Good morning Everyone,
There has been much speculation and concerned PM's within the Forum over the proposed changes to the Board, people are notoriously opposed to change either because of the "fear of the unknown" factor or sometimes just because we are comfortable in our routine(s).
At various times in this Forum's history there has been contention and strife usually stemming from posts made by those who would like nothing better than splitting up the members, drawing people to themselves as they stir up bitter divisions and dissention among us. Sometimes they come in blatently attacking and accusing, those are the easy ones to deal with, the more subtle ones will pose seemingly innocent enough questions and let the membership slug it out as they sit back and watch only posting more when a little more fuel needs to be added to the blaze. Other times all the motivation appears to be genuine, truly seeking of wisdom, but will degenerate into a debate that becomes a contest of egos rather than an edifying search. All this can be terribly confusing to (especially) the new members and our guests.
If you ever check out the bottom of the opening page you will see the area that shows all the folks who are perusing this site at any given time, you will usually see 2 or 3 times the number of "guests" than "members" it is especially important to us that our guests who are visiting this Forum because of articles on Bible Truths not be subjected to posts and threads diametrically opposed to what brought them here in the first place, whoa! (you might be thinking) no questioning allowed!?? What is up with that?! It is not that all questions are not allowed but the ones that have no scriptural authority or a very weak connection where stretching and summersaults are required just to get a hint of a rumor of a witness are not going to be entertained any longer. A legitimate question or disagreement with at least 2 scriptural witnesses will be explored in the spirit it is given.
Last but not least; the dreaded "cult" label, here we go once again, or maybe you prefer "blind follower" or perhaps "mini-ray" these are but a few of the endearing terms our detractors have so cleverly come up with. It is an amazing thing to me why some folks can't just let things alone, what would be the motivation to come into an area that has its purpose well defined and stated yet they come in seeking to challenge and disrupt often armed with nothing more than a fertile imagination. I just can't picture myself going into a Forum I disagree with (Catholic, SDA, Madonna Fan Club, etc.) and start disrupting and accusing, why do this? I don't know, but they do. This "cult" thing has been tossed around and addressed in the past, Ray answers the detractors here:
http://bible-truths.com/student.htmThe adversary really must have his eyes set on this site as his subtle deceptions appear through so many different conduits, we must always be on guard. Speaking for myself as a moderator I have not always done a very good job, I have let some things go that really had no business being on this Forum, I think I may have been affected by not wanting to be considered a "censor" but I will not allow that to influence me any longer.
I really care about all of our members, especially those who honestly seek to grow in Him by the day, hour and minute, we must all be aware of what we are projecting outward and be patient in our thoughts and actions, temperance and patience are fruits of the spirit, rumors, fear, and anxiety are not. Please let us all "be temperate in all things" and show each other His Patience.
His Peace to you,
Joe