How Teachable Are You?

[Nehemiah6]

Iron no longer sharpens iron but seems to sever unity. What are your thoughts?

Christian forums are not local churches where Christians are gathered with like-minded believers. Once you see that they are in fact battlegrounds between Light and Darkness, your expectations will change. Since there is free access to all people anywhere worldwide, you will find the whole gamut of beliefs from outright heresy to biblical doctrine.

So what people should focus on is to study the Scriptures for themselves and "fact-check" the posts. If Bible truth is being presented, then agree. If not then disagree and show the truth from Scripture. The sad fact is that many well-known preachers and teachers have also gone off the rails, so those who want the truth must go to the source, and ask God to confirm the truth to them. If you are a genuine Christian the Holy Spirit will confirm what is true and what is not. Provided you love the truth against all odds.

Something to keep in mind is that many who post are not necessarily thorough students of the Word. Some are still learning, but some are simply digging in and holding to their false beliefs in spite of Scripture to the contrary.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I ask this question because as I enjoy going through all the different posts on this site I find that threads often deteriorate to the point where opposing views are polarized and the participants seem to be less concerned with the opposing viewpoint and more focused on what one already believes. Being right seems more important than ministering truth in love. Iron no longer sharpens iron but seems to sever unity. What are your thoughts?

Teachability goes hand in hand with humility. Anyone who wants to learn must first humble themselves and realize they don't know it all. Then they should seek sources of truth that are to be verified by diligence of verification with reliable sources. That takes hard work. It's easier to follow the herd.
That's one reason most do.

That said, after reading some posts, I realize there are some pastors here that speak with confidence. Some rightly so and others place confidence in self. Only when they transfer that faith fully to Christ will the light go on. That takes humility.
I thank the Lord for all of those believers who may reach the lost while there's a chance.

 

[Cameron143]

Unity isn't always a good thing and division isn't always bad. Unity that isn't based on truth is false unity. Nowadays a lot of people have the idea that everyone can and should be in unity regardless of whether they teach and preach the truth of the gospel or not.

In my experience a place like this isn't the place to resolve our differences. Some people think the louder they yell and the more walls of scripture they post the more they will change people's opinions. They've forgotten it's the Holy Spirit who teaches, not us.

That's a good point but creating conflict will make it more difficult for someone to receive your message. If your purpose is to foster truth it is always received better when done in love.

 

[Edify]

As long as the righteous congregate, there will be those sent in to bring division. It will not stop, in fact, it will get worse & worse.
Many sites today have devolved into one-sided heresy havens.
As far as iron sharpens iron..... nowadays that's nothing more than justfying their argument. Only edification will truly sharpen.
The truth of the matter is this: if it isn't edifying, it's not of God, because Jesus came to build His church, not to tear it down.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

I must admit that, I too, am disturbed at how many posters on this board are not here to learn/discuss with one another. Instead they are here for the purpose of expounding their 'fixed' viewpoints on Christian beliefs. What is really bothersome is that many 'search the Scriptures' so that they find and 'pull out of context' Scripture readings to support their viewpoints.

Pulling Scripture out of context, for the purpose of supporting one's viewpoint, is basically dishonest. Firstly, it manipulates the Word of God. Secondly, pulling Scripture out of context misleads others. And thirdly, by pulling Scripture out of context in order to support one's own viewpoint, Scripture thereby ceases to be God's Word, but your word instead.

yeah and when context is shown it becomes “ those posts are way too long summarize “ it’s sort of a no win unless we actually accept the scriptures for what they are saying and not omitting many and presenting a single one and then explaining scripture explains scripture there’s never been any involvement of man’s interpretations

The New Testament is the only correct interpretation of the old testament

 

[The_Watchers_2017]

I ask this question because as I enjoy going through all the different posts on this site I find that threads often deteriorate to the point where opposing views are polarized and the participants seem to be less concerned with the opposing viewpoint and more focused on what one already believes. Being right seems more important than ministering truth in love. Iron no longer sharpens iron but seems to sever unity. What are your thoughts?

i think your thoughts could be taken further and these Viewpoints all can witness are severed at Denominational Teaching. as a person who was raised Baptist and Pentecostal, i see where someone only versed in the Baptist teachings clashing with someone only versed in the Pentecostal teaching. i hardly ever see [[real true personal Beliefs and translations of God's Word]] but mostly see Denominational views.

if i ever read an open thought that originated beyond Denomination i would spill my coffee all over me from shock.

