I find this to be a uncomfortable position to be in, it is difficult to discern what action, if any to take.
In the last 24 hours two people have left the forums listing me as their sole reason. Although I feel I have a pretty good handle on the situation, it is still not to be taken lightly. I understand these are real people with real feelings and more importantly a brother and a sister in the Lord.
It has been said many times on this forum that women want men to lead. On this forum a guy posts that Jesus is not God, posting a number of scriptures to supposedly prove his point. I took the lead and the time to address his 'proof', even reading a website he directed to. I never assaulted him personally but did make.short work of the material he provided. He left.
Then there was a gal who posts in the 'ask a guy' section something to the effect, ' Why men wanted her physically, why aren't guys spiritual?' I checked her profile and the pics were suggestive, red satin and black lace with a very obvious clevage shot. I read what everyone else was writing, some kinda suggested that she maybe...I finally just stated the obvious. She left.
The next was Archimedes. I could not stay silent while old catholic doctrine was preached. All I asked from Arch is keep it to himself or be prepared to defend the catholic doctrine with facts. I could not persuade him to to either. He left
Last but not least is 'Saved'. Our sister did not feel she had the freedom to discuss certian topics, therefore no one else should either. After a bit of fun with a humorous topic post showing that people are going to see what they want, I respected her wishes and posted nothing else on the topic. But it seemed she could not let it go as she kept going on
and the friction increased until she left the forums this morning.
I figure these four people are probably not the only people I may have offended. So here is your chance to express your thoughts and feelings. I will not argue with you. If you feel you deserve a apology let me know, if I agree with you I will apologize. I welcome any and all comments good or bad.
Well, how does it feel to carry the world on your shoulders?
I've been around (though not as long as some) on CDFF and have seen a few sick (spiritually and mentally) people try anything and everything to gain attention for themselves. One is a frequent poster on these Forums. But you are one of the few who seems to like to take on EVERYone.
You like to argue. You like to make your point. Again and again and again you like to make your point. You are not real careful how you 'spray' it. I am personally OK with that. I see it, I understand it. I choose to read it, or not. I choose to respond, or not. But there are lots and lots of people in this world who are unable to do any or all of that. And, we as Christian brothers and sisters should respect that, speak the truth in love, and know when to walk away and let God handle it.
Chuck, I have also seen you defend and explain your faith and the Bible in ways I had not thought of, using insight and intelligence, and reasoned arguments. Seems like you need a "love shaker" next to your keyboard, sprinkling love over whatever you say before you hit the [submit] button. There is no guarantee it will make everyone happy and never hurt any feelings ----- but you never know; it may make your (many times) insightful thoughts come across better.
I believe that like Jesus� selection of his disciples, we are all here of varied temperaments and backgrounds bound together by our interest to fellowship, learn, share, learn more.
I regard Chuck/ twosparrows as kind of an authority with his accumulated knowledge and his little library as concrete reference and his interest/effort to answer questions posted or asked in private. He is one of those spicing up discussions with hard stuffs in addition to the girly girl bits I read which are also fine.
I am not worried with Steve/Arch, I see him as strong and open hearted � a unique breed of Catholic. Being here in the forum, he must be in the process of seeking the truth. Catholic authorities must be alarmed when their members starts to read and seek. I am looking forward to Chuck and Steve becoming best of buddies.
As for posting good byes, I think we need to check our motives for we might become instruments of gagging truths to be heard. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.
If it wasn't you, it would've been someone else. It's better that you showed them where they were wrong rather than letting them live life thinking they were correct. I say Bravo, sir. I'm glad someone here had the testicular fortitude to say something.
Yeah, some are too sensitive to really be in the forum venue. Maybe Disney has a forum? Oops! I'm bout to get in trouble! :laugh:Everyone is not cut out to state opinion, argue without emotion and debate.
You did good leaving your gift at the alter. Continue to do you knowing everyone can't 'take it' and know when to use 'shut mouth grace' when things get out of hand. I'm still learning!
Archimedes didn't leave----- he's here with his usual insults.
twosparrows, you're one of the few on here who tell it like it is, and usually hit the nail on the head.Not only do you stand up for what you believe; you are just stating what many of us believe; but we just don't know how to voice it!
As Christians, we must remember that not everyone is a brother or sister. Discern! Discern! Discern!
I'm all for being nice----- but when it comes to Lies and false teachings we definitely need someone who will LOUDLY disagree and set the record straight.
I appreciate all the realities you've brought to Light concerning the catholic church.
arch said maybe I'll stay------ I'll be honest and say I won't lose any sleep if he doesn't.
Oh my...I love ya Debra...but...well...:glow:...you have jus dismissed a Gent that we have all grown fond of over time... I have goten ta know many people & thier quirks jus as they have goten ta know me & mine...I personaly really dont give a Rats Patooty ifin Arch/Steve be a Catholic or ifin 2Spar/Chuck used ta be one an aint no more...:boxing:...I do care mostly bout how we all be or not be Lovein each other & it jus breaks my lil ole heart ta see discord here as ima sure it does others also...Heck...I still Love PJ even though he drives me Crazy sometimes...:winksmile:...Anywho...I jus wana say not a one of us is any better than anyone else...we all fall short of the mark & we are all worthy of Love even ifin we dont like each other very much sometimes...Right ???......I do LOVE Yall...an...well...WHY Cant WE ALL Jus Get Along ????...:bouncy:...Hey...Anyone up for Ice Cream ????...:goofball:...xoxo
I'll just copy and paste this here from the other thread dealing with this same subject~ and pray for the animosity I see coming from Arch at TS~Me thinks the truth is getting to you, Arch.
