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Not the first time, or (I suspect) the last.......

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hillsbororiver:
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.htm

The 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

ned:
Dear Joe:
Thank you for this post. Just this morning I was praying about the obvious strife currently among this forum, and I was reminded of this verse:

Act 20:28-30  "Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves, shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."

I agree with your subject, this won't be the last time.

I will pray that God will provide the moderators with discernment so the evil can be weeded out among us.  I am sure the moderators are not in this position by mere coincidence. 
Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

I am thanking God, even now, that this forum has such people to oversee it, because I am starting to really appreciate the TRUE fellowship provided here.

In His Name,
Marie

hillsbororiver:
Marie,

Thank you,

Joe

hillsbororiver:
Bobby,

There is absolutely no reason to leave, we all at some point (myself especially) need to let go of our natural tendencies and wait for His guidance, it is so easy to get caught up emotionally in one thing or another. I know that this has been a difficult time for many and as is the usual case things can always be handled better in retrospect, football fans are very familiar with the term "Monday morning quarterback" all of here are human and prone to making mistakes (again, I immediately come to mind) but it is what we learn from our mistakes what is really important, not the fact that we make them.

Bobby, you have been a blessing to me and many others, I implore you to consider that and to stay here to help us all grow together.

Your Brother in Him,

Joe 

ned:
Bobby,
Please stay on this forum.  I personally have no idea what you are apologizing for, all I know is it was YOU who God used to encourage me to start reading & posting on this forum. 

We are commanded:
Heb 10:25   Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I am sure that whatever it is you are going through, that it is God's work, perfecting you as He promised.
Heb 10:35  Cast not away,  therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.
Heb 10:36  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
Heb 10:37  For yet, a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

I feel you are an important part of this forum, Bobby.  The body can't do without all its' members.
1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1Co 15:58  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

I will pray.
Marie

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