We have a problem, whenever we look at a fellow Christian and think...

[Seeking-Christ]

I've had some interesting experiences with fellow Christians. Sadly there are some Christians in this life that I don't like. I realize that there is something wrong when I meet someone who calls themselves a Christian, and yet I can not imagine spending eternity with them Heaven. If they were in Heaven with me, Heaven would be turned into Hell! When Jesus said, Love your enemies, I don't think He meant love your fellow Christian as if they were your enemy. It's not my job to judge who is and who isn't really saved. But when Christians go around trolling or looking for confrontation, I haft to wonder, if that person is really saved or not.

 

[Live4Him3]

The Bible has plenty to say about such things as "false apostles", "false prophets", "false teachers", "false brethren", and "wolves in sheep's clothing". During his own incarnation, Jesus' main opponents were the likes of the chief priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes, and the lawyers (those who handled God's law), or what we might rightly call the religious establishment, so we shouldn't really be surprised if/when we encounter the same type of opposition ourselves.

When facing said opposition, we must follow Christ's example:

I Peter chapter 2

[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

When facing opposition, especially from those who claim to be "Christians", your best bet is to simply look up and get God's assessment of the situation because he always judges righteously. If God's assessment is that the things that others are saying about you is true, then humbly repent and seek reconciliation with the offended party. If, however, God's assessment is that the things that others are saying about you is not true, then just pray for your false accusers and move on.

There are a lot of people in this world, including right here on this very website, who are much more concerned about their own reputations than they are about God or doing what is right in his eyes. In other words, they're after the praises of men instead of the praise of God.

Anyhow, the real underlying issue is always PRIDE because it is only by pride that contention comes. Just stay humble yourself, and you'll be fine in the end.

 

[Runningman]

I've had some interesting experiences with fellow Christians. Sadly there are some Christians in this life that I don't like. I realize that there is something wrong when I meet someone who calls themselves a Christian, and yet I can not imagine spending eternity with them Heaven. If they were in Heaven with me, Heaven would be turned into Hell! When Jesus said, Love your enemies, I don't think He meant love your fellow Christian as if they were your enemy. It's not my job to judge who is and who isn't really saved. But when Christians go around trolling or looking for confrontation, I haft to wonder, if that person is really saved or not.

In my humble opinion, it’s entirely possible to be enemies with fellow believers. Obviously that’s not the preferred relationship with other believers, but it’s possibly the unavoidable reality.

I have enemies right here on this very website who say they’re Christian. I believe they are Christians, but they’ve become enemies with me. When or if they decide to ask for my forgiveness I’ll forgive them, but if not I’ll never forgive them. I have no problem not forgiving someone who won’t repent. This doesn’t mean I’m angry, holding a grudge, or I hate them. I don’t lose any sleep and I’m happy, but they’re unforgiven.

Some people just are unpleasant to be around. Doesn’t mean they aren’t saved. Some people just have bad personalities.

Hopefully, whatever the afterlife is like, we can avoid some people like the plague. Or maybe we’ll be changed somehow and automatically be made perfect?

 

[Eli1]

I've had some interesting experiences with fellow Christians. Sadly there are some Christians in this life that I don't like. I realize that there is something wrong when I meet someone who calls themselves a Christian, and yet I can not imagine spending eternity with them Heaven. If they were in Heaven with me, Heaven would be turned into Hell! When Jesus said, Love your enemies, I don't think He meant love your fellow Christian as if they were your enemy. It's not my job to judge who is and who isn't really saved. But when Christians go around trolling or looking for confrontation, I haft to wonder, if that person is really saved or not.

First of all Heaven may not be what we think would be like. With earthly ideas and such.
Second, when dealing with hard hearts, Jesus said to ”dust the dust off your shoes and move on”
Third the topic of being saved is a mystery so live your life one moment at a time with God in your heart and that’s the best approach when dealing with the sins and tragedies or the world as well as our own sins.

 

[joecoten]

Some of these people may not be truly saved, but I think many are spiritually immature. Not that I've arrived. I see it as there are believers and there are disciples. There are so many different teachings out there.
After nearly 2 years of doing combat online, I've decided that I'll do my best to put forth what I believe, but I'm not going to argue anymore. We'll see how that goes.

The Bible has plenty to say about such things as "false apostles", "false prophets", "false teachers", "false brethren", and "wolves in sheep's clothing". During his own incarnation, Jesus' main opponents were the likes of the chief priests, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the scribes, and the lawyers (those who handled God's law), or what we might rightly call the religious establishment, so we shouldn't really be surprised if/when we encounter the same type of opposition ourselves.

