Rodge you seem to take offence too easily, I was only using a chess term,
In studying the word, we all see these things at different paces
I was trying to encourage Babara who seemed to be hurt by what was said that is why I posted to her
Barbara I never think of these discussions as chastisement, We are observing a wonderful mystery and all us bring our prospectives to it. I like to think that we are clarifying and honing our way of thinkingBecause we were all talking about the Day of the Lord , as coming as a theif, and darkness, I added to what had been said by showing that we were told what to do and insured that the power would be supplied
Your statement on the swimmers seem to me to be centered on the single swimmer actions... I was just posting to point to the source of the swimmers abitity to swim and the second swimmers Faith....that is why I posted these verses
(Eph 6:10)
As to the rest, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his mightEph 6:11)
put on the whole armour of God for your being able to stand against the wiles of the devil,
We all need to get these defensive attitudes. When we communicate in a conversation we normally get to use three modes
First is the most obvious,. Words and believe it or not communicate only 7% of what we are trying to explain.
Second is tone. Tone makes up for 38% of what we are trying to explain.
Third is body language. Body language makes up 55% of what we are trying to explain.
The unfortunate part in participating in a forum is that tone, or body language is not seen/heard,..... so all we are left with are the WORDS.
Having said this, when we see some thing posted that conflicts with what we understand..we are commanded to not think too much of ourselves. It is better to give the person the benfit of doubt and be gracious in explaining.
(Php 2:3)
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
If a person can see what you are trying to communicate , good that is God's doing in them. If they can't then we are to be at peace, you can patiently rephrase it but it is not our job to
make them see or have any opinion about them when they don't.
AT the Fish breakfast, When Peter questioned things planned to happen to John...Jesus said to peter.........
what is that to thee?...you follow me.
beloved