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=> General Discussions => Topic started by: hillsbororiver on September 12, 2006, 12:49:50 PM
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Hello Everyone,
Having been around the Forum for well over a year now I have seen and experienced certain cycles and trends that are very recognizable to me, even as they unfold. We will go through a period of relative calmness with the posts and threads edifying and loving.
Then will come the intrusion of man made doctrines that trouble many of our spirits, some of these posts are blatently disagreeable and others are more subtle, just a question or a thought, some might say. There is nothing wrong with being like a Berean, verifying the Scriptures to see if it is so, or to ask for supporting witnesses to things stated, these things we are admonished to do. But when unscriptural statements or man made traditions or legends are brought here we are not to be timid in holding to the truth in the name of love or compassion or tolerence, this is a fallacy.
I am not suggesting anyone be rude or impatient, yes it is not always easy to balance, it is a fine line to walk, but if we are to grow in His Spirit we need to search what is written and not only read the Word but live the Word, if someone offends you with a post please admonish them privately, copy a moderator if you think it is necessary.
If the moderators detect that anyone is here just to debate or argue for arguments sake they will be banished, there are plenty of websites out there devoted to this type of activity, Bible Truths Forum is just not one of them.
Pro 28:25 He that is of a proud hear stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
Jam 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
If those of us that have been called are truly striving to win the race, to endure until the end, to be of the elect, the only foundation we have is built on His Word.
Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Pro 3:21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
Pro 3:22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Pro 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely and thy foot shall not stumble.
Pro 23:4 Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions of science falsely so called:
2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
1Jo 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
His Peace and Wisdom to all my Brothers and Sisters,
Joe
P. S. This article addresses the point of my post extremely well;
http://bible-truths.com/kiss.htm
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There is one more thing I would like to add, there have been more than a few in the time I have been associated with the Forum who like to make the statement; "I do not agree with everything Ray writes" like it is a badge of honor, or a sign of a deeper understanding for some of them, I will be the first to say that we should not accept any man's version of truth unless it can be backed with scriptural witnesses. But that is a broadbrushed open ended claim that puts little to no responsibility on the person stating the opinion.
It is like "I don't know that Johnny being is honest with us all the time," or "Sally seems to be away from the house alot for a married woman." No accusation or direct attack just a subtle bit of doubt about someone or something being cast with the accuser having little to no responsibility to prove or defend the statement.
To me a statement like that is insidious, it implies that there are falsehoods being taught without having to be specific, from this point forward I would (and will) ask anyone making that statement to specifically say what it is they disagree with and to provide the scripture to back it up.
That is not too much to ask, let us be temperate in all things, refraining from broadbrushed negative insinuations are not edifying to the brethren. If there are real doctrinal flaws being taught or stated here, let us deal with them head on and openly, state the case with the (scriptural) witnesses provided and we will go from there.
His Peace to you,
Joe
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Joe and Bobby, your words are true and encouraging and I thank you both for them.
I think we all should remember a few things and adhere to them always
1. Each of us walks alone with God.
2. Neither I, has the respondsibility of bringing anyone to God.
3. All Words and Actions either speak of God or Satan (a simple rulle but often forgotten)
I believe Paul speaks well of this here:
Col 3:22 - Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Granted, Paul is speaking of Masters and Servants; but I have no trouble seeing myself as a servant to you all, and having God foremost in my heart kind of puts my ignorance into perspective. ::)
2Cr 5:20 - Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
A soft word ourt of love is more pleasing to all involved (inluding God) than a plethora of words of condemnation; something that I am all to good at.
I think the question that should always be asked before a word is spoken (or written) is: Just who am I an ambassadors too?
Sometimes the answer frightens me. :(
God be with you all,
Darren
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Darren,
A great post, much wisdom there.
Thank you,
Joe
P. S.
I want to add that sincere questions are always welcome here, I remember having a plethora of questions when I first came on board and the patient and gentle manner most of the members displayed. I certainly would like that tradition to continue here.
