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The spirit of love is lacking on this board...

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by evangelist6589, Sep 9, 2013.

  1. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    There are many accusers and abusers on this site. Many whom spend much of their time cutting people down, making people feel dumb, and elevating themselves over others. The spirit of love is often lacking on this board. Then are these so called "professional evangelists" and "pastors" whom try and put down the great work the Lord is doing through Ray Comfort and the thousands that have been called to open air on the streets. These type will try and make others feel bad because we are not "ordained" nor "pastors" nor "professional evangelists." Often these type are Arminian, but sometimes they are Calvinist. These type will say to an evangelist "you lack the experience" and are not a vocational evangelist, what makes you think you can teach me or can do this or that? Do not listen to their ego's nor them, for many so called professionals are not Bible based at all. Just because ones ministry is popular or successful does not make it Biblical!

    Guys we need more encouragers and more people here that will build each other up and not put each other down. Please do so today! Read 1 Corinthians 13.
     
    #1 evangelist6589, Sep 9, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 9, 2013
  2. DocTrinsoGrace

    DocTrinsoGrace New Member

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    What say we pray for those reading the forum and writing on the forum? Fruitfulness begins in a work of God, in which we pursue what He has already accomplished (2 Peter 1:1-9). As Peter points out, external behavior is always a manifestation of internal realities (cf Matthew 7:18).

    I'll pray for you... and if you love me, you'll pray for me too!
     
  3. ktn4eg

    ktn4eg New Member

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    FWIW --- Here's a passage [Romans 12:6-10] from the NLT followed by the Life Application Bible Study Bible's comments on Rom. 12:9 ---

    (6) God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. (7) If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. (8) If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
    (9) Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. (10) Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.
    ------------------------------------------------------

    12:9 Most of us have learned how to be courteous to others---how to speak kindly, avoid hurting their feelings, and appear to take an interest in them. We may even be skilled in pretending to show compassion when we hear of others' needs, or to become indignant when we learn of injustice. But God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond being hypocritical and polite. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.
    ______________

    Quotations taken from p. 2247 of the NLT (Large Print Ed); (c) 1988-1996, Tyndale House Publs.; Wheaton IL.
     
  4. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Thank you brother I just did. We need to model by example, but also pray and pray..
     
  5. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Your post is correct and sorely needed. However, IMO, there are more than one category of negative types. I turn extremely negative, but usually when someone pushes a button, and for that, I am part of the problem. Then, there are those who scan the posts for the purpose of pushing buttons. I am not going to get banned by calling such as not saved, or totally devoid of Christ like attributes, but judging the posts, they are the essence of pure evil, one or two in particular.

    Yes, we need to pray for each other and for this forum. I have learned much here. And while it is true that ordained pastors sometimes belittle us lay people, I have seen it done the opposite way also. A man called of God to lead a local church deserves respect. Now, there is a question as to whether all those who claim to be pastors in this make believe cyber world are really called, but a legitimate called man should be given the honor he deserves. If some on here who claim to be pastors talked to their congregations like they post, they would get the swift boot out the front door.

    Another thing that needs to be stopped is the name heretic, false teacher, liar, spreader of a false Gospel because you or I do not agree with each other. As we all know, it centers on Bible versions, Calvinism, and covenant theology. Finally, we should always respect peoples occupation, what they do to raise their families.

    Thanks for the thread.
     
  6. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Yes in real life we need to respect pastors. I have met pastors that speak to others the way some post here, and usually their churches are very small, and attended by a bunch of narrow minded biggots that think exactly like the pastor. However every pastor of a church over 20 I have been in has a pastor that knows how to speak to people whom disagree with him.

    I have met some of the posters whom like to push my buttons and make me angry and frustrated. My job is to love them. I cannot say for sure that these posters are not saved, but what I can say is that they need the Love of God.

    Finally I never once have said that Arminian are preaching a false gospel. I disagree with them, but they are saved. I listen to several Arminian on a daily basis.
     
    #6 evangelist6589, Sep 9, 2013
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  7. Revmitchell

    Revmitchell Well-Known Member
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    You take honest disagreement and criticism of your views as an attack which is in error on your part. You are the most sensitive person I have ever seen on this site. I can assure you that on this site you will never just get answers that agree with you. You may consider that while posting.
     
  8. Dr. Bob

    Dr. Bob Administrator
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    I agree 100%. :saint:
     
  9. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Try this...instead of those Mikes Lemonade's you drink, try a pint of heavy....ie, a lager, maybe some Guinness with your meal...preferably a burger with fries. I'm not asking you to do shots or anything, or even to have more than one at a time....but if you can find a pub in your neighborhood and better yet see if some of your buddies from church can go with you....better if they are guys & talk about guy things, I think you would be so much more relaxed.:wavey:
     
  10. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Not exactly. I welcome diverse opinions. However the manor in which one communicates should be in a Christ-Like spirit.

    For example me and John C do not agree on every issue. I have no problem with him as the manor in which he communicates is Christ-Like. I can also say the same of my former SS Teacher. He is Arminian and me and him disagree on several issues. However we still communicate and the manor in which we communicate and disagree is Christ-Like. I can say the same of many others. I know this one guy on FB and we disagree often. He is Arminian, Charismatic, and the like. However the spirit of our disagreements is Christ-Like and I have no problem with him despite our disagreements. Another brother believers in friendship evangelism, and Arminianism. Me and him have had arguments many times. However his tone and manner is Christ-like and loving and we are friends and I often call on him for prayer.

