What the world sees in us

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13
But unfortunately in many circles Theology trumps simple Love every time.

Jesus is the Lord. And He does not fail.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (in Psalm 23:5)

So, I advise you to be the example whom God uses, knowing that where and what God guides you to will not be in vain.

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

I have found the same and thought of leaving altogether but didn't although sometimes have taken a little break because a few times I actually felt really heartsick about some discussions and one upmanship, in time you will eventually suss out the ones to avoid or not answer.
I often go on the section Life stages and as Im over 50 go on Golden Eagles that is less theological stuff and more fellowship where I find it so much calmer and really enjoy.

Its good to have some opinions but I only trust God and the Bible 100% so that is where I really do my learning. It is simple, pure and yet deep.

I am sorry you have felt like this and hope you stay.
And I agree with AngusPure's post above.
God bless you

Jesus did not give up on any of His disciples.

"He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness." (Hebrews 5:2)

Prayer works.

In my church, I would say we have had some very wrong people. But it is wise, I am finding, not to let the wrong ones decide how I see things and how I am and what I do. But follow the good example of the ones who care for and have hope for any and all people. Love "hopes all things" (in 1 Corinthians 13:7)

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

If you a born again, you have the indwelling Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus sent the Holy Spirit for a number of reasons, one of which is to lead us into Truth. Some people are at different places in their journey. Some are pseudo-Christians who rely on intellect and logic for understanding. We need much more than that. If you will seek the Lord yourself, you will find that He will speak to you through someone on the forum. It's the best way to grow. I refused to accept anyone's opinion when I was a young Christian, to my own detriment at times. But I learned to discern what is of God and what is not.

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

Well, this place is primarily a place of "debate", so your going to run into that sometimes, a lot of the time as a matter of fact, and a place for people to "learn through and by debate", and some are just not made for that I guess, but I love it personally, and it's one of the primary ways I learn, etc, so it's very right for me, etc...

But I do agree that I wish people would drop the "ego's" sometimes though, and not be so stubborn or mean or harsh or hard-headed and hard-hearted as well, but your going to run into that here sometimes as well... "Debates" do get "heated" sometimes, etc...

I try to warn new people about this, and make them "aware" of this, but I think it sometimes goes unnoticed as well...

Anyway,

God Bless!

IntriKate said:

the basics.

Click to expand...

Well, IntriKate, welcome to Christian Forums. There will always be ones who get things wrong and even make it look as though we can't ever get things straight. But we trust Jesus who knows how to guide us who are His sheep. We can hear His voice . . . gentle and humble with "rest for your souls." (in Matthew 11:28-30)

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

What I get from this is we need to be still, be quiet, and trust God to correct us and tune us so we are submissive to Him in His own peace ruling us. And His peace has His light for how to see people and things and problems. And in God's peace we share with Him in His own creativity for how to love each and every person.

We are all "called in one body" to this. So, this is basic for everyone.

Also, here is a basic for how we all are called to relate as God's children with one another >

"with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love," (Ephesians 4:2)

Even while we are relating with really Christian people, we need "longsuffering"; because any of us at times can be wrong.

Aussie Pete said:

Some people are at different places in their journey.

Click to expand...

You can use what people write, to help you get to know each one. See each post as an opportunity to see who knows what he or she is talking about. But even if someone is off in one way, you might get surprised, later, at how that person gives you something which is very helpful.

There are people here, I think, who do not know their scripture and correct explanations, but I need to feed on their example of compassion.

Aussie Pete said:

I refused to accept anyone's opinion when I was a young Christian, to my own detriment at times.

Click to expand...

Neogaia777 said:

Well, this place is primarily a place of "debate", so your going to run into that sometimes, a lot of the time as a matter of fact, and a place for people to "learn through and by debate", and some are just not made for that I guess, but I love it personally, and it's one of the primary ways I learn, etc, so it's very right for me, etc...

Click to expand...

I read or maybe heard, that debate can be a way to air out different concerns about an issue. Different people can resource with one another, offering what each one has, for consideration.

But there is also the sort of debating with is just arguing.

And here in Christian Forums, I have been impressed at how there are people who can argue using scripture, and make a case for their views which I am sure are not correct. They can chew me up and make me look ignorant. But I can pray for how God has me back out or share something which can help them . . . or help others and our guest readers who might not write anything. You can always share what can help someone who is wrong; and it can help others who are reading.

I can offer what God has me give, and His word shall accomplish His good, in spite of how evil does all it can against God.

On a more positive note, it can help you both explore and consider new lines of thought and new ways of thinking, consider whole new perspectives that you might not have ever considered before, kind of expand your horizons, etc...

And you can get to know people as well, as @com7fy8 just said, the more your on here and hear from them, so that your more familiar with their perspective or points of view or where they are coming from as well, etc, and after you get to know them, kind of already know if you either agree or disagree, etc, but you should still consider them and their points of view though, etc, but your less surprised by them, etc...

And also as @com7fy8 just said also, people who can strongly disagree with you, or you with them, in one moment or on one thing, can be very much greatly strong and very supportive toward you and very useful and helpful to you in the next, etc, but then you might disagree with something again, again, later on, then come into agreement again later on after that again on something else sometimes, etc, etc, etc...