When facing said opposition, we must follow Christ's example:

I Peter chapter 2

[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
[20] For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
[23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

When facing opposition, especially from those who claim to be "Christians", your best bet is to simply look up and get God's assessment of the situation because he always judges righteously. If God's assessment is that the things that others are saying about you is true, then humbly repent and seek reconciliation with the offended party. If, however, God's assessment is that the things that others are saying about you is not true, then just pray for your false accusers and move on.

There are a lot of people in this world, including right here on this very website, who are much more concerned about their own reputations than they are about God or doing what is right in his eyes. In other words, they're after the praises of men instead of the praise of God.

Anyhow, the real underlying issue is always PRIDE because it is only by pride that contention comes. Just stay humble yourself, and you'll be fine in the end.

You said that it is only by pride that contention comes. I agree. I mentioned this once, but some were quick to argue with me about it.

 

[Seeking-Christ]

When I got up this morning, I put my feet on the floor, and something just popped into my head. That is what I want to share right now.

Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

For the purpose of putting it in context, here is the entire passage:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5&version=NIV

Galatians 6:1-10
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

For the purpose of putting it in context, here is the entire passage:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians 6&version=NIV

 

[Live4Him3]

Some of these people may not be truly saved, but I think many are spiritually immature. Not that I've arrived. I see it as there are believers and there are disciples. There are so many different teachings out there.
After nearly 2 years of doing combat online, I've decided that I'll do my best to put forth what I believe, but I'm not going to argue anymore. We'll see how that goes.

You said that it is only by pride that contention comes. I agree. I mentioned this once, but some were quick to argue with me about it.
View attachment 241136

I recently started using the "ignore" option here (I've got three people on "ignore" at the moment), and I'm a much happier man.

Interestingly enough, none of them really spend any time in the BDF. As heretical as a lot of people are in the BDF, that I can handle. These other people are just nuts in my estimation.

Anyhow, I've prayed for them all, but they'll not waste another second of my limited time here on earth.

 

[joecoten]

I recently started using the "ignore" option here (I've got three people on "ignore" at the moment), and I'm a much happier man.

Interestingly enough, none of them really spend any time in the BDF. As heretical as a lot of people are in the BDF, that I can handle. These other people are just nuts in my estimation.

Anyhow, I've prayed for them all, but they'll not waste another second of my limited time here on earth.

They should call it the sanity button!

 

[Live4Him3]

They should call it the sanity button!

I normally like to converse with people, but definitely not with some people here.

I say "up", and they hear "down".

I say "right", and they hear "left".

It's SCARY, and I'm not joking.

 

[joecoten]

Some people are abusive. To be avoided.

 

[Live4Him3]

Some people are abusive. To be avoided.

You have to walk a really fine line in places like this, and I believe that it's between these two proverbs:

Proverbs chapter 26

[4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
[5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

This place literally inspired my current profile picture.

It's a man being chased by a bear, and it goes with my signature verse:

"Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly." (Proverbs 17:12)

It would literally be less painful for me to be mauled by a bear than to have to endure the grief of so much folly here.

Well, that said, there's always a silver lining on a dark cloud, and my time spent here hasn't been totally in vain.

 

[joecoten]

You have to walk a really fine line in places like this, and I believe that it's between these two proverbs:

Proverbs chapter 26

[4] Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
[5] Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

This place literally inspired my current profile picture.

It's a man being chased by a bear, and it goes with my signature verse:

"Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly." (Proverbs 17:12)

It would literally be less painful for me to be mauled by a bear than to have to endure the grief of so much folly here.

Well, that said, there's always a silver lining on a dark cloud, and my time spent here hasn't been totally in vain.

I've been quite ill for some time. I may be slowly recovering. Christian forums have given me some human contact and this is valuable to me. It's been difficult at times, but overall I say that I'm in a better place than I was 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure that people have been praying for me.
I've quit a half-dozen forums. I even swore at an administrator on another forum, though they didn't deserve it. They didn't ban me. I apologized. My bad! I haven't been perfect...they haven't been perfect, though I think we've forgiven each other.
I've been repeatedly told that I have interesting things to says and that I have a good sense of humor. I didn't see that about myself. I've been a member here for nearly a year. I've sorted through some issues that kept me away from church for 14 years.
I've gone to church 3 weeks in a row. I went to a games night last Saturday. I'm going to a prayer meeting tomorrow night. They are nice people. Maybe my life isn't quite over yet. This is our standard...
"2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:2-6 NIV

 

[Live4Him3]

I've been quite ill for some time. I may be slowly recovering. Christian forums have given me some human contact and this is valuable to me. It's been difficult at times, but overall I say that I'm in a better place than I was 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure that people have been praying for me.
I've quit a half-dozen forums. I even swore at an administrator on another forum, though they didn't deserve it. They didn't ban me. I apologized. My bad! I haven't been perfect...they haven't been perfect, though I think we've forgiven each other.
I've been repeatedly told that I have interesting things to says and that I have a good sense of humor. I didn't see that about myself. I've been a member here for nearly a year. I've sorted through some issues that kept me away from church for 14 years.
I've gone to church 3 weeks in a row. I went to a games night last Saturday. I'm going to a prayer meeting tomorrow night. They are nice people. Maybe my life isn't quite over yet. This is our standard...
"2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:2-6 NIV

Sorry to hear/learn that you've been ill.

