Is The Religion Forum Working?

9/9/2002 | PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Why all the seperatition of late, are we afraid to debate each other any more?

BigMack

[LiteKeeper]

I couldn't agree with you more. When I was actively pastoring, I operated on the basis that the best sermons (teaching types) should go to the largest crowds: 1100 on Sunday morning. I did not believe in saving the "really deep stuff" for Sunday School or the evening services. Some of the "old timers" complained, but my mandate as a pastor is to equip the saints for the work of service, rightly dividing the Word. Teaching is the work of the pastor - evangelism is the work of the people as they encounter people in the lives. Someone once said, "sheep are supposed to have sheep; shepherds aren't." Doesn't mean the pastor isn't bringing people to Christ, but far too many congregations think that is the work of the pastor, not theirs.

[Theresa]

"Why all the seperatition of late, are we afraid to debate each other any more?"

You can't be talking about me!!!!??? LOL.

[rdb3]

Present!

[RnMomof7]

Not voting huh soldier??

[malakhi]

You can't be talking about me!!!!??? LOL.

We've been thinking that you need to come out of your shell. ;o)

[RnMomof7]

I am ashamed to tell you that I was a Christian 22 years before I ever thought about Doctrine..I knew the Word (all we really need for salvation and a full Christian life )

I do believe that most people do not give such things a thought

That is one of the values of religious threads IMHO

Sometimes seeing a title will make someone think.

Do ya suppose they yelled at each other during all those early councils? Do ya spose that Paul yelled at Peter:>) , Did ya ever read some of the harsh words exchanged by Luther and Erasmus??

Are we passionate about the word of God..geeeee I hope so!!

It is good you are teaching...very good!

[RnMomof7]

No I think there is some concern over the participation..it is like an echo chamber in here sometimes..

[RnMomof7]

Some of the "old timers" complained, but my mandate as a pastor is to equip the saints for the work of service, rightly dividing the Word. Teaching is the work of the pastor - evangelism is the work of the people as they encounter people in the lives.

Absolutely correct..but today it is all about numbers ..bring them in..

Now when you have a church full of unsaved or babes ..it is hard to teach the mature saints (equip them)

I have a firm belief that the church is for maturing the already saved. The congregation should be out beating the bushes IN THE WORLD and giving the gospel themselves..

[rdb3]

Not voting huh soldier??

Naa...

[LiteKeeper]

that is absolutely where I stand on this issue as well.

"Sheep have sheep; shepherds feed the sheep, and care for the new lambs"

[11th Earl of Mar]

Is The Religion Forum Working? Are we afraid to debate each other any more?

I would hope that less religious debate would mean that more people are 'preaching the gospel to every creature' instead of arguing with nameless, faceless screenames here on FR.

If that is the case, then I suppose that the Religion Forum IS working.

[w_over_w]

Great profile page! Wowzers! Thank you for your service to our country and may God bless your heart.

BTW, did you catch the Boyz and the Texans last night? Hoowah!

[rdb3]

BTW, did you catch the Boyz and the Texans last night? Hoowah!

Yes I did! And I've been enjoying all the whining I've heard in Dallas today. It's been fun.

The Cowboys lost to an EXPANSION TEAM!

BWAAAAHHAAAAAHAAA!

[L,TOWM]

Good analogy, and I am happy to say that my church, with the motto of "Win, equip, send!" follows that design. Doctrine is high on the list of teaching done in my church. We have good teachers, too. (Present poster notwithstanding.)

My problem with the religious forum is that I do not particularly enjoy discussions of Calvinism, What is wrong with the RC Curch, or why Mormonism is a one way ticket to Satan's Eternal Resort.

I used main board threads befor e the segregation (and now) to sharpen up on evangelising, tighten up my apologetics, and witness my saving faith. I have not gotten into a good furball with OWK in this forum. I love you all as brothers and sisters, and look forward to sitting with you at the Marriage Feast of the Lamb, but for now, I agree with too many of you and there are too few threads on fundamental metaphysics in this forum. Those fundamental threads are where the seekers will be. Chances to witness also pop up on some odd ball threads in the main or general interest forums.

As an example, I got into a good discussion and was able to witness on a thread last Friday concerning (of all things) Prison Rape.(!) God has led me down an amazing path, and I feel the need to share that witness of His Power whenever the chance presents itself. There are'nt that many chances to that on this forum.

My treasure is knowing that God has used me as an unworthy messenger of His Salvation--that is where my heart is. I figure we'll all find out if Calvin was right when we're in our glorified bodies, worshipping our returned King.

Sorry if I've offended anyone...But this forum has little interest for me. (Other than the ocaisional lurking review of an intersting thread to see some of the 1st class doctrine defenders demolish drek posted by those with more passion than sense.)

[L,TOWM]

Yeah but this place made a good practice field. I also have gotten some positive, private feedback from people that have renewed dead faith or come to saving faith, based on what was being posted on FR.

My favorite street corner on the Santa Monica Promenade just is'nt the same without Ray Comfort and Greg Koukl out there anymore. :-<(

[kjam22]

No I think there is some concern over the participation..it is like an echo chamber in here sometimes..

Ahhh... I see. Would that be like an echo chamber because some people keep making the flawed arguments over and over and over... as if their argument was simply bouncing around in here from wall to wall?? :)

I think there are probably a lot more people who lurk in this forum than post to it. Maybe a greater percentage of lurker to poster than in other areas. You know in fact... they are probably lurking and asking themselves if MOM is ever going to understand that Kjam22 is correct and that MOM needs to accept the entire gospel. I'm you know... pretty confident that that is what they are thinking :)

Just kidding... don't go balstic on me :)

[RnMomof7]

There are many gifts ..but only one Giver of Gifts...Evangelize away...

Do stop in once in a while:>))

[RnMomof7]

Ahhh... I see. Would that be like an echo chamber because some people keep making the flawed arguments over and over and over... as if their argument was simply bouncing around in here from wall to wall?? :)

Well we were hoping that this thread would focus you :>)))

Look I have been agreeing with xzins on the end times...there is always hope you guys will come to your senses:>))

[11th Earl of Mar]

private feedback from people that have renewed dead faith

I hope that is true. But it seems from all the bantering that the opposite is more the norm.

[dadwags]

Hi, Mack, I do lurk a lot, and sometimes , add in a couple of cents . You all roll on, now .