Jesus gave a great Commission to GO, make Disciples, Baptize, teach His teachings.

He did not say create Doctrines, Creeds, Denominations.

i have NEVER seen that EVER in any Church Denomination Service.

i see we believe this way, they believe that way, our way is better. and that is what is found all over this site in every Thread discussion.

 

[Blik]

As long as the righteous congregate, there will be those sent in to bring division. It will not stop, in fact, it will get worse & worse.
Many sites today have devolved into one-sided heresy havens.
As far as iron sharpens iron..... nowadays that's nothing more than justfying their argument. Only edification will truly sharpen.
The truth of the matter is this: if it isn't edifying, it's not of God, because Jesus came to build His church, not to tear it down.

What scripture tells us to do about these divisions is to put up with one another. Eph. 4:1-6.

Scripture warns against foolish quarrels.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. Bible.

Scripture tells us not to fight evil, but to replace evil with good. Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

It is true that demons are drawn to the church. They are fighting Christ, and the church is the place to find Christ.

 

[Cameron143]

i think your thoughts could be taken further and these Viewpoints all can witness are severed at Denominational Teaching. as a person who was raised Baptist and Pentecostal, i see where someone only versed in the Baptist teachings clashing with someone only versed in the Pentecostal teaching. i hardly ever see [[real true personal Beliefs and translations of God's Word]] but mostly see Denominational views.

if i ever read an open thought that originated beyond Denomination i would spill my coffee all over me from shock.

Jesus gave a great Commission to GO, make Disciples, Baptize, teach His teachings.

He did not say create Doctrines, Creeds, Denominations.

i have NEVER seen that EVER in any Church Denomination Service.

i see we believe this way, they believe that way, our way is better. and that is what is found all over this site in every Thread discussion.

I agree this is so but there is no reason to become insulting or frustrated. A soft answer still turns away wrath and evil is still overcome with good.
And I personally believe more people could be brought to truth if the ideas of a person are separated from the person. Ideas may be right or wrong. The person always remain valuable as they bear the image of God. Too often this distinction isn't made.

 

[Cameron143]

As long as the righteous congregate, there will be those sent in to bring division. It will not stop, in fact, it will get worse & worse.
Many sites today have devolved into one-sided heresy havens.
As far as iron sharpens iron..... nowadays that's nothing more than justfying their argument. Only edification will truly sharpen.
The truth of the matter is this: if it isn't edifying, it's not of God, because Jesus came to build His church, not to tear it down.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[The_Watchers_2017]

I agree this is so but there is no reason to become insulting or frustrated. A soft answer still turns away wrath and evil is still overcome with good.
And I personally believe more people could be brought to truth if the ideas of a person are separated from the person. Ideas may be right or wrong. The person always remain valuable as they bear the image of God. Too often this distinction isn't made.

no one can grow until they understand what they know has error and room for improvement. if they go by their upbringing in a Church they will always be hard headed and of no use to further the Kingdom of God. we all need to be broken. which is different than being Broken [[((before i met God))]]. i cherish when it happened to me. now my beliefs are the Truths from all Denominations which makes it easier to see the False Doctrines in an equal viewpoint.

 

[Cameron143]

no one can grow until they understand what they know has error and room for improvement. if they go by their upbringing in a Church they will always be hard headed and of no use to further the Kingdom of God. we all need to be broken. which is different than being Broken [[((before i met God))]]. i cherish when it happened to me. now my beliefs are the Truths from all Denominations which makes it easier to see the False Doctrines in an equal viewpoint.