Just so you know, I have no problem with this website itself whatsoever.

Actually, I think that they do a fine job here.

Certain members are another issue altogether.

Anyhow, I'm happy to hear that you've found some productive fellowship both here and at church.

P.S.

I'm all for the unity of the Spirit, but I'm also not naïve enough to believe that everyone here is truly born of God's Spirit.

I mean, he is the Spirit of truth, and if everyone is claiming contrary "truths", then something is definitely wrong somewhere.

 

[JTB]

I've had some interesting experiences with fellow Christians. Sadly there are some Christians in this life that I don't like. I realize that there is something wrong when I meet someone who calls themselves a Christian, and yet I can not imagine spending eternity with them Heaven. If they were in Heaven with me, Heaven would be turned into Hell! When Jesus said, Love your enemies, I don't think He meant love your fellow Christian as if they were your enemy. It's not my job to judge who is and who isn't really saved. But when Christians go around trolling or looking for confrontation, I haft to wonder, if that person is really saved or not.

The Bible is full of passages that say in the end many believers will be deceived into turning away from His Truths. And I see that happening all around us. I just wish I knew a way to open their eyes. So I pray and plant seeds and leave it up to the Holy Spirit.

 

[Live4Him3]

The Bible is full of passages that say in the end many believers will be deceived into turning away from His Truths. And I see that happening all around us. I just wish I knew a way to open their eyes. So I pray and plant seeds and leave it up to the Holy Spirit.

Yes.

At best, we can plant and water, but God alone can give the increase.

I've walked away from numerous conversations here in which I still had plenty to say, but it would have only fallen upon deaf ears.

After I've hopefully planted and watered a bit, I just pray and leave any potential increase in God's hands.

 

[joecoten]

Sorry to hear/learn that you've been ill.

Just so you know, I have no problem with this website itself whatsoever.

Actually, I think that they do a fine job here.

Certain members are another issue altogether.

Anyhow, I'm happy to hear that you've found some productive fellowship both here and at church.

P.S.

I'm all for the unity of the Spirit, but I'm also not naïve enough to believe that everyone here is truly born of God's Spirit.

I mean, he is the Spirit of truth, and if everyone is claiming contrary "truths", then something is definitely wrong somewhere.

Knowing that there are many ways of understanding the same truth, and knowing that I don't know everything, I should remain humble and teachable. This, I think, should be a common attitude that will create an environment where one can learn and grow. Not a battle zone. Which I know it often is.

 

[Live4Him3]

Knowing that there are many ways of understanding the same truth, and knowing that I don't know everything, I should remain humble and teachable. This, I think, should be a common attitude that will create an environment where one can learn and grow. Not a battle zone. Which I know it often is.

Those "many ways" cannot be contrasting ways or else at least one way, if not both ways, is/are incorrect.

Anyhow, it is what it is.

There's nothing new under the sun.

 

[joecoten]

I came from a Toronto-area Vineyard fellowship in the late '90s. I recently became aware of my Hebrew roots. I've spoken openly about visions the Lord has given me. Lol I know what you mean!

 

[joecoten]

I choose to observe the Sabbath...all of a sudden, I'm a hypocrite because I use electricity. This is an attack to prove that I'm wrong. smh
I think for myself. I decide what I believe. If there was one theology, one church, one viewpoint, then I'd listen. But last time I checked, there were over 40,000 denominations! I'll decide what I believe, thank you very much.
I read the bible, I've been born again of water and Spirit. I've been baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. I've walked with the Lord consistently for 27 years. I'm assured of my salvation. It doesn't depend upon what anyone else thinks, says, or does! I am a disciple of Christ.
I'm presently listening to today's Alex Jones. It's absolutely horrible what going on in our society.

 

[Live4Him3]

What does using electricity have to do with anything?

Incidentally, I live in PA, and I used to work as a vendor at a Market where a lot of Amish people set up to sell their wares. Mostly baked goods and furniture. Anyhow, they all used electricity in their booths...especially lights.