d knows for sure. It is a body built up of Love. Love for imperfect sinners, just as G-d has seen fit to do. In my humble opinion that is.

Again this is not a game. Don't play it like it is, please. The Lord uses all kinds to further His very Glory.

Before I was asked to be a Moderator here. The Lord said to me. "George is gonna ask you to do something." "Don't say no! It will help you to grow."

Now what was it I didn't know? When asked I knew immediately. I didn't really want to do this. Yet I am obedient. I felt like I wanted to give something back to the Lord to His very board. The board where I grew sooo much. My service here is not by my choice. How long will it run? I don't know? I am at His service. I strive to serve His Glory. I told george I don't know enough. he said don't worry G-d is provident .That very week my Pastor was preaching on Paul knowing Christ and Him crucified. That was sufficient! His grace is sufficient!

i want to add one more thing.

Are you a member here or an attender?

Attenders are spectators and consumers!

Members get involved. Members contribute to the body of Christ!

Attenders want the benefits without the responsibility that comes along with that. Like people living together without commiting to marriage.

Members are Wed and thus take on the responsibilty that comes with the covenant.

Sorry if that is harsh . It came to light today in my study and preparation for coming here.

Christian life is more than just commitment to Christ. It is living it out thru fellowship . It is saying today G-d I want to Love you, More than that I want to love how you Love. Lord thank you for another day to pour it out. Not only to my brethren but also to the great commision.

Peace,

Dave

[Guest yod]

--And it is amazing just how few people there are (Christian and non-Christian) who know how to properly debate an issue.

SO YOU WANNA DEBATE HUH???-WERE READY ARE YOU????

you are such a nut!

That is why I love you!

[Guest dove2]

I have to admit that I am among the worst of the lot when it comes to debating something that I know to be an untruth. I think that I am saying things in love and they don't always come out like I mean them. I can not stand it when Jesus' truth is not brought forth. I know love is the main point in bringing Jesus' truth forth and I fail miserably in that area. I do apologize for anyone that I have put down or hurt. I do get into heated arguments. What is so frustrating is that one of the threads I have posted in so much keeps going on and on and when deleted pops back up in another form. It gets old after a while and the truth is told. I decided the last time the thread came back up to ignore it. This time I just could not rehash anymore. And then I found this thread. It is exactly what I needed because it told me what I had just done in another thread was the right thing to do.

Thank you Tallitot for starting this thread and welcome to the board.

I thank the rest of you with your Godly answers for helping me know that I made the right decision.

[JesusisGod2]

Dove -- You have been nothing but respectful and kind even when disagreeing with someone. Heck -- we've disagreed and you were more than civil to me. I can only aspire to be as gentle as youwhen stating my beliefs and or opinions.

Dr. Luke --- As always you add something eloquent and soothing to the table.

Bless you both!

Here, Here

[Guest yod]

Dove -- You have been nothing but respectful and kind even when disagreeing with someone.  Heck -- we've disagreed and you were more than civil to me. I can only aspire to be as gentle as youwhen stating my beliefs and or opinions.

Dr. Luke --- As always you add something eloquent and soothing to the table. 

Bless you both!

Here, Here

and I "third" that sentiment!

Your nicname "Dove" is quite apt.

[nebula]

I think it's just human nature to fight your point of view tooth and nail.