Christians in conflict with one another on this site.

[Greg Merrill]

Father, I would ask others to pray for the various Christians on this site that seem to be in combat with one another. This is an old strategy of the adversary, to get us to fight against one another, against flesh and blood, instead of against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Sometimes I get tired of looking at subjects of debate and conflict, and would rather just come here to pray for people, not debate them, not try to correct them, or teach them. Per one's suggestion... and let it begin with me.

 

[Brian Mc]

Father, I would ask others to pray for the various Christians on this site that seem to be in combat with one another. This is an old strategy of the adversary, to get us to fight against one another, against flesh and blood, instead of against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Sometimes I get tired of looking at subjects of debate and conflict, and would rather just come here to pray for people, not debate them, not try to correct them, or teach them.

 

[teresa]

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen!

 

[Brian Mc]

Thank you Greg,

Most of what I submit is supported by Scripture verses (the Word of God) included in the submission.

I believe the truth & The Truth sets people free ... when they believe!

However, if people keep reasoning with their flesh/human logic, that is the best way to have "the enemy" put doubts/arguments in their thoughts.

 

[brinny]

Thank you Greg,

Most of what I submit is supported by Scripture verses (the Word of God) included in the submission.

I believe the truth & The Truth sets people free ... when they believe!

However, if people keep reasoning with their flesh/human logic, that is the best way to have "the enemy" put doubts/arguments in their thoughts.

I agree. Amen

Praying.

Let it rain.

 

[Basil the Great]

Well, Greg Merrill, the problem that you describe is one reason why I do not visit Christian Forums on a regular basis. Yes, the bickering between some Christians here should remind us of the mess in Washington between the Democrats and the Republicans. Sad, how very sad, and what a poor witness to the world when Christians fight among themselves.

 

[saved24]

Praying for unity, and for others to share, but not fight against each other. We need to be one in the Lord.

 

[Catherineanne]

Christians fighting with each other goes back to the beginning of the Church. And it is healthy as long as people remain open minded and respectful of others' opinions. And let's be honest for a second....There are some bizarre beliefs that many fellow Christians have and they need to be corrected. Although the chance of changing someone's mind on a forum is at near 0%.

No, Christians fighting one another is not healthy. Not ever.

Disagreement, discussion, differing opinions; all fine. Fighting not so much.

'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples; that ye love one another as I have loved you.'

 

[St_Worm2]

Father, I would ask others to pray for the various Christians on this site that seem to be in combat with one another. This is an old strategy of the adversary, to get us to fight against one another, against flesh and blood, instead of against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Sometimes I get tired of looking at subjects of debate and conflict, and would rather just come here to pray for people, not debate them, not try to correct them, or teach them.

Hi Greg, I have thought the very same thing for some time now, and sense that the enemy is particularly pleased with himself in much of it

Disagreements are bound to happen (all things considered), but if we would always choose to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ (and in the manner that the Bible tells us we should .. e.g. 1 Peter 3:15, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 5:16), most of our inappropriate, combative rants and debates would become loving, productive discussions instead, that would hopefully be honoring and pleasing to God

There are plenty of non-Christians here, as well around the world, who are witnesses to this Christian "combat" you speak of, and I'm sure our enemy is equally pleased with that!

Praying!

In Christ,
David

1 Peter 3:15
15 Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

Matthew 7
12 However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 5
16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.​

 

[Brian Mc]

Hi Basil & others,
I immediately submitted my reply (see item 5 above) ... The name Christian (I believe) derived from the people who saw the early believers coming .. they referred to themselves as "Christ in" ... us, the hope of glory ... the word used by the people became Christians (Christ-ins).

As Jesus said in John 3:3 ... you MUST be born again (a new creation .. see 2 Cor 5:17) plus then, through the Holy Spirit given to you by Father, you are able rejoice, be guided, taught, etc.
John 14:23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching**]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.


** one of which is ... John 3:3 ... You MUST be born again. (to "push home His instruction/command) He then added ...

John 3:5 Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:7 Marvel not [do not be surprised, astonished] at My telling you, You must all be born anew (from above).

However, until that happens a person's "flesh" will seek to argue & "push" their "fleshly" reasoning/thinking .... this will continue until "The Truth sets them free"
...... which is already a reality (Luke 4:18-19 HAS already been achieved by our Lord ... He stated so with His dying breath on the cross ... "It IS finished!" ... all it takes is for people to surrender & believe!

