SeekGod.ca Discussion Forum

Ladies and gentlemen of the forums:

I come today to join in on Biblical discussions, although I remain doubtful of the outcome. A number of years ago, I was involved in dialog with people who were opposed to Christian missionary efforts. These people physically knew a good portion of the Bible, and were well able to prove and dismantle falsehoods wrongly attached to the religion termed Christianity.

I pointed out that these beliefs which they were well able to defeat were not truly Christian. Nevertheless, after some time had passed, I decided to seek Biblical discussions from other believers. What I saw was these same false statements and ignorant discussions being played out in arenas of dialog that were supposed to be Christian. In other words, there were supposed Christians adhering to -- and promoting -- false doctrines.

I realize now that while the latter may be thought of as ignorant people who can be corrected gracefully -- or even left to their ignorance as a trivial matter -- it is the former who have opportunity to blaspheme from the actions of the latter. In the end, who profits? Is God glorified? I believe both cases are terribly sad, but even beyond the sadness of it, this isn't pleasing to God at all.

It is partly for this reason that I am quite passionate about spiritual things, having a great desire to seek and discuss truth. I take the Bible quite seriously, and I don't plan on mincing words. In being honest and coming here with some sense of disclosure of important facts, I will say that, while some things on this website and forums may appear quite good to me, I have read various things that greatly trouble me.

I hope that the discussions here are fruitful, even though I am quite obviously aware that we do not appear to agree on what I consider to be major issues. I don't actively plan on being here long (ie. years), but I do hope that whatever time I spend here is blessed.

(10-19-2009 03:56 AM)DavidC99 Wrote: [ -> ]Ladies and gentlemen of the forums:

I come today to join in on Biblical discussions, although I remain doubtful of the outcome. A number of years ago, I was involved in dialog with people who were opposed to Christian missionary efforts. These people physically knew a good portion of the Bible, and were well able to prove and dismantle falsehoods wrongly attached to the religion termed Christianity.

I pointed out that these beliefs which they were well able to defeat were not truly Christian. Nevertheless, after some time had passed, I decided to seek Biblical discussions from other believers. What I saw was these same false statements and ignorant discussions being played out in arenas of dialog that were supposed to be Christian. In other words, there were supposed Christians adhering to -- and promoting -- false doctrines.

I realize now that while the latter may be thought of as ignorant people who can be corrected gracefully -- or even left to their ignorance as a trivial matter -- it is the former who have opportunity to blaspheme from the actions of the latter. In the end, who profits? Is God glorified? I believe both cases are terribly sad, but even beyond the sadness of it, this isn't pleasing to God at all.

It is partly for this reason that I am quite passionate about spiritual things, having a great desire to seek and discuss truth. I take the Bible quite seriously, and I don't plan on mincing words. In being honest and coming here with some sense of disclosure of important facts, I will say that, while some things on this website and forums may appear quite good to me, I have read various things that greatly trouble me.

I hope that the discussions here are fruitful, even though I am quite obviously aware that we do not appear to agree on what I consider to be major issues. I don't actively plan on being here long (ie. years), but I do hope that whatever time I spend here is blessed.

David,

Well, let it never be said that being forthright is a mistake, no matter how it sounds or comes across. It's a good thing that our beliefs are not bound to your opinion, but the Word of God and living for Christ.

You are not alone in being passionate about Biblical things, as our focus is living for Christ and pointing others to Him and the Word of God as our standard for doctrine.

Quote:A number of years ago, I was involved in dialog with people who were opposed to Christian missionary efforts. These people physically knew a good portion of the Bible, and were well able to prove and dismantle falsehoods wrongly attached to the religion termed Christianity.

If you are talking about Jews for Judaism, and their counter missionary practices and beliefs--we can discuss those issues, with respect. I suspect that is where you are coming from, as I reread your post. Keep in mind that just because someone rejects Jesus Christ and the NT, does not mean their objections are accurate or valid. However, there are many people advocating false doctrines under the guise of "Christian" or Messianic or Hebrew Roots. That doesn't make them correct.

That said, you have come to present your beliefs with the goal of showing particular ones as being correct over what some might believe. I would caution you on spamming your beliefs. We don't know you yet, so while you are welcome to join and be a member and stay as long as you wish, it will also be on the admins decision whether you do stay. So please "discuss", but don't come in with both barrels blazing or you will find the ability to disuss will not be an option.

You might also consider coming with a bit of an attitude that you might not be correct in all your beliefs, instead of coming with the attitude you have it all correct and we are all at fault. That might not be your intent, but....

Galatians 6:3-4 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

That said,

Hi David!