His Peace and Wisdom to all of you,
Joe
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Joe, knowing I just posted a comment on your post in another thread that coud be contrued as disagreement, I will vow now that I will abide by this notion of PM-ing from now on. Not posting any sort of "rebuttle" or "disagreement" or flesh-inspired doctrines really will clear up many of negative feelings I have about all the divisiveness here. It will help me to learn without all the sidetracks that come up when divisiveness occurs. And believe me, I do tend to get sidetracked. So your suggestion might be made one of the rules...perhaps.
snorky
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Hello again Snorky,
I just replied to the post you referred to and I did not see anything there that I thought could be construed as anything but honest inquiry.
Sometimes we all just need to be reminded what the purpose of this Forum is and what it is we should all be here for, edifying and inspiring each other and keeping as close to His Word as possible. If we are seeking His Spirit in this we will not fail.
I truly appreciate your comments.
Peace to you,
Joe
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Hi Joe and Bobby,
I have been on this forum for a short time, but feel like it is my spiritual home now.
It is where my brothers and sisters are, and where I want to be.
Rules are good, they help us all understand what this place is all about.
I want to totally follow the guide lines, and if I ever step out of line, I know you will let me know.
Thanks to all of you moderators, for the time and effort you put in here.
I will try to do my part in making your job easier.
Eph 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.
1Th 5:11 wherefore, comfort ye one another, and build ye up, one the one, as also ye do.
1Th 5:12 And we ask you, brethren, to know those labouring among you, and leading you in the Lord, and admonishing you,
1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:
1Jo 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1Jo 4:12 No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:
Rom 14:19 Therefore, let us keep on pursuing those things that bring peace and that lead to building one another up.
1Th 5:11 Therefore comfort one another, and edify one another, even as you also do.
Joh 13:34 `A new commandment I give to you, that ye love one another; according as I did love you, that ye also love one another;
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
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KAT,
Wonderful Kat. I agree 100% I will also do my best to help keep this forum a "home", for myself and everyone else.
Chuck
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A quick question.
Is there anyone reading this thread, not feel the love? :)
I thank God for you all. :)
Darren
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Hello Darren,
It is a strong feeling, we all know the Source.
I really would love to hear from any new members or those of you who have been hesitant about sharing your thoughts to please join in here and critique us or make suggestions or even to just say hello and tell us how we can be better brethren.
I have been in contact with a new member who happened to be at the conference and if we could only replicate the atmosphere we had there it would certainly be a blessing for all.
His Peace and Wisdom to all of you,
Joe
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Hello Darren,
It is a strong feeling, we all know the Source.
I really would love to hear from any new members or those of you who have been hesitant about sharing your thoughts to please join in here and critique us or make suggestions or even to just say hello and tell us how we can be better brethren.
I have been in contact with a new member who happened to be at the conference and if we could only replicate the atmosphere we had there it would certainly be a blessing for all.
His Peace and Wisdom to all of you,
Joe
I don't think I have ever felt that much Love.
Same here, If I ever get out of line, do what God does and thump me on the ears. This is my spiritual home and I thank everyone involved.
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Patrick,
I know exactly how you must have felt returning to your motel room, I just wanted to slip away from Ray's after dinner because I was afraid of getting emotional, I did not want to say goodbye to everyone. Thankfully I knew I had no choice but to get on the road and get those 550 miles in the rearview mirror, the Spirit of our fellowship in the Lord that wonderful weekend is something I will never forget.
I have been thanking Him for each and every one of you that I had the pleasure of meeting there.
His Peace and Wisdom to you Brother,
Joe
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Hello all,
THATS IT....I'm not missing the next one... even if I have to walk there, sleep under a bridge, and eat stale saltines for two days. Money or no money...I'm going!!!
:) :) :)
Chuck
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LOL ;D
Great post Chuck, I Laughed Out Loud
God Bless you Brother!
Joe
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Hi Chuck,
You're a hoot.
But really you should try to go, if at all possible.
No matter how someone described a sunset or a rainbow,
there's no way to really know what it's like until you see it for yourself.
