Well using scripture as a weapon is pretty much what I am getting at. And probably cherry picked and out of context , right? In other words cultish behavior that attributes what they write as though it came straight from heaven with God's blessing. There are entire churches that are run that way. And there are people in this forum that take over threads and bully everyone else; twist what people say and then when folks get upset over that, they report them. And there you have a vacation. Not Air B & B either.
So, I am asking how to deal with folks when they behave that way. No use getting upset. It feeds the ego of the individual getting a kick out of seeing his handiwork come to fruition.
You know, I think most of us on here are probably ok even if sometimes we have the wrong interpretations, we are open to understanding where we went wrong. (hopefully. ) God is patient, loving and kind and does not snark at us and tell us to go read the Bible when we might have our own ideas about something. On the other hand, those that do that sort of thing, are often the very people that need to go and read the Bible themselves.
So do we ignore these people? Might as well because they are not going to change. Snarking back is their breakfast and dinner and they will take advantage of anything you say that can be used against you. People avoid the BDF like the plague because of this sort of thing but I personally want to discuss the Bible and our life in Christ. When the most basic of Christian doctrines are twisted and Christ is left out, the thread becomes a black hole where the truth disappears and nothing comes back out.
I would like to make a few observations. Not to be just critical but hopefully helpful.
I have posted, endless posts, about how a discussion, on these threads, seems nearly impossible. You don't have to be here long, before you realize, that posters want to get across their points of view
at any cost. This is a departure from normal concepts of a discussion and leaves one with a "shoutout" post or an opinion post. Sadly, this seems to be what this society has degenerated into. People shouting at people. It's everywhere - Social media, Politics, Religion... you name it. The true art of discussion is fading away - just as predicted.
2Ti_4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
It is this very thing, I speak against, I teach against and post against. The Word of God, is the only authority the true believer has, when it comes to a discussion. Everything someone says, no matter their title, MUST be compared to Holy Writ. Just as vital, one must depart, from
their interpretation, when encountering verses of Scripture that say otherwise. No matter how difficult or shocking that Truth maybe. This is how one arrives at "Sound Doctrine". It was failure to do just that, that lead to the misunderstanding and perversion of the Word by the Jews.
You have brought up the issue of Narcissism. You, my friend, have one foot in Psychology and the other in Scripture. Every true believer should depart from any form of manmade doctrine. Psychology and Sociology are manmade doctrines. Made-up to explain man's fallen nature because they reject what Scripture teaches. So they give us one phobia after another or one mental illness after the other. Flee from such nonsense, which has Psychologist, who are lovers of self - trying to aid other self-lovers.
Scripture clearly teaches, that mankind, after the Fall, is a lover of self. Mankind loves itself and hates God. Therefore, it is not just one or two, that act out of selflove, it is all of us. We love our truth and hate God's Truth. Only through God's Grace, in Salvation, can one overcome this and the love of God and His Christ and His Truth be restored.
When we discuss God's Truth - we are putting our interpretation to the test. Those whom agree - say Amen. Those whom are opposed, give a counter argument. This then, should lead to a calm discussion, between two believers, who have the same desire. NOT to prove their point... but through the discussion, to be edified and come closer to THE TRUTH. Therefore, glorifying God and receiving greater blessing. This can only occur, when two or more, within the discussion, have the same goals. That is - To better understand the Father, His Plan, His Son and the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the End Times. TRUTH!!!
If one enters into a discussion, to learn nothing, then it is not a discussion; rather, that one is using others as a sounding board. In a proper discussion, one gives their side, the other gives their side. If they do not agree, then one side asks questions and the other answers and it goes back and forth. NOT till we have a winner but until the two sides either come together or they reach an understanding.
Sadly, my experience has been, that when I ask serious questions, the other side flees or they degenerates into throwing verses around wildly or even name calling. In this case, I suggest we use Christ as our example. Either, do not answer or answer with another question.
I hope this was useful to you.
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