 

[FanthatSpark]

up some love to all, and me too.

 

[Dave G.]

If I enter into something that is obviously abrasive I go in wearing the full armor of God. Otherwise I do not enter and mostly skip over the obviously controversial headers, I don't even open them up as they only appear to be there to be abrasive right out of the gate.. There are places here where you are pretty safe not to get caught up in some off topic and certain forums to just avoid all together . I haven't been here long but I have learned that much. And also to watch what forum I might be answering a post in, at first I didn't realize that I was in a denomination forum and opened myself up to some attack. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and scripture I held up well though, PTL !

 

[Hidden In Him]

Sometimes I get tired of looking at subjects of debate and conflict, and would rather just come here to pray for people, not debate them, not try to correct them, or teach them.

Excellent post Greg. I feel the same way most days, only sometimes it can just happen. I got into a debate with another brother just yesterday, and it has been pretty tough trying to come to a meeting of the minds, though I sense something is there worth fighting for. And PRAYER for the Lord to work in the situation and bind what the Devil might do is a true blessing of the Lord.

Thanks for being such a good example to all of us.

 

[Hidden In Him]

I was with your initial post up until this point when you started getting all defeatist. People are capable of changing their minds.

I totally, TOTALLY agree with this! We cannot expect to automatically agree with one another all the time. That's just ridiculous. Too many things can factor in. But if our hearts are both truly seeking God and truly trying to understand one another, the Spirit can make a way where it seemed there was no way, and turn what might have been enemies into the best of friends in Christ.

NEVER give up on people, especially those who are your brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

[Dave G.]

Now see, I did it again ! I responded with remarks vs just agreeing or adding a prayer and then realized we are in the Prayer Wall.

With that in mind: Heavenly Father bring members of the CF forums closer to you every day, that we can work within what is common between us ( You) vs dwelling on the differences so much. Amen

 

[Ken Rank]

Father, I would ask others to pray for the various Christians on this site that seem to be in combat with one another. This is an old strategy of the adversary, to get us to fight against one another, against flesh and blood, instead of against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). Sometimes I get tired of looking at subjects of debate and conflict, and would rather just come here to pray for people, not debate them, not try to correct them, or teach them.

Amen... we are brothers and sisters and members of the Household of God. We are not enemies... even if we don't all come to the same conclusions. We are bound by our faith, not by the details of each and every doctrine we hold. People believe, "Yeshua can come back any second" and I say that he is not coming back for a fractured bride but one that stands in unity despite our differences!

 

[Ken Rank]

Christians fighting with each other goes back to the beginning of the Church. And it is healthy as long as people remain open minded and respectful of others' opinions. And let's be honest for a second....There are some bizarre beliefs that many fellow Christians have and they need to be corrected. Although the chance of changing someone's mind on a forum is at near 0%.

The problem is, if somebody is not seeking they won't find. If they are not asking questions, they won't hear. So, somebody has made some bad connections and arrived at some poor conclusions. If they are not asking they won't hear the correction. My point is... a lot of division comes over people trying to force their view on others they believe are in error. If we can't learn to communicate first, heck... if we can't learn to stand in the same room with our differences knowing that we are still bound as brothers and sisters through Christ... then we'll only continue to further divide.

A sword is not sharpened in a sword fight... it is sharpened when it is rubbed gently but firmly against the side of another blade.

 

[SpiritofaDove]

Amen. Praying with you.

 

[Hearingheart]

Sometimes I get tired of looking at subjects of debate and conflict, and would rather just come here to pray for people, not debate them, not try to correct them, or teach them.

Father, I lift up my brothers and sisters in Christ, that our first thoughts for one another would be love, service, healing and wholeness in the name of Jesus our Lord. May we continually seek your good in our conversations and measure everything with your grace and mercy.
I also pray, Lord, that you would draw more people to the prayer wall to support and lift up one another. Amen

 

[paul1149]

There are places here where you are pretty safe not to get caught up in some off topic and certain forums to just avoid all together

This is wisdom. I'm usually good at avoiding the forums I don't want to be in, but it is easy to lose one's bearings when you come to a thread via the New Posts section in the sidebar on the front page. I've made that mistake a couple of times. It helps when replying to view the "breadcrumb" navigation bar under the composition box. It's a good habit to form.

I'm in agreement with Greg. We do have differences, but we are to be known by our love. And love generally begins with respect. May this site be a praise to the Father and draw others to His Son.