Ray said he was going to try to give more notice for the next one,
so people can plan ahead.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
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Kat,
When you said sunset, a memory came to mind. I used to fish off the coast of florida, and one of the things I would do right before sunset was to hang offshore a few miles and watch the sun set over the water. I really can't describe the beauty of that...the quietness, the breeze, the peace... as that big orange ball kissed the water and slipped out beyond the horizon. It was the most wonderful "church" I've ever attended. I only did it when I was alone. Sitting out on the bow, watching in awe everytime, It never got old, I never got tired of it...and I miss it deeply. It was just me...and God.
Then I'd rig up and troll back through the pass and catch a cooler full of kings, they used to come in at sundown and I'd track em on sonar!!
Wonderful times. Just like how you all desribe the meeting. Something you just can't wait to do again... :)
Love to all,
chuck
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Hello all,
THATS IT....I'm not missing the next one... even if I have to walk there, sleep under a bridge, and eat stale saltines for two days. Money or no money...I'm going!!!
:) :) :)
Chuck
Hi Chuck. I feel the same way.
I will start praying to God now about it actually. If it is His will, I'll be there!
Marie
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Hi Joe and all.
This is a good thread, and probably one that will need to be posted on a regular basis to help keep our focus on Jesus!
While reading the book of James, I felt it really fit in with this thread, and wanted to share some verses:
James 1:19 So that, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak (type ;)), slow to wrath.
James 2:8 If you truly fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.
Jam 3:13-18 Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good behavior, in meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, beastly, devilish. For where jealousy and contention are, there is confusion and every foul deed.
But the wisdom from above is firstly truly pure, then peaceable, forbearing, yielding, full of mercy and of good fruits, not partial and not pretended. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for the ones making peace.
Jam 5:16-20 Confess to one another the deviations from the Law, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. Very strong is a righteous petition, being made effective. Elijah was a man of like feeling to us, and he prayed in prayer for it not to rain; and it did not rain on the earth three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth caused its fruit to sprout. If anyone among you goes astray from the truth, brothers, and anyone turns him back, know that the one turning a sinner from the error of his way will save the soul from death, and will hide a multitude of sins.
We should all remember if we are feeling tribulation about our posts, and they are within God's will, this is OK.
1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God wills it, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1Pe 4:11-16 If anyone speaks, let it be as the words of God; if anyone ministers, as by strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom is the glory and the might to the ages of the ages. Amen. Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial happening among you for your testing, as if a surprise were occurring to you; but according as you share the sufferings of Christ, rejoice; so that you may rejoice exultingly at the revelation of His glory. If you are reviled in the name of Christ, you are blessed, because "the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you." Truly, according to them, He is blasphemed; but according to you, He is glorified. (Isa. 11:2) For do not let any of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in the affairs of others. But if one suffers as a Christian, do not let him be ashamed, but to glorify God in this respect.
Peace and love to all here at this forum. Thank you God for fellowship!
Marie
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Hello all,
THATS IT....I'm not missing the next one... even if I have to walk there, sleep under a bridge, and eat stale saltines for two days. Money or no money...I'm going!!!
:) :) :)
Chuck
Hi Chuck, ;D
Feel kinda the same way....but I'm not a strong swimmer ::)
Angie
x
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Hi Joe and all.
This is a good thread, and probably one that will need to be posted on a regular basis to help keep our focus on Jesus!
While reading the book of James, I felt it really fit in with this thread, and wanted to share some verses:
James 1:19 So that, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak (type ;)), slow to wrath.
James 2:8 If you truly fulfill the royal Law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.
Jam 3:13-18 Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good behavior, in meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, beastly, devilish. For where jealousy and contention are, there is confusion and every foul deed.
But the wisdom from above is firstly truly pure, then peaceable, forbearing, yielding, full of mercy and of good fruits, not partial and not pretended. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for the ones making peace.
Jam 5:16-20 Confess to one another the deviations from the Law, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. Very strong is a righteous petition, being made effective. Elijah was a man of like feeling to us, and he prayed in prayer for it not to rain; and it did not rain on the earth three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth caused its fruit to sprout. If anyone among you goes astray from the truth, brothers, and anyone turns him back, know that the one turning a sinner from the error of his way will save the soul from death, and will hide a multitude of sins.