I capitulate to the Voice of The Prophet!
Posted : 30 Nov, 2010 12:47 PM
Amen Silver, you will not have change without confrontation at some point. It must be kept out of the anger/rage/ arena, but we do have the right to ask questions and disagree. Even Elijah mocked his opposers, not to say this is common practice but it happens and we should not be wearing Pampers in this forum as it is a place to learn and fellowship. Those who don't like the heat should just get out the "kitchen" (thread) Look at some of the things Jesus said to the disciples~he wasn't all sugary all the time. "Oh ye of little faith!" He said to his boys~
I see TS trying to help Arch from his past Catholic background out a heart of love for his brother, even though he is rough around the edges, he is real. I see Arch trying to defend a church that he sees as the head over us all and that is dangerous doctrine in my opinion. Arch is a nice guy and admits he gets sarcastic~kudos to him for admitting his weak spot. he is angry at TS and that could be the beginning of a search for the rest of the story. I never saw Arch answer TS about the Doctrines of the Catholic church and am wondering why? Anyway, That is how we all grow up. If Ts saves Arch from a wrong trail in the end, then it is worth it all.
My dad persecuted me severely for converting to Christianity at 17 from his and my belief system of "New Age" all religions lead to God. Sometimes it got heated, he mocked me, pointed his finger and yelled and cause some real heartbreak in me. I suffered long with it, cried privately, and still stood my lone ground on the truth. When he was on his deathbed, a heavy repentance came over him and he apologized in tears. What a consolation for me after all those years~and I was privileged to hold his hand as he spoke of "Florida street" and took his flight home to Jesus. The pastor surprised us all at the memorial with a credit to Ken's 17 year old daughter who witnessed to him and never gave up on her dad. It was worth all of the hellish persecution in the end to see dad make it home. :applause:
Too many Christians like the Tupperware parties where everyone is smiling and robotic like a "Joel Olsteen". Sorry, I am not judging Joel's heart but it is superficial and imbalanced to present Christianity the way he does. Our hymns of yesterday were birthed out of heavy trials, anguish, suffering and loss. Horatio Spafford is a good example~He wrote "It is Well with My Soul" on the heels of his children all drowning in a ship wreck. That is real~yet he had inner joy.
Cited from Jesus Walk site~
Luke 9:41- "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here." [54] When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" [55] But Jesus turned and rebuked them, [56] and they went to another village.
Rebuke in Christian Ministry
In Greek, the common word for rebuke is epitimao, " 'rebuke, reprove, censure,' also 'speak seriously, warn' in order to prevent an action or bring one to an end."[3] Jesus uses the same word in rebuking the disciples in 9:55. It is a word of authority. Jesus rebukes evil spirits (Luke 9:41-43; Mark 3:12; 9:25), diseases (Luke 4:39) , and the elemental forces of nature (Mark 4:39).
It is also a word describing how Christians brothers are to relate to each other in a spirit of forgiveness: "So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke (epitimao) him, and if he repents, forgive him." (Luke 17:3). Pastors are to minister with correction and rebuke where appropriate. Paul says to young Timothy: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct (elegcho), rebuke (epitimao) and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2).
A related word is Greek elegcho, which has the root meaning "bring to light, expose" and is used to mean "convict or convince someone of something, point something out to someone" and "reprove, correct."[4] This word, too, describes the ministry of Christian leaders.
"Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning." (1 Timothy 5:20)
"He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute (elegcho) those who oppose it... Therefore, rebuke (elegcho) them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith." (Titus 1:9, 13)
"These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke (elegcho) with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." (Titus 2:15)
"And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes (elegcho) you...' " (Hebrews 12:5)
"Those whom I love I rebuke (elegcho) and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." (Revelation 3:19)
Do you allow the Lord to correct you? Do you allow the Lord to correct you through your pastor or another Christian brother or sister? If part of being a Christian leader is loving our Christian brothers and sisters enough to rebuke them in Christ when appropriate, we must be able to receive a rebuke graciously ourselves and learn from it rather than bristle at it. Pride prevents us from receiving a rebuke; humility allows us to receive, learn, and grow.
I did not take any offense to you, two in our recent disagreement about several issues. as for some people leaving we are not in there shoes. certain topics are sensitive and should be handled that way. They were to freely discussed. learn and move on.
you have done nothing out ragous two. let it drop. Those people left because they were confronted with issues which they were not ready to deal with. Or God moved them on.
Last year we had a man on here with a female profile that stroked his ego. they both were removed, his female profile and the male one.:ROFL:
I was right some people need counsiling two. I posted that on your post about sex if I remember right. I felt that was the right thing to say.
Paul did write that women council women and men council men.This is good advice. paul got it from Our Lord.
I also sent you a private email.
it would be vain to think all these people left because of you.
