Trying to make a point.
 

So often our friends on this forum feel they are trying to make a point. However to a lot of the rest of us they are merely trying to be inflammatory.

Perhaps the problem lies on both sides of the discussion. A poor choice of words or wording. An unwillingness to accept that persons explanation or understand the point they were trying to make (perhaps from being too defensive or overly sensitive).

Sometimes it seems the speaker really was trying to make a point AND was trying to be inflammatory. You have to realize that you just lost your point if you had one to make. You don't take points since there is no point system here. You didn't win an argument.

If you have a point to be made then you have to choose your words carefully and not with an "I don't care" attitude. This is a discussion forum. It's not intended as a "venting forum" nor a "vendetta forum".

I find it ironic that some of the people that leave in a huff demand we not call this place Apostolic laced with some nasty parting shots...when I was thinking the only problem seemed to be the word FRIENDS in the name.

Let's act like friends. Dialog is the key. Try to see how the other person is feeling. Be Apologetic. Be humble. Stop trying to be inflammatory. If you have a point, choose your words carefully. If someone was offended try to explain what you meant and be apologetic without making it the other persons fault. What do I mean? An Apology does not start, include or end with a finger pointing at the other person.

Thoughts?

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Sometimes we say things and we don't know if it's right or wrong and sometimes I'm not sure that it matters. I think the best we can do is try our hardest and do our best. Sometimes that does come off a bit inflammatory. But some discussion and meeting at the bridge is better than either not meeting or being so cordial we never accomplish anything. Food for thought.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

I agree...we can all be friends...

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

BTW if we were not so intent on being offended or being an offender, we might see that we all here still have a LOT of common ground.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Sometimes we are too busy being counter offended that someone is offended by what we said, that we can't or won't be humble enough to just understand we offended a friend, a brother or sister...a fellow saint.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Sometimes that is true.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

We all say we want to be like Jesus...we can become like Him drawing our circle bigger and including more people.
A lot of the times the people that scream at us the loudest really would love to be like us!
So, don´t always take things so personal and feel like we have to have the last word in everything...

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

It takes both sides...an offender and the offended...in fact sometimes maybe the offender really didn't do something wrong or at least they didn't intend to, so the offended too might be the one taking things to far. Let's remain friends, try to communicate as friends even if we are offended.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

yes exactly. Don't always take things so personal!

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

I think we've all been guilty of this at times. I know I'm probably the worst offender. Hey, guys, I want you to know... I still love each and every one of you. Please be patient with me, God's not through with me yet. (I hope)

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Yep, I am learning to ignore or overlook some things that are said. I can only control MY actions or reactions. Not anyone else's. I do enjoy the fellowship here, although there are a few that I really have begun to dislike, and that is my problem, not theirs.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

If that is ever me, Cindy, I hope you will feel free to come to me and let me know that I have hurt or offended you. That goes for everyone here. You all are my friends. I VALUE your friendship!

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Nope, not you. One in particular crossed a line, but I dealt with it. I have to love them anyway. And you know I do not have a problem telling anyone if they have offended me. I just tell them, forgive them, and get over it.!!!!

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Oh HE is throught with you all right.


=) j/k

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

What does the term " To be like Jesus" mean? Jesus was not always the quiet,the loving and the long suffering man that people say we must be like. Jesus was harsh when it was needed. He used a whip on those that polluted the temple. Jesus gave the Apostles the truth and he expects those that are called to obey Peters teachings.

Jesus said Father I have finished the work that you gave me to do. I have given them (Apostles) your word, your word is true. Jesus said I pray for them: I pray not for the world, Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their (Apostles ) word;
Man can only be saved through obedience to the Apostles Peters words.

When someone is bold enough to proclaim and take a stand for the doctrine that Peter preached, many say they are mean and do not show love. If you are bold enough to say the saved at repentance doctrine is false doctrine you are scoffed at and ridiculed, called mean spirited.

I do not want to draw my circle bigger if it includes people that believe and continue in false doctrine.

To be like Jesus is telling the world the same words he gave to the Apostles. Those words are in Acts 2:38

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

In totality?

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Forums and other such Digital Communication in my opinion is a poor communication tool when it comes to dialogue. You miss so much of communication that is body language and other less communicated methods.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Mark 9:38-40 (KJV)
And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. [39] But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. [40] For he that is not against us is on our part.


Luke 9:49-50 (KJV)
And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. [50] And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.


Acts 18:24-28 (KJV)
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. [25] This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. [26] And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. [27] And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: [28] For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.


I do not believe that everyone that does not believe like I do is intent on deceiving people.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Good points!

I told someone last night what a dear older lady told me - - "those difficult people in your life - you've gotta love them to get to heaven, honey."

Really, Prax great post.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Exactly. And sometimes loving them is tough.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

One is not in the kingdom of God untill they have repented,been baptised in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. In other words completely obey Acts 2:38 then there are many more truths that we will incounter.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Brother Light on another thread I expressed I am a 3 stepper...I have never called anyone mean spirited.
When I said draw a circle you misunderstood me or maybe I did not make myself plain...I am speaking of friends...The best way to help someone is to be their friend.
I am not bragging so please do not take it as bragging but I have probably won more trinity people to Acts 2:38 than most people that write on this board. I love Acts 2:38.

