> General Discussions

Tribulation Right Here

(1/5) > >>

hillsbororiver:
Hi Brothers and Sisters,

We read (and sometimes feel) that the periods of strife here in the Forum from time to time should not be happening and it is all too frustrating to bear for some of us. I am wondering if that truly is the case, have you considered just maybe it is all part of God's grand design, plan and suits His purpose.

[Mat 10:34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
 
Mat 10:35  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father and the daughter against her mother and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.]

In perusing most every post here I sometimes come across the sentiment within some posts that we as "likeminded" believers should be able to communicate without disagreement or differences and when these things do happen some of us have a tendency to withdraw from participating or even decide it is time to move on, but move on where? Where is the place in this present time that no discord ever is present? After all what does "likeminded" really mean? Is it agreeing with each other 100% of the time? If that was the case there would be no reason to ever use that word, as like minded believers we are persuing a better relationship with God as well as our brethren, to be able to deal with each other in faith, patience and longsuffering, the goal is what makes us likeminded not how we presently understand everything. I believe if we search the scriptures we see that wherever faith is displayed or there are people who seek to know God and strive for His wisdom Satan will appear in an attempt to spoil, divide and sow disharmony.

[Mat 13:19  When any one heareth the word of the kingdom and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
 
Mat 13:20  But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
 
Mat 13:21  Yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Most all of us are here because we were fascinated by the articles on Bible Truths, they spoke to our spirit, encouraging us and freeing us from so much of the bondage to and of Babylon, we came here with high expectations of a peaceful oasis with one big happy family. But where on this earth does "one big family" actually exist? If we look to our own families, our own flesh and blood, people we grew up with, speak with face to face, experience good times and endure difficult times together in person. Do we always see eye to eye even with them? Should we think communicating with our spiritual Brothers and Sisters be any easier? Can we reasonably expect this to be accomplished without any need for understanding, patience, long suffering on our own part?

When we feel we have been slighted, ignored or unfairly criticized does it build us up spiritually if we seek understanding before we become disillusioned or even angry? In the best case scenarios I believe we do actually attempt this with our own flesh and blood families.

Please forgive me if I sound as if I am preaching, I am writing this because I too have stumbled in this regard, many of you are far ahead of me in patience and empathy for our brethren. Also please do not jump to the conclusion that I think that being a part of this Forum has any bearing on someone's elect status, it does not, that is totally under God's control.

My point is that the problems we encounter from time to time can actually be a blessing if we strive to seek His will and wisdom when we feel our beast healing or our old (carnal) man springing into action in frustration and anger.

We will all learn this eventually, in this age or the next, let's all pray to obtain His Spiritual fruits as we experience these challenges and tribulations.

His Peace and Wisdom to you,

Joe 



 

Amrhrasach:
Lucid.

Your "point", paragraph 11 speaks volumes to me.

Thank you Joe.

KristaD:
Wow, Joe, I've never seen those scriptures that way. You are absolutely right, we should be treating each other as family. It's just so hard, for me at least, to find the balance between love/forgiveness/patience and reprove/rebuke/exhort ?? I always try (with my family especially) to do both at the same time but it seems that most people think that rebuking a sin is a judgment of them and the opposite of love. So what do we do? This is something I have been struggling with lately.

kweli:
Hello brother Joe (I'd call you father but we know that's not allowed)

I am with you through and through. I must just make a note that it is not easy. True, it gets easier as we grow (spiritually) but it is never easy. You made a great point that we come here hoping for a peaceful oasis. I believe that is actually the very nature of our Saviour. And also, we live around great persecution from our very own families. It would be ideal to find peace, even when in disagreement. We know we are not to conduct ourselves the way the world does. I believe we are supposed to learn to turn the other cheek right here. That, to me, is how we clean the inside of the cup so that the outside may be clean. I think you understand what I mean by this.

I dont know if anybody (in the 'right' spirit, with the 'right' motives and intentions) would get ticked off to a point where they would disfellowship themselves from the forum. Even apostles who were ordained by Jesus disagreed, but not to a point of withdrawing themselves. But I have not doubt that if we are out for each others well-being, it will not be as hard as it is now to just be in unity, unlike the ones who would protect their beliefs over caring for another (that is how the Pharisees conducted themselves).

I hope this is more edifying than anything else. Believe me when I say this is more for me than anyone else.

All Glory to HIM

Matt:
Thanks for the great discussion  :).
I am reminded that I should not be upset when the Lord has decided that it is time to "learn my lesson".
Actually, I should  feel honored that He is actively showing me my faults and helping me to improve myself, and eventually hate that particular sin in my life. 
It is getting easier for me to do this the past year or so, though I am being tested at my new job here in CA :o.

Matt

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page