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Allowing others to be our guides and helpers

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eggi:
Hi all,

I've been away from the forum for about a week or so, I've been working late nights at work. I'm so sad to see that there seems to be a few conflicts here regarding the closing of threads. I'm not starting this thread to criticize in any direction, I'm just posting what came in my mind when I read the threads where some members complained about the moderators.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
(Heb 13:17-21 KJV)

The word "obey", it should actually be "esteem":

G3982
πείθω
peithō
pi'-tho
A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.

This does not mean that we should blindly follow anyone, there are other scriptures that take care of that:

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. (Act 5:29 KJV)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1Jn 4:1 KJV)

I write to you in hope that there will be order to the forum.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1Jn 4:11-12 KJV)

God bless you,
Eirik

PS. There are many scriptures which discuss this subject. Unity and love is important!

hillsbororiver:


Hi Eirik,

Disagreements with a moderator's decision is to be expected, however there is not one moderator, administrator, or does even Ray expect anyone to "blindly follow" anyone here. What is "blind" about staying within the rules agreed upon at the time of joining? The Forum's purpose is clearly stated, it is not ambiguous and the intent is not to subjugate but to keep the peace.

Why are there outlines, guidelines, laws and rules in place everywhere we look? Only to enslave? Or could it be that order is the goal?

We may disagree with some traffic laws, a stop sign in a spot where some feel there shouldn't be one whereas others believe a stop sign is insufficient there should be a traffic light. The speed limit is too slow for some and others feel safety is compromised at the "excessive" speed allowed. What if everyone just drove the way they felt was right, disregarding the laws, I mean we all know how to operate a motor vehicle, who needs all these restrictions?

What if the cops just stopped enforcing any traffic laws because they were weary of the constant complaints often from diametrically opposed viewpoints, the "too slow" crowd complaining just as loud as the "too fast" proponents. Even in an imperfect world having guidelines/laws/rules helps to slow the anarchy and chaos that results from everyone only answering to themselves.

When it is suggested that a person seeking debate seek it elsewhere that does not mean to relinquish their membership here, it means go to one of the religious debate sites that are readily available, there is no need to read anything more into it, some seem to revel in being offended seeing offense where none really exists.

I consulted Rotherham's in regard to the verses in Hebrews 13, I think it conveys a clearer message than the KJV in this instance;

Heb 13:17 Be yielding unto them who are guiding you, and submit yourselves; For they are watching over your souls as having an account to render. That with joy the same they may be doing, and not with sighing, for unprofitable unto you were this.

(Believe me there are times of "sighing" among the moderators, when things begin unraveling and edifying spiritual peace is replaced by unprofitable arguments and strife, bruised egos in place of spiritual growth.)

Heb 13:18 Be praying for us; (we certainly need it!) For we persuade ourselves that an honourable conscience have we.(None of us are on power trips or personal vendettas, we admonish and counsel each other as well) In all things honourably desiring to behave ourselves.

Heb 13:19 But much more abundantly do I exhort you the same to do. (It is a two way street, we all need to be moderate, temperate) That more speedily I may be restored unto you.

Heb 13:20 But the God of peace He that led up from among the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep, with the blood of an age abiding covenant , our Lord Jesus Christ.
(We do pray for the guidance of His Spirit, we should hope all here do the same)

Heb 13:21 Fit you by every good work for the doing of His will, Doing within us that which is well pleasing before Him through Jesus Christ: To whom be the glory, unto the ages of ages , Amen.

There are going to be some who read this post and will say to themselves and/or PM others saying "who does this guy (and the other moderators by extension) think he is? I/we don't need to submit ourselves to his guidance, who does he think he is, Paul? No, I do not think I am Paul, but for some reason I do find myself in this position, a position with no worldly compensation (I do not desire any gain from it either), one that is time consuming even when I am not on line, this Forum is never far from my mind, I (all moderators) only want the best for our members here, we want nor expect anything from you other than your spiritual growth and edification.

There will be times decisions are made that will not, can not be readily explained to everybody's satisfaction, we do not seek to embarrass people, even people who do not have our best interests at heart. Sometimes there are situations that need to happen behind the scenes, please believe me all of us consult the other moderators when difficult decisions arise none of us want to be judged by our Lord as scattering His sheep or putting stumbling blocks in the paths of His people.

I hope this helps clear the air a bit more.

His Peace and Wisdom to you all,

Joe




         

gmik:
Thanks guys!

LittleBear:
Thanks Joe,

It's good to know that you moderators are working behind the scenes to keep things in order and flowing. I appreciate all of you and what you do.

Love,

Ursula

Harryfeat:
Thanks for that reminder Joe. 

I've been gone for a couple of weeks also and don't really understand what all the fuss is about.  The moderators have a job to do which entails, among other numerous tasks, making sure that the rules of the forum are followed.  I believe that they have shown a lot of patience, tolerance and good judgment in what they do.  I don't always understand why they do certain things and not others but hey, I don't know the big picture or any of what goes on behind the scenes. 

They have taken the trouble to try to explain some of this to us and I for one am grateful because it shows that they care about what they do and are not just acting out a policeman's role.  The love is apparent and we are indeed fortunate.

It has been said before but the message somehow keeps getting lost. This forum is for us in our fellowship and to discuss Ray's teaching on BT.  It is just that simple and the rules are very clear.

Though it is troubling to see this, I pray that God's will is to see us stronger with more loving tolerance and patience to our brothers and sisters.

be blessed
feat

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