Certainly agree about the brokenness. And thanks for sharing

 

[ResidentAlien]

we all need to be broken. . . i cherish when it happened to me.

Can you describe this experience of being broken? What exactly was the result? How did you know you'd truly been broken?

 

[JohnDB]

I ask this question because as I enjoy going through all the different posts on this site I find that threads often deteriorate to the point where opposing views are polarized and the participants seem to be less concerned with the opposing viewpoint and more focused on what one already believes. Being right seems more important than ministering truth in love. Iron no longer sharpens iron but seems to sever unity. What are your thoughts?

I mix flour and water to make dough....

Otherwise I is a nobody...learning?
Whas that?

 

[Subhumanoidal]

Appreciate your input. Any ideas what can be done when this situation arises?

It happens constantly. Numerous times a day, every day. It is the norm. It's basically modern day Pharisees, and even Jesus had a hard time dealing with them.
It's also clearly allowed on the site, so people have no real incentive to quit as there is no punishment for it.
I've witnessed people try different things to stop or reroute it, but it never works.

It's the internet. You see it everywhere, really.

 

[Cameron143]

It happens constantly. Numerous times a day, every day. It is the norm. It's basically modern day Pharisees, and even Jesus had a hard time dealing with them.
It's also clearly allowed on the site, so people have no real incentive to quit as there is no punishment for it.
I've witnessed people try different things to stop or reroute it, but it never works.

It's the internet. You see it everywhere, really.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[The_Watchers_2017]

Can you describe this experience of being broken? What exactly was the result? How did you know you'd truly been broken?

i knew i was Broken when i manipulated each Verse to match my Denominational Viewpoints.

it was when i was able to challenge the same Verse to see if it still aligned with the Inspiration behind the Verse that my eyes began to open.

i began challenging everything i believed outside of what i already knew about Jesus and His Role in my life.

when i was able to present these things to my then Pastor and hear him tell me but we choose to believe it differently, was when i knew i was following God and not man's so-called Authority and Wisdom.

 

[JohnDB]

Ok....seriously....

Most of the debates that occur on this forum like the many others are over proverbial "what the color blue tastes like" type discussions with facts and figures and data points (scriptures) to uphold their point of view.

I can't count the number of times I've been called a Satan worshipper for pointing out the glaring obvious holes in logic and elephants in the room. There is occasionally some interesting theological discussions....but then the infants and idiots get into the discussion as well. They tend to distract from having good discussions.

 

[Cameron143]

Ok....seriously....

Most of the debates that occur on this forum like the many others are over proverbial "what the color blue tastes like" type discussions with facts and figures and data points (scriptures) to uphold their point of view.

I can't count the number of times I've been called a Satan worshipper for pointing out the glaring obvious holes in logic and elephants in the room. There is occasionally some interesting theological discussions....but then the infants and idiots get into the discussion as well. They tend to distract from having good discussions.

Thanks for replying. Do you think if people read Philippians 2:3 pryor to engaging the results could be different?

 

[ResidentAlien]

It happens constantly. Numerous times a day, every day. It is the norm. It's basically modern day Pharisees, and even Jesus had a hard time dealing with them. It's also clearly allowed on the site, so people have no real incentive to quit as there is no punishment for it.

What is it, specifically, that happens many times each day that you would describe as the actions of "modern day Pharisees?"

 

[Runningman]

I ask this question because as I enjoy going through all the different posts on this site I find that threads often deteriorate to the point where opposing views are polarized and the participants seem to be less concerned with the opposing viewpoint and more focused on what one already believes. Being right seems more important than ministering truth in love. Iron no longer sharpens iron but seems to sever unity. What are your thoughts?

I was reading a commentary recently, and the author speculated that what paralyzes and stunts the growth of mature would be Bible believers is fear, pride, ego. Stuff like that.

I think it’s better to take a gentle and humble approach to teaching Christians, especially the “mature Christians” since they, ironically, are typically the least teachable. Give them the facts, let them make a choice, and move on. If they have questions then answer them. If they argue then try not to engage them.