    So the view that I only want to surround myself with people that agree with me is a false one. Does this make sense?
     
    #10 evangelist6589, Sep 10, 2013
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  11. thisnumbersdisconnected

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    Perfectly. I must say I do agree with the Rev concerning your sensitivity, however. Please don't take it as criticism or as someone who isn't being "Christ-like" toward you. I say it precisely because I want to be transparent with you in a loving way. When others disagree, please don't feel the need to jump all over them, or retreat into yourself either, for that matter. Consider what they say, accept it or reject it, and move on. No, of course you will not find total agreement on this board, and I believe there are those who are here to disrupt, degrade, divide. They should be of no concern to any of us who are not here for those reasons. Trust that the Lord has you here for the purpose of hearing a diversity of biblical concepts and interpretations that may or may not help you grow, but which will certainly give you a broad-spectrum view of the Baptist culture.

    God bless you, Evangelist, continue to do your good work in the streets, remember that we are all called to be evangelists, and should carry that out according to however God sees fit to guide us and reward us. You and I had a brief discussion the other day about street evangelism. I hope you didn't take that as being denigrating to your calling. My point was regarding how much evangelism is done in the streets, not whether or not it is a valid ministry, because it most assuredly is.
     
  12. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Then this is one of several areas I need to improve. I appreciate your insight and the manor in which you have communicated it. Yes being overly sensitive is a bad idea. It is true I have gotten better over the years, but still more work to do. The next thing I need to worry about is my body's over sensitive nature towards gaining weight. My wife can overeat and not gain a pound, while I will gain 3. I need to be very careful what I put into my mouth and others whom make the claim that eating this food does not impact them or anyone else they know are making a false one, because all of our bodies are different :)

    I am not following your second point brother. I did not take what you said of street evangelism as an offense. I appreciate your insight.
     
    #12 evangelist6589, Sep 10, 2013
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  13. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Also, I think you will find that those who disagree with you and are interested in genuine debate will leave the discussion in a civil manner, or if not, will come back and apologize. We are all human with egos. Also, remember that maybe both sides learned some truth from Scripture.

    Where I draw a strong line (and we are not allowed to say the difference between saved and unsaved) are those who roam the board like a devouring lion, seeking to push buttons, call names, never admit wrong or apologize, and basically leave a trail of destruction. While I cannot say they are not saved, you will find not one shred of evidence of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit, and you two know exactly who you are.
     
  14. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    I cannot say if they are saved/unsaved but I have met some of these posters. They always cast the blame on me and never once in a million years will admit their sin and accusing attitude. I have apologized to some for my faults which was greeted with stone cold rude silence. Well I can only keep on loving and showing Christ in my response to them.
     
  15. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    You have a good, no, excellent attitude for your ministry. Follow your heart and Christ and you will do just fine.
     
  16. DocTrinsoGrace

    DocTrinsoGrace New Member

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    Love Demonstrated by Correction

    Sounds good to me.

    I think we may have been influenced by our culture to the point that we think that everything needs to be amicable, affable, and agreeable. We forget that rebuke is often one of the most loving things that we can do. We care deeply for one another, so we show that love by using the Word to admonish, correct, and enlighten (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Solomon said that the the wounds from a friend are better than the kisses from an enemy (Proverbs 27:6; Ecclesiastes 7:5). Indeed, a wise man loves rebuke (Proverbs 9:8b), but the fool will not listen (Proverbs 13:1b).

    If people love me, they will correct me. If they don't love me, then they leave me in my error.

    It might do well for us to remember that no matter how gently and respectfully we attempt to be, those who love something other than the truth, will be angered. As Christ affirmed, if they hated Him for the truth, they will hate us (John 15:17-19).

    I am new to the forum, evangelist6589, but so far, I have gotten a good impression of your willingness to hear others.
     
  17. evangelist6589

    evangelist6589 Well-Known Member
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    Thank you brother. I am far from perfect and am weak in certain areas. But yes you are right in that those that hate truth will dislike the truth. I get it all the time whenever I go street witness. Even Christians do not want me to go there as they are ashamed of the truth and ashamed of the gospel!
     
  18. DocTrinsoGrace

    DocTrinsoGrace New Member

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    Whew! Good point! I should have thought about the fact that you must see this far more frequently than the rest of us.

    :eek:

    We are a very small church, but we have two men that frequently do street preaching. We pray for them ahead of time, and often while they do this work. It had not occurred to me that there might be Baptist churches that did not approve of the practice. I am saddened to hear this.
     
  19. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Our church does a lot of "cold calling" when visiting. While I do not considering the feeling one gets between ringing the doorbell and the door being open as "ashamed of the Gospel," I do admit there is sometimes a queasy feeling of wondering who is going to open the door and the reaction.

    A few years ago, we were in Eastern Kentucky on a mission trip witnessing by going door to door. This one guy comes to the door and asks us to wait a minute. He brought back a wooden box. He claimed there was a rattlesnake in the box, and asked me to put my hand in the box to test my faith. I looked back at my partner, and she was as stunned as I. Without thinking, I wished him a good day and went to the next house. After thinking about it later, I was not sure I did the right thing. I could have engaged him in more conversation without putting my hand in the box (which I was not about to do). I pray someone else came by after me, and God used the next person to connect with this person about the Gospel. In fact, I did feel ashamed that there may have been something else I could have said. We are talking about a lost soul. It is obvious the guy was so angry at Christians coming by his house, he had bothered to make up this box.
     
  20. DocTrinsoGrace

    DocTrinsoGrace New Member

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    1 Corinthians 2:3?
     
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