We should all remember if we are feeling tribulation about our posts, and they are within God's will, this is OK.
1Pe 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God wills it, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1Pe 4:11-16 If anyone speaks, let it be as the words of God; if anyone ministers, as by strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ; to whom is the glory and the might to the ages of the ages. Amen. Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial happening among you for your testing, as if a surprise were occurring to you; but according as you share the sufferings of Christ, rejoice; so that you may rejoice exultingly at the revelation of His glory. If you are reviled in the name of Christ, you are blessed, because "the Spirit of God and of glory rests on you." Truly, according to them, He is blasphemed; but according to you, He is glorified. (Isa. 11:2) For do not let any of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in the affairs of others. But if one suffers as a Christian, do not let him be ashamed, but to glorify God in this respect.
Peace and love to all here at this forum. Thank you God for fellowship!
Marie
Hello Marie,
I agree, thank you for the additional scriptures, they certainly tie in very well with the spirit of this topic.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
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Hi Everybody,
I just wanted to add that attending the Bible Conference in Mobile was a huge blessing for me. The spiritual teachngs, the fellowship, and the spirit of love was in abundance! I feel stronger, wiser and more humbled than ever.
Peace and grace to you all,
Rene'
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I have been listening to the tapes from the conference. Excellent teaching and you get a real sense of the love (&humor) that Ray has for the Word and for all of us.
Joe is that you with the REALLY deep voice?? :D
I would love to fellowship at Ray's house. But Mobile Ala is a looonnnnngggg way from Michigan. Chuck I would need a lot more than saltines!!!!
gena
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Joe is that you with the REALLY deep voice?? :D
gena
One and the same 8)
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;D
Boy, I bet you can keep your crew in line!!!
gena
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Hello Everyone,
It may be time to think about these things once again.
His Peace and Wisdom to all,
Joe
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I was reading this chapter this morning and thought to share it with you,
Ecclesiastes 7
1A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
2It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
3Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
7Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.
8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
10Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
11Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
13Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
14In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
15All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
16Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself ?
17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
18It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
22For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
23All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
25I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:
26And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.
27Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:
28Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
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Hi Joe,
These are good scripture to consider, indeed.
It is so different to see scripture with open eyes, it's like a light has been turned on.
Where as before, I only read these things as a event in the history of Israel.
Thanks Joe for bringing them to my attention.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
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A member brought up this old thread to me so I searched around, dusted it off and decided to bring it up again.
Ecclesastes 7 certainly is wisdom speaking to the heart of hearts.
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe
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Hello Joe
This is a very valuable thread as I am also sure there are many precious weaves of Gods words in the Forum archives. Regarding this one, there is the word fool that stands out for me and I have a few of Gods thoughts shown in His word that also have drawn my attention. Here they are:
A fool denies God.
Psalms 14 : 1 The empty-headed fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right.
This is not to puff up anyone who thinks they are above this description because :
Psalms 53 : 2,3 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, who sought, inquired after and desperately required God. 3. Every one of them has gone back, backslidden and fallen away; they have altogether become filthy and corrupt; there is non who does good, no not one.
A fool makes a mockery of sin.
Proverb’s 14 : 9 Fools make a mock of sin and sin mocks the fools who are its victims….
A fool despises instruction
Proverbs 1 : 7 ….fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Fools are self deceivers
Proverbs 14 : 8 The Wisdom, Godly Wisdom which is COMPREHENSIVE INSIGHT INTO THE WAYS AND PURPOSES OF GOD of the prudent , is to understand His way, but THE FOLLY OF SELF CONFIDENT FOOLS IS TO DECIEVE.
Fools walk in darkness
Ecc 2 : 14 The wise mans eyes are in his head but the fool walks in darkness
Fools hate to depart from evil
Proverbs 13 : 19….it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Fools are contentious
Proverbs 18 : 6 A self confident fool’s lips bring contention, and his mouth invites a beating.
There are many more characteristics of a fool to be found in the scriptures.
After reading the teachings shared with us from Ray, I have been blessed to have recieved another definition of a fool.....one who believes they have free will!
Peace to you
Arcturus :)