|
Post by tomah on Apr 14, 2006 4:23:52 GMT -5
Just wondering if any of you have noticed the decline, not only in the moral level of conversation, but the amount of edifying threads AND the input from some of the most godly contributors to this board?? I would like to share with you all that I avoid certain threads because I am afraid of what I might read. I have still been posting on other threads though, but I think there are a few good brothers who have left, or at least they are neglecting the board because of the perpetual posts that are full of perversion. In with the ungodly and out with the godly...not a desireable effect I would imagine. Maybe I'm missing the bigger picture though
|
|
|
Post by Ton on Apr 14, 2006 8:59:18 GMT -5
Hi Bro....I understand what you are saying. It's good to have a place to discuss Godly things without having the world creep in.
On the other hand, I find those threads that you are talking about very edifying. Nothing builds me up more than to see a open dialoge with the unsaved carried on in a loving (usually) manner. I assume that they found this message board on their own and weren't dragged here by any of the members. I am going to assume that this is a divine appointment and praise God that they are here.
|
|
|
Post by Tony Holland on Apr 14, 2006 8:59:37 GMT -5
Hi Bro....I understand what you are saying. It's good to have a place to discuss Godly things without having the world creep in.
On the other hand, I find those threads that you are talking about very edifying. Nothing builds me up more than to see a open dialoge with the unsaved carried on in a loving (usually) manner. I assume that they found this message board on their own and weren't dragged here by any of the members. I am going to assume that this is a divine appointment and praise God that they are here.
|
|
|
Post by Rodgers on Apr 14, 2006 9:50:36 GMT -5
I posted a thread that was meant to bring encouragement to the brethren and no one responded. Not that a response is necessary if you were encouraged, but it seems people do generally seem to only respond to the outlandish posts that can be argued against. Or at least the posts in which words can be argued over. Here is my post again. I hope it causes people to think and become closer to God.
Romans 5 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God
Is this our hope as Christians? Or do we merely claim Christ for our own end. Anyone who does not hope in the glory of God will not be part of the eternal Kingdom; of this we can be assured. To claim Christ for your own end is in affect not claim Christ at all. A person may claim Christ with their words or even actions. But to be able to claim Christ as our advocate on that Great and Terrible day of judgment we must claim Him in our hearts, thoughts, motives and intentions. For ones outward deeds may be “righteous” but if their motives or intentions are not, they are not righteous. Do we claim Christ so that we may be saved from hell, or do we claim Christ to uphold the integrity of God and His Law? I say we must do the latter to truly belong to Christ. God has invested a lot in the human race by sending his Son to make Atonement for a sinful human race. He did this to preserve the integrity of His eternal Kingdom. Do we wish to bring glory to God by appealing to his mercy and upholding His Law? Or do we wish to bring glory to ourselves for conforming to the world’s standards of right and wrong?
|
|
|
Post by Evan on Apr 14, 2006 12:09:52 GMT -5
Armen, I thoroughly enjoyed our thread on baptism. I liked that one because it was me and you, no perverts and damned presons felt interested I guess.
|
|
|
Post by drsocc on Apr 14, 2006 14:21:46 GMT -5
Circle jerk, guys! Most of the members of this board post like they are better than the rest of the world. Some people here got way too much pride.
|
|
|
Post by evanschaible on Apr 14, 2006 18:10:57 GMT -5
I do apologize for that comment, I cant stand fowl language and grotesque pictures of sodomites though.
|
|
|
Post by Jules on Apr 14, 2006 18:54:45 GMT -5
Armen, I agree. Some godly brothers left in the wake (and some before) the whole GNN fiasco. Some have returned and for that I praise God, but there certainly is some worldliness on the board more than ever, and instead of US resisting and standing firm, it appears than in some cases the sin has carried over to the flock. It is expected I suppose when wolves arrive. Thankfully, the Great Shepherd will protect this flock, and our earthly shepherds (Jese, Miles, Jeff) as well as some "elders" on this board will as well. I have faith God will clean house soon enough! Thanks to you and other godly me on here - KEEP POSTING IN THE SPIRIT! I thank God for all of you guys.
|
|
|
Post by victorialewis on Apr 14, 2006 20:08:02 GMT -5
I personally want to apologize to the people on this board...I am ashamed to say it, but on a few of my posts I have not spoken wisely. It reminds me of the occasions when we get together with lost family members, and I find myself slipping into behaviours that I thought were long gone...it is not an excuse, and I am purposing to leave foolish talk behind. I just think of every idle word I have spoken, and having to give an account on Judgment Day.