However during the course of my life I have won whole trinity churches...and baptized them in Jesus Name. When I say friends I try to make friends and at the proper time I am asked why I am different.

I am a lady and have always tried to express myself in a way that is lady like...however that does not mean I do not believe Acts 2:38.

Why would you think I do not believe Acts 2:38? I have told countless stories to your church about baptizing many trinity people...? Have I said something that has caused a doubt?
I believe it so much that I have given my whole life on a mission field.
Brother Light, I am sorry if I have offended you in any way. I never intend to hurt anyone. I try to help.

If I thought people were saved I would have never worked in one of the most horrible places that any human being could work...a leper colony in a 3rd world country...I did not just go and have my picture made with them...I was with them many times for days helping them, sleeping in their beds, eating at their tables, dressing their sores, baptizing them when no one else would do it.

I am not to much a party person but I baked (with help) hundreds of fruit cakes for them one year at Christmas time, stayed up all night making punch and candy...to be in a Spiritist Christmas party...(devil worshippers) in the end I (with help) prayed some of them through to the Holy Ghost at their party...
I went to a Catholic mass because the priest was from Germany and took my neice and nephew that speak German and brought one home from mass and prayed through to the Holy Ghost...
The pastor from the Assembly of God invited me to his church after I preached on their little radio at the colony...in the end we baptized some from his church in Jesus Name...
Do I agree with devil worshippers? No, a million times no...do I agree with Rome? No a million times no...
Do I agree with 3 gods and trinity? No...
However I reached for them and loved them and won many of them. That is what I speak of drawing a circle...

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

and to all if I have ever been mean spirited or haughty please forgive me...
One of my best friends on her dying bed suddenly sat up and begin to sig, TO be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, I only ask to be like Him....all through life´s journey from this world to glory I only ask to be like him...after singing in English she sang in tongues the same song and passed on...
I hope (and miss the mark often) however I hope that even when I differ I can be like Him...
I do know how to be firm. Ask my people....ha....

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

We might even learn something from others when we thought we were right about something if we are willing to let the "pride" thing go.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

I have found on other boards that people don't see PEOPLE on the other end of the remarks. I even had one girl call people on a board, "fake friends".

They will say things on a discussion board that they would NEVER say to someone in person.

People need to THINK. There is someone on the other end of that remark/insult that can be very hurt with your words.

Remember: Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Sister I answered this post in a PM.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

He's also given us Galatians 6:11. But not many people think about that!

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

. I think it's all your fault! (points finger at praxeas) Your post has offended me! :D

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

You mean some of these folks could be sticking their tongue out at me as they post? :nutso

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Just remember the other 4 fingers :statbike:

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Great post Praxeas.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Great Post, Bro. Praxeas,

Sometimes things are said that are very good in content, but the
delivery may be the problem. For instance, it not what we said, BUT
the way we said it!:heart
On the other hand, we may totally disagree with what is said, but
there is also a manner/spirit in which we re-act that could bring about good
dialogue for both.
I may tell my husband I love him, but if I am frowning, he may be
confused. LOL!

Blessings,

Falla39

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Jesus had righteous indignation. We often just have self-righteous indignation.

Being bold and taking a stand is great. Being inconsiderate, judgmental and condemning is not. Many people can't seem to tell the difference (and I'll admit it can be a subtle distinction).

Just some thoughts.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

And some good thoughts!

Proverbs 28:1,
"The wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion".

Blessings,

Falla39

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Thought provoking thread. Thank you Praxeas.

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Sometimes I have this problem...what I want to say does not always come out the way I want it to. I agree facial expressions tell us a lot and KNOWING the person even tells us more.
I have lived and worked among a people for 40 years the "OLE" timers tell me, "missionary, you don´t have to say anything your eyes tell us everything!

I am thinking about something that happened at a church I was at...a lady got up and said something that I did not agree with and was way off base according to what we feel is doctrine...then the pastor called on me and I thanked the lady for visiting us and told her that her dress was so beautiful...which it was...after the meeting our folks came up laughing and said, Missionary...no matter what is said you try to find something good...Our people knew I did not agree with what the person said but there was no reason to hurt the lady...at another time I was with her I told her how our church felt about a certain thing...she remembered her remark and thanked me for wisely not saying anything at that moment...we still are friends however she knows what we believe and has been back...
There is much wisdom needed in dealing with people...what might help one could kill another. That is why we must always remember, He that winneth souls is wise.
I try to teach my people and when some remark is made they also can know how to react and win if possible a soul.
The story of the hurt Samaritan tells about a man that was half dead....half dead also means half alive...what we do about it many times determines the end of the story!

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Jesus had righteous indignation...this is the key word...

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

James and John, in their early zeal, wanted to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans. Aged Paul was willing to take back even Mark, whom he had refused as a companion in his early ministry and to acknowledge that he was profitable to him for the ministry...

Sometimes we have to stand back...get away to think clearly....harsh judgment is seldom the right thing... to speak before thinking...to speak before praying...

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

51 Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”[e]
55 But He turned and rebuked them,[f] and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.”[g] And they went to another village.

I think most of us would have consumed a few people if we would have had the power to call fire from heaven! How terribly human we are!

Re: Trying to make a point.
 

Every now and then you make a good "point". This is one. :) Excellent words of advice!

Raven