Since I just started coming on here last week, I hope no one thinks I'm out of line, but, I have noticed that there are a lot of topics on denominational 'pet' doctrines that, when it is all said and done, aren't crucial or cardinal to our salvation. I know to some , some of them are, but, that's a difference in emphasis. Sometimes these issues can become divisive rather than building up.I commented on many , as a matter of clarification, and to let others know where I stand. When it becomes divisive is when, in spite of the apparent fact that most are not going to be changed by anothers views, we, sometimes continue to bat them back and forth for no real reason than to push our views. I am not singling out anyone or any one issue, just asking that there be more devoted to the encouragement and counsel to those hat maybe are weak, have uncertainties, doubts, fears, besetting sins, or whatever. If there were ever a place that a man should feel safe ,it should be in the prescence of believers. We wonder why, sometimes that people are turned off, and one of the reasons is this need to be right to the point of being offensive. Don't get me wrong, I understand the need for making a stand, for having a dogmatic approach--but that applies to supreme issues such as the Deity of Christ, and salvation by faith, etc.. There are places where there is no room for budging, but there is also a place for tolerance(tolerance in the right sense, not the new version of tolerance today), patience and bearing with one another. I have , in my short duration, already made friends and found some very caring people here--but then I know how to read between the lines! I just hope to see more emphasis on healing, rather than division, and unity in spite of our differences.
Amen..
I almost forgot. Here is another brother who knows how to correct in love. He also saved me a few post ago.through PMsThanks again and i whole heartedly agree with this post as well.
Chuck
Manuman--you should've been here a few months ago!! We have had some real arguments on this board and many of those got started by non-believers!
I agree with your assessment that when it becomes apparent that neither side is going to change their mind, the argument then may become more divisive than beneficial. However, I wouldn't want to see posts where every response is "I agree." That would be boring.
I have developed friendships with a number of the regulars here and we can disagree on some issues and still not tarnish our friendship. So far, from what I've read, you and I agree on most issues. But if we find an issue to debate, don't get upset if I defend my viewpoint passionately!
__________________
Today' s small bucks are tomorrow' s trophies.
[image]http://www.whitetails.com/deer8.html[image]
No Dave, I wouldn't get upset--I would tear you to shreds!JK, of course. I recognize the need for debate, and even disagreeing, but, sometimes the process of going on and on, and then saying the same things repeatedly--becomes pointless.I certainly don't begrudge another view or disagreement, just the argument for the sake of argument. We all need to be able to defend our positions to the believer and unbeliever alike, but the spirit in which it is done, and the motive is key.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the need for making a stand, for having a dogmatic approach--but that applies to supreme issues such as the Deity of Christ, and salvation by faith, etc..
Amen bro., I'm totally in agreement with you!! RH
__________________
Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
great post manuman, i have felt/wondered some of the same feelings you expressed, i don't mind having my toes "stepped on" (dont jump up and down on em though[:-])if you can guide me in a direction i need to go, i always go to "THE SOURCE" for the final word anyway, but one of my favorite things to do is read, this guy i work with will always ask "what are you reading now", i love to see all the different views, i cannot comment on a lot of them because of my ignorance of the subject but you can bet if you post it, i'll read and investigate it.
thank you all, God bless you all, keith
__________________
John 3:16
things are more like right now than they've ever been
It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.
William James
I'm not real good at diplomacy. I can be diplomatic, but it feels really phoney to me. Hey . . .if your house burns down, I'll give you a bed. If your hungry, I'll feed you. If you or your kid is sick, I'll seek God for you. But I'm only comfortable with my words being direct and to the point. I believe in forgiving but I don't believe in being a doormat. It's one thing to debate using scripture and its another to debate with unnecessary rudeness. I have very few misgivings for anything I have said on here, as I feel that in every aspect of our lives spiritual warfare is being waged.
I've met a lot of really good folks on here . . .good God loving folk of several denominations. I also see a lot of self serving folks and folks intent on ridiculing or just plain anti Christ.There are some that don't read their bible or go to church, and some that are just plain in the dark, and some believing a lie. I guess I consider myself in a brotherhood within the brotherhood that you folks try to have. I'm getting pretty good at ignoring some, I guess because I have said my piece. I don't carry any hard feelings toward anyone . .anywhere, however, it is not a goal of mine to be favored by folks.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
A Comment
! I just hope to see more emphasis on healing, rather than division, and unity in spite of our differences.
JK, of course. I recognize the need for debate, and even disagreeing, but, sometimes the process of going on and on, and then saying the same things repeatedly--becomes pointless.I certainly don't begrudge another view or disagreement, just the argument for the sake of argument. We all need to be able to defend our positions to the believer and unbeliever alike, but the spirit in which it is done, and the motive is key.
