Apostolic Friends Forum - What do we really need?

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What do we really need?

I've read posts on here suggesting that what we need are more "arguments" or "debates".

Maybe.......... maybe not.

I just finished reading Steadfast's thread about his experience this last year. And Bro Epley's thread about God's goodness to him.

Friends, THOSE are the kinds of things we need more of on here. You can debate till the cows come home. But no one is edified by that. People are blessed by threads like these others. And GOD is pleased. I'd rather be pleasing to Him than anything else. At any cost.

Thanks for letting me express my humble opinion. :)

Indeed... I have been a bit amazed at the posts that appear to be waxing nostalgic for the good ole days of arguing, debating, bickering...

Although I do love to discuss things with those who agree and disagree with me I will generally only take part in such a discussion if it can be done in a respectable and productive manner.

Otherwise... all we are doing is arguing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margies3 (Post 15809)

Debating and arguing can be fun and interesting as long as it doesn't get ugly - unfortunately it usually gets ugly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QueenEsther (Post 15852)

Debating and arguing can be fun and interesting as long as it doesn't get ugly - unfortunately it usually gets ugly.

That is because it is the nature of the beast.

I think I must be weird. I get just as much out of the debates. There are some quality comments and references. To me its very revealing most of the time. I appreciate being able to come to a place and see this type of debate.

In times past the "powers" that be were untouchable.

Reminds me of a few posts I made on my forum sometime back....

Here is one...

Quote:

I tire these days of the increasingly common attitude that if you disagree with someone then you are hating them or you are bashing them.

This not only happens in religious and political conversations but sometimes happens in just normal everyday conversations as well.

Not only does one tend to be labeled a "basher" for disagreeing with people but there also seems to be an "attack mode" mentality when "discussing" these things. Calm, orderly and substantive discussion seems to be a lost art these days.

I am sure that I am guilty of the same thing from time to time but I have to say that, at least, I am guilty of it far less than I used to be. I guess I have seen too many things that I had deemed as truth turn out to be false to make too much of a one sided "absolutely true" type stand.

Even concerning things that I still feel are "absolutely" true I still want to be able to weigh another opinion and honestly give it thought and study lest I cut myself off from some further truth that God may have for me to learn.

I have learned a few things about the mindset that I have to possess to have honest and open study of any issue:

1. If I have not reached a place that I can see where they are coming from then I have not yet put down the walls that keep me from honestly hearing what they have to say.

2. There is some truth in nearly everything that anyone believes even if what they believe is in error. These truths must be accepted as truth. Truth is, after all, truth and should always be recognized as such. The reason for this is two fold.
A) When you act negatively to something that both of you know is truth then the person you are speaking with will not see you as having an open and honest mind. (And they are right by the way :) )
B) If you see something that is truth but, because it is part of something you do not believe, you treat it as error then you are in no way being open and honest and you are not currently capable of seeing anything more than you already know.

While not a perfect example of this one moment that comes to mind is from a choir practice in Texas. We were singing a song and the lyrics, while actually biblical, had a little too much of a "trinitarian" flare to them for one of the choir members and he was objecting somewhat. I turned asked him out of the blue... "Have you been baptized in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost?" to which he replied "Of course not". I then told him... You better be. It is bible. You and I both know that the name of the father, son & holy ghost is Jesus but never ever let yourself be caught denying scripture. If someone asks you if you have been baptized in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost then you should answer yes lest you be found standing against the word of God. The lesson I was shooting for is, if it is scripture then it is scripture. Cut and dried. Don't deny scripture because you don't like the "ring" it has to it. Let the word of God be true and every man a liar.

3. Do not read what YOU think is their attitude into what they say. Or, further stated, don't paint what they say with your preconceptions about what you feel they think. If you have questions then ask them. Otherwise take what they say at face value and don't taint it with prejudice.

4. Never ever attack what they believe. If the 2 of you can study together and continue to, calmly and with respect, show each other what you believe and why then, in God's time, greater truth will come to the one who is in need of it. In most cases I find that both go away edified and made stronger in the word.

There are others that I could add to this but this post is already getting longer than I expected it to be so I will close it for now.

Please understand that I am not against discussion or even a good debate. I do not like them when they become personal attacks!!! But there is nothing wrong with a good discussion. Nothing at all!! And sometimes we can learn alot from those discussions and debates.

But I really, really enjoy the threads giving glory to God. That's what I am saying. I'd like to see alot more of those. When I first started reading (back on FCF), I was hoping to see alot more "testimonies" and fellowship. That's what I was craving.

I guess I was really looking for a place that would remind me of the days I had spent in the UPC. When I attended UPC churches, there was not alot of debate, discussion or arguing. And there was certainly not alot of people bashing. Instead, there was fellowship, teaching, love for one another, testimonies, etc. That's what my soul was longing for.

Folks, Ice Cream still comes in those cartons with more than one flavor. Some hate chocolate, others distain vanilla. Variety is the spice of life, and for a long time doctrine was thrown to the wind. I prefer "discussion" to arguments.

I do really, really enjoy posts like Bro Epley too!

And this one.....

:ty

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoredOutOfMyMind (Post 15930)

I don't think flavors of ice cream are an applicable comparison for a "discussion versus arguement" subject.

A more applicable comparison would be ice cream (of whatever flavor) to.... say.... bugs. :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth (Post 15935)

Some here simply like discussion.

some do not.

I don't see the bugs analogy.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...OOMM/bugme.jpg