I now look for threads where edification and encouragement take place. I do appreciate all of my brothers and sisters who have lovingly taken the time and effort to witness to the lost who have joined this mb. Praise God!
|
|
|
Post by Miles Lewis on Apr 14, 2006 22:27:40 GMT -5
I too agree that The Great Shepherd will protect this flock IF we hold fast and give diligence. As far as Jesse, Jeff, or myself being a shepherd of this flock, I would have to respectfully decline. While I love and indeed do care for everyone who joins in the discussions here on this message board, I cannot take on the enormous responsibilty of being one who looks over your soul. I am awaiting a more stricter judgment as it is being a teacher and preacher to the world. I am the least of all men and I am still somewhat young in the faith compared to probably many of you on these boards. I would hope to live as an example for others to follow but a pastor I am not. We are just preachers, we are just moderators on a discussion board, we are just nobodies telling everybody about somebody who can save anybody. I would really encourage everyone on these boards to be in fellowship and under the authority of a godly pastor to be accountable to. While we here are brothers and sisters in the Lord, let us all hold each other accountable to one another still.
Please, please, if I fall into this category and anyone sees something in me that is a flaw, I ask that you would hold me accountable. Sin is deceitful and sometimes it takes wisdom to point out blind spots. Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Finally brethren, let brotherly love continue. I love you all and I thank God for you sincerely. In desperate times like these, in this crisis hour, we need to stand firm on the truth, edify one another, and fight the good fight of faith. After having done all to stand, stand.
Earnestly contending,
Miles
|
|
|
Post by Jules on Apr 15, 2006 13:58:55 GMT -5
I too agree that The Great Shepherd will protect this flock IF we hold fast and give diligence. As far as Jesse, Jeff, or myself being a shepherd of this flock, I would have to respectfully decline. While I love and indeed do care for everyone who joins in the discussions here on this message board, I cannot take on the enormous responsibilty of being one who looks over your soul. I am awaiting a more stricter judgment as it is being a teacher and preacher to the world. I am the least of all men and I am still somewhat young in the faith compared to probably many of you on these boards. I would hope to live as an example for others to follow but a pastor I am not. We are just preachers, we are just moderators on a discussion board, we are just nobodies telling everybody about somebody who can save anybody. Please, please, if I fall into this category and anyone sees something in me that is a flaw, I ask that you would hold me accountable. Sin is deceitful and sometimes it takes wisdom to point out blind spots. Open rebuke is better than secret love.Finally brethren, let brotherly love continue. I love you all and I thank God for you sincerely. In desperate times like these, in this crisis hour, we need to stand firm on the truth, edify one another, and fight the good fight of faith. After having done all to stand, stand. Earnestly contending, Miles Miles, I didn't really mean your role as pastors, I should have clarified, I simply meant overseeing this BOARD, not our souls. But thanks for you clarifying for me so others would not be confused. You guys have a mighty calling and for that I am grateful. Keep fighting, enduring in faith, and thank you for your willingness to be corrected if necessary, although I doubt it would ever come to that. The Holy Spirit does a pretty good job of that Himself, I pray it never comes to "open" sin for any of us. If that makes sense.
|
|
|
Post by darcfollowingjesus on Apr 22, 2006 17:25:01 GMT -5
I too agree that The Great Shepherd will protect this flock IF we hold fast and give diligence. As far as Jesse, Jeff, or myself being a shepherd of this flock, I would have to respectfully decline. While I love and indeed do care for everyone who joins in the discussions here on this message board, I cannot take on the enormous responsibilty of being one who looks over your soul. I am awaiting a more stricter judgment as it is being a teacher and preacher to the world. I am the least of all men and I am still somewhat young in the faith compared to probably many of you on these boards. I would hope to live as an example for others to follow but a pastor I am not. We are just preachers, we are just moderators on a discussion board, we are just nobodies telling everybody about somebody who can save anybody. Please, please, if I fall into this category and anyone sees something in me that is a flaw, I ask that you would hold me accountable. Sin is deceitful and sometimes it takes wisdom to point out blind spots. Open rebuke is better than secret love.Finally brethren, let brotherly love continue. I love you all and I thank God for you sincerely. In desperate times like these, in this crisis hour, we need to stand firm on the truth, edify one another, and fight the good fight of faith. After having done all to stand, stand. Earnestly contending, Miles Miles, I didn't really mean your role as pastors, I should have clarified, I simply meant overseeing this BOARD, not our souls. But thanks for you clarifying for me so others would not be confused. You guys have a mighty calling and for that I am grateful. Keep fighting, enduring in faith, and thank you for your willingness to be corrected if necessary, although I doubt it would ever come to that. The Holy Spirit does a pretty good job of that Himself, I pray it never comes to "open" sin for any of us. If that makes sense. Miles and Jules I want to thank God and you both for your godly behavior and example. These truly are very wicked and dangerous times we live in! Satan is doing all he can to try and make some of our brothers and sisters chose to fall away and begin following him. But as long as we "hold firmly to the word I preached to you" (1Cor15:2) then we will receive that which we are currently putting our hope in and faith in. Miles the Lord has laid you and Jesse on my heart to continually lift up in prayer. Knowing how you are on the front lines I pray the Lord's providence would be upon you both. Brother Miles and sister Jules may the Lord surround you with His favor as with a sheild. (Psalm5:12) And I say that to all who following Christ Jesus right now. Hold on firmly to Him to the end.
|
|