I hope your experience here is more positive than negative. Perhaps your understanding of our purpose is assumed to be within the ranks of normative Christianity and therefore, you might be convinced that we are promoting doctrines and traditions that you object to. I think you will find that we differ substantially on many different topics than what are seen as denominationally correct.

I have read your post over a few times and am still puzzled as to your motivation for posting. I love a good discussion, but you seem to have your mind made up ahead of time as to the outcome of that - which seems a bit "premeditated" Assumptions sometimes are mis-leading. At least I pray so in this case

If you have questions or observations on what we have posted, we are more than happy to clarify and look to the Scriptures for our "final Authority" - so please let us know what you are thinking and please, for the sake of clarity, keep the topic simple and straightforward. When a post contains several different concepts it's really hard to answer cohesively - I am sure you understand

(10-19-2009 11:41 AM)Vic Wrote: [ -> ]
That said, you have come to present your beliefs with the goal of showing particular ones as being correct over what some might believe. I would caution you on spamming your beliefs. We don't know you yet, so while you are welcome to join and be a member and stay as long as you wish, it will also be on the admins decision whether you do stay. So please "discuss", but don't come in with both barrels blazing or you will find the ability to disuss will not be an option.

As I said, my intent is to discuss Biblical issues. Generally speaking, I hate and despise spamming, so I would not plan to use it against this board.

(10-19-2009 11:41 AM)Vic Wrote: [ -> ]You might also consider coming with a bit of an attitude that you might not be correct in all your beliefs, instead of coming with the attitude you have it all correct and we are all at fault. That might not be your intent, but....

Galatians 6:3-4 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

What God reveals to people, they should be confidently holding. Nevertheless, I understand your concern that I may be a know-it-all since I have expressed confidence in a rather direct and frank manner.

I'm actually not here to preach, in a sense. I mainly want to discuss and even debate (in a more formal sense of the term) Biblical issues in a professional manner.

(10-19-2009 01:26 PM)Rose of Shushan Wrote: [ -> ]Hi David
welcome to the forum.
Thanks also for your introduction, although I must admit it was a bit disconcerting.It's hard to make out whether you are a believer or not from that intro.

Ah, I thought I had made it clear, but just the same, I'll state it plainly:

I am a believer that the Bible is the Word of God.

(10-19-2009 01:26 PM)Rose of Shushan Wrote: [ -> ]You say you come to join us on biblical discussion but are doubtful of the outcome.Well should there be an outcome, isnt discussion just that..discussion?

Well, I believe in there being a purpose for discussions.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

I'm not saying this next one applies to you folks, but I'm giving an example:

"But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself." ~ Titus 3:9-11

This would be an indication, in part, that not all dealings with people are fruitful, for example. So then not all discussions are good.

The ultimate outcome ought to be glory to God, which I suppose can occur even if two parties disagree. Even still, I had originally meant the virtual outcome of whether or not everyone could walk away in agreement and without bitter feelings.

(10-19-2009 01:26 PM)Rose of Shushan Wrote: [ -> ]Why should there be a negative outcome?We can agree to disagree on many things yet one need not call that a doubtful outcome unless of course there are underlying agendas or ulterior motives.

Actually, I said that because I have had a lot of bad experiences with Christian groups, some wishing me to move on while some gave bad witnesses of the faith, but I'll spare you the stories. Statistically speaking, based on my own experiences, this is likely to end in the same way. I'm not planning on forcing this to be subject to past experiences in that sense, however, or else I wouldn't have posted in the first place.

(10-19-2009 01:26 PM)Rose of Shushan Wrote: [ -> ]You say that you disagree with us on some major issues.Well, I look forward to discussion on these things, after all that is what we are here for.

Indeed. I look forward to discussion as well.

(10-19-2009 01:56 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote: [ -> ]I hope your experience here is more positive than negative.

Thank you.

(10-19-2009 01:56 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote: [ -> ]I have read your post over a few times and am still puzzled as to your motivation for posting. I love a good discussion, but you seem to have your mind made up ahead of time as to the outcome of that - which seems a bit "premeditated" Assumptions sometimes are mis-leading. At least I pray so in this case

My motivation for posting is to join in on Biblical discussions.

(10-19-2009 01:56 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote: [ -> ]If you have questions or observations on what we have posted, we are more than happy to clarify and look to the Scriptures for our "final Authority" - so please let us know what you are thinking and please, for the sake of clarity, keep the topic simple and straightforward. When a post contains several different concepts it's really hard to answer cohesively - I am sure you understand

A giant history entitled "Everything that I have ever disagreed with" would probably not be a good idea then.

Thank you all for your responses and your welcoming of me to these forums.