T H E G R E A T E S T H Y P O C R I S Y ! ! !

Even if it were a tightrope, just keep a Zipline Trolley in your "back pocket." Though, beware, it may be a little difficult to hookup on the fall down. So maybe something more like one of those gadget thingies Batman uses, might also suffice. Just hope it latches into something with foundation: Christ

I'm secure in my salvation. You?

There is already much that can be said in response to the various posts/views in this thread. Whatever I may would like to post will have to wait - now is not a good time.

However, at this time - I would like to point out a thing or two...

Do not be too quick to set yourself against a brother who is trying to warn you of something that you would do better to be more aware of - if his intents and motives are what they should be, be appreciative of the fact that he cares enough to give the warning.

First look for what may edify before you react.

(I say this without intent of any direct association with this member's user name; rather, I am simply referring to the biblical principle.)

People often like to use this verse as a defensive statement. How do you know for sure that he has not actually already done so? And, if he has - then what...?

This is a good example for a reminder that we should not judge others too quickly. Indeed, at least some of the time, the software is where the fault lies...

(And, being a programmer myself - I can tell you "with all manner of confidence" that the software this site uses has "left much to be desired"...)

I have no problem accepting warnings, just not from people on the internet when I don't have a clue who they are or what their motives are. In my opinion an internet forum isn't a place for such things. To me it reeks of someone only out to impress.

People need to have people in their own geographical location who know one another and who can support one another; that's why the Lord instituted the local church. The internet is no substitute for the local church regardless of how much some people would like it to be.

You are making a judgment which is only God's prerogative. There is no doubt that today there are many false pastors, teachers, apostles, and prophets. But we are to judge them by what they are saying and doing, not what may or may not be in their hearts and minds.

Well - we have to use discernment. I am only saying that we should guard against making "automatic judgments" about people when we do not yet know enough about them. Why be so quick to do damage to a relationship between you and them if it would actually turn out to be a good thing...?

There are many people on here I do not know well enough yet - but, I am not going to "start out" making assumption-based "automatic judgments" about them - if/when they prove to have made a serious departure from those things I know to be right-proper-and-correct - then, by virtue of that discernment - I will modify my assessment of them in an appropriate way. But, I see no reason to make enemies "at the get go" for no reason.

The key thing here is discernment.

In general, I trust my 'discernment' ability (not that I cannot ever be fooled).

I try to befriend folks unless-and-until they give me a good reason to do differently.

When it comes to 'warnings' - do the same exact thing that you would when it comes to anything else - be like the Berean - verify what is being said. And, the point here is - let it be about what is posted more than the person who posted it. In other words, take it for what it is worth - "eat the meat and spit out the bones" - however you wish to think about it - it all comes back to discernment.

That is - 'discernment' coupled with:

Romans 12:

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

If you give people a bit of leeway, they will show you who and what they are soon enough. However, if you make unfounded assumptions about them - then act on those assumptions - you are likely to cause very unnecessary animosity, conflict, strife, etc.

I totally agree.

Nonetheless - we do in fact have "unavoidable" communication - on the phone - on the internet - etc. - with people we do not know. Why would we conduct ourselves - and use discernment - any different for any of the avenues that we use to communicate with others?

We know for a fact that we do not know enough about most people we meet face to face. But, do you ever just walk up to someone and strike them hard based on an assumption about them? Or, do you treat them 'decently' (as a 'default') unless-and-until they give you a reason to do otherwise?

What I am trying to say is - in an environment like this - don't look for the worst in people as the default modus operandi. Instead, allow yourself the general belief that most of them are okay folks.

Should you use care and discernment? Absolutely!

However, if your relationship with someone is destined to come to naught - let them destroy it - don't do so yourself before it has a chance to become something worthwhile.

There are two kinds of 'mistrust' related to this issue:

1) The kind where you act in a friendly way towards them but want to be sure you know them well enough before you decide that you trust them.

2) The kind where you have insistent suspicion by habit and demand that they prove they are not pure evil before you have anything to do with them.

My suggestion - do #1 as much as possible and avoid #2.

Again - the [general] answer is simple - "let it be what it is" and use 'discernment' - determine-as-you-go.

Good general rule - do not unnecessarily aggravate any situation without due cause or good reason.

I never said God doesn't use the internet; nice try.

What I said is the internet is no place for "prophets" making pronouncements as if from the Lord. The internet is loaded down with armchair prophets and theologians. Yes, I know where you stand; you feel you're a mouthpiece for the Lord and you make these pronouncements on a fairly regular basis.

I get it, you're "insulted." Every time someone exercises a little discretion someone else gets insulted.

You must realize there dtruly are others who are spirit/filled and sharing what they have been given to share.

Maybe there are, maybe there aren't. I'm saying that for me personally I don't have any use for armchair internet prophets. That's what my local church is for. If people want to trust their soul to people they've never seen or met in person I guess that's up to them. The way I see it, an internet prophet might hit all the right talking points, then go out and visit prostitutes by night or who knows what; no one would be the wiser.

Excuse my plainness of speech, but this sounds exactly like a lot of people who regularly post here in the BDF.
Of course, I agree with what Paul said here, but to find this posted in the BDF where strife and contention, which only comes by pride (Proverbs 13:10), rule the day is almost laughable.

Gentle?

Apt to teach?

Patient?

In meekness?

If people here truly held themselves accountable to this biblical checklist, then this forum would be a completely different place.

It is the Holy Spirit Who will convey truth to a believer. Not to worry if you do not want to believe, you will if it is Gos's will.

I'm not worried.

I'm sorry, I know you had a rough life growing up with your family and that's why I'm kind to you but you can be so mean to people who aren't mean to you. Submit to the Holy Spirit so that He can soften your attitude. Your nastiness doesn't come from Him.

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You're just trying to pick a fight and I'm not in the mood to fight, so have a blessed day.

I'm not picking a fight. Just trying to veer you away from God having to correct you sooner or later. All your meanness to other people is going to bite you in the butt if you don't address and correct it.

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