CF Vision

[Pauler]

i know this has been a long time coming, and i apologize for that. i wanted to communicate with you all first and for you all to gain clarity before sharing with the rest of the board.

before i get into it, i just want to ask you all to try and read this as from Christ's perspective. what i mean by that is to try and put our own biases aside. the below statement can be taken from a "liberal" standpoint in an anything goes attitude. it can also be taken "conservativly" in a walk on eggshells around everyone. it is not meant for either extreme.

as i have been praying over the last few weeks, this was the only thing that kept coming back to me.

36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matt 22:36-40


As pertaining to Christ:
i try to think of CF as church, and i thought of the character of Christ and what he would want his people to be like. i want CF to be a place where Christians have a place to discuss the things of Christ...even amongst all the different denominations out there. it would be a place where all who claim to have a personal relationship with Christ can come to talk about Him and worship Him.

As pertaining to Life:
i would want people to develop deep relationships with each other and be able to walk with each other both in the bright and dark times of life...share in both bliss and sorrow...joy and heartache....in essence live life and grow together

As pertaining to those that dont know Christ:
i want those that are not believers to be able to interact amicably with believers on the board. i would hope that the believers on CF would welcome non-believers with open loving arms and for the believers to show them the light of Christ in their interactions with them in speech and attitude.

however, let's say CF was a ford mustang forum. if someone really loved chevy camaros, and started to say how camaros were better than ford and fords suck and constantly caused trouble with other members, they are not here to be friends nor are they here to find out more about ford mustangs...hence they would no longer be welcome on the boards. i think you all get the picture.

may it never be said that someone, whether christian or not, did not find gracious love here on CF at some point.

please post questions, and i will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

 

[BelindaP]

Your vision doesn't seem to be that different from what the board claims to do. Are you proposing changes in how this vision is going to be implemented? If so, what changes do you have in mind?

 

[higgs2]

So, was it an actual "vision"? Did it seem liek someone was speaking to you in the room? Or was it more of a dream? Or jsut a thought that you thought up?

What do you think about the "new" commandment to love others as *Christ loves us*? Isn't that even more stringent that the golden rule? ANd how would we implement that here?

What about those who want to have a "personal relationship" with Christ but are having a difficult time achieving that? Would they be welcome to talk about him?

How does one "worship" Christ on an internet forum?

 

[scraparcs]

As companies have vision statements, this is what this statement is also.

 

[K9_Trainer]

 

[kiwimac]

Can I also assume you will have a wide range of people, both conservatives and liberals, in leadership positions?

 

[psalms 91]

Pauler, plerase dont get weighed down with a lot of side issues as your vision is proper and right on. Only suggestion I will make is that staff be fair and that policy and enforcement be uniform with all. It disturbs me that liberal or conservative would even enter into being chosen for staff. They need to be fair and balance3d and in unity as to their approach across the board. Anything less than that invites confusion and dissention. Continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit and may you be blessed as you take on this difficult task.

 

[BelindaP]

Paul?

 

[GigageiTsula]

I agree with bill16652.

 

[Servant of Jesus]

I very much agree with the thoughts expressed in the OP and with the vision for Christian Forums. There are a few fundamentals that Christians always need to remember in interactions regarding their faith; Pauler has already touched on some of them:

First and foremost, the fundamentals of our faith, as expressed in Matthew 22: 36-40
36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Second, the example that Jesus provided for us when He walked on this earth- several passages describe this:

1 Timothy 1: 15-16
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

and

Hebrews 4: 14-15
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

I maintain that Christian Forums has the potential to reach more people throughout the world than any other ministry in the history of our faith. Anybody with access to the Internet can come here and share their faith, and, in the case of those who are not yet Christians, find out what Christianity has to offer.

So here are a few more comments and questions interspersed in Pauler's OP:

i know this has been a long time coming, and i apologize for that. i wanted to communicate with you all first and for you all to gain clarity before sharing with the rest of the board.

Are you referring here to the site- or is there, as I have long maintained there should be, a true governing Board of Directors that defines how Christian Forums should be managed?

As pertaining to Christ:
i try to think of CF as church, and i thought of the character of Christ and what he would want his people to be like. i want CF to be a place where Christians have a place to discuss the things of Christ...even amongst all the different denominations out there. it would be a place where all who claim to have a personal relationship with Christ can come to talk about Him and worship Him.

Matthew 18: 20
20 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

We may not be able to share communion and participate in other activities that a physical church does, but nevertheless, this is still a church where thoughts and prayers can be conveyed, just as they are when we pray silently to God and know that He is able to hear those prayers.

As pertaining to those that dont know Christ:
i want those that are not believers to be able to interact amicably with believers on the board. i would hope that the believers on CF would welcome non-believers with open loving arms and for the believers to show them the light of Christ in their interactions with them in speech and attitude.

Again, as I noted above- we need to always adopt the same attitude that Jesus did when we interact with others: confidently speak the truth- but do so with love and in a manner that has the greatest probability of turning someone to Jesus, rather than away.

 

[scraparcs]

So here are a few more comments and questions interspersed in Pauler's OP:

i know this has been a long time coming, and i apologize for that. i wanted to communicate with you all first and for you all to gain clarity before sharing with the rest of the board.

Are you referring here to the site- or is there, as I have long maintained there should be, a true governing Board of Directors that defines how Christian Forums should be managed?

It appears that the second sentence actually may have been intended to be omitted. It is simply referring to the site and not to an external BoD.

 

[Criada]

<snip>

As pertaining to those that dont know Christ:
i want those that are not believers to be able to interact amicably with believers on the board. i would hope that the believers on CF would welcome non-believers with open loving arms and for the believers to show them the light of Christ in their interactions with them in speech and attitude.

however, let's say CF was a ford mustang forum. if someone really loved chevy camaros, and started to say how camaros were better than ford and fords suck and constantly caused trouble with other members, they are not