It's just some things to be aware of on here is all...

And it may or may not be "for you" maybe, etc, IDK, you have to decide that for yourself...

Anyhow,

God Bless!

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

Yes, its always best to seek the Lord by yourself and studying His Word so that you won't be deceived.

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

Love means that we must allow for people to be immature. Count it as an opportunity for your own spiritual growth, to be patient with others, and be here to give example of what spiritual maturity looks like. Growth in the Christian life is all-encompassing.
TD

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

I ask you to consider that what you appear to be expecting is somewhat unrealistic. It would be nice, perhaps, if what the Bible means to tell us was obvious in all respects. But I suggest it clearly is not. And, like it or not, we have to marshal the powers of our reason and intellect to figure it out. Yes, people will disagree. And, yes, they ideally should do so constructively. Which is not often the case.

I see no alternative to healthy disagreement - this is arguably how humans make progress in all sorts of domains. But I certainly concur that we should temper our disagreement with the love we see demonstrated by Jesus.

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

Sister Kate,

It can feel somewhat lonesome and alienating to come into a forum robustly 'billed' as Christian in nature only to find a large number of the folks therein debating and/or devolving into sheer diatribes and mudslinging with one another. I sympathize with your feelings since I'm not one who likes to argue with fellow Christians, so I try my darnedest not to. But I'll admit that I often do become embroiled with non-Christians in various arguments. It's maybe a sad part of reality we have to contend with. It's sometimes even maddening, but it is a part of the truth of the reality in which we now live. It's not ideal, of course, but at times it is necessary to do within certain boundaries.

Despite all of that, and despite of the preponderance of what you'll find here which essentially reflects the larger English speaking social structures in which we live (you in Australia and I in the U.S.), you'll probably need to seek out and maybe request--like you're doing here--more peaceable, civil, even edifying dialogue with potential conversation partners. They can be found here on CF, but they're 'mixed-in' among a large smorgasbord of Christians who hold alternative Christian views along with a number of non-Christians and Skeptics, some of who would rather wish Christianity away if it were possible.

However, with all of that said, I think you can still find some peaceful, mutually uplifting conversation here on CF, but you'll have to kind of chase after it patiently and maybe start a few threads in forum areas conducive to that kind of ideal interaction as well as provide some notes or headers in your thread OPs which state that you seek and would only like to have the kind of conversation that you feel you are needing and prefer to have.

That's my advice. I don't know if it will prove to be helpful to you, but maybe it will be. I know that it's difficult in today's world to find the sanctuary that some of us long for, but if you pursue it prayerfully and patiently even here on CF, you could very well find a dozen or so [maybe more] fellow Christians who will be more than happy to offer you the mutual, brotherly and sisterly kind of support and discussion you seek.

Be Blessed in Christ,

2PhiloVoid

IntriKate said:

How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

First thing to learn: it does not mostly come from Christians, let alone all.
A lot of people leave quickly as they find that out. (they choose , rightly for them, not to argue with others when there is no chance of changing anyone's mind and the errors cannot be stopped)

i.e. Before accepting anything, test it, everything you might want to follow up on, nothing is as it seems.

nvm

IntriKate said:

I joined this forum to fellowship and learn more about God but I have been increasingly disillusioned by the many so called intellectuals bickering among each other. I cant help feeling that if we were sitting at Gods feet would we still argue about unimportant things or opinions or would we just simply love him and let him love us? Surely I am not the only one who sees that a message so divinely simple of faith and love is being turned into something that would most likely push unbelievers away because of sheer confusion and dismay and witnessing inhouse arrogance or ego. Instead of showing someone the love of Christ when they ask a question it seems some people go off track and ignore the OP all together to one up each other and prove themselves more educated. Sad to observe and I wonder why I even joined because it feels like I am more confused every day here. I guess this isnt the place to come to learn more about Gods word because there is too many different views and opinions on the same thing. How do I know which is true and which is just someones view when it all comes from christians.

Click to expand...

IK, (nice nick), the Christian isn't immune from the works of the flesh...but then again that is no excuse .

expos4ever said:

And, like it or not, we have to marshal the powers of our reason and intellect to figure it out.

Click to expand...

None of the Ekklesia, Apostles, Prophets, or men of Yahuweh thru OT and NT "marshalled" their natural mind (of the flesh, reason nor intellect), to do the impossible. (with the flesh, it is impossible to grasp Scripture or anything Spiritual).

yeshuaslavejeff said:

None of the Ekklesia, Apostles, Prophets, or men of Yahuweh thru OT and NT "marshalled" their natural mind (of the flesh, reason nor intellect), to do the impossible. (with the flesh, it is impossible to grasp Scripture or anything Spiritual).

Click to expand...

Let me restate to be more clear. With an appropriate attitude of openness to the Spirit’s leading, we need to use our faculties of reason to figure things out.

The kind of language you use has often been used to justify disregard of facts and blind acceptance of dogma.

For example, belief in a world that is only 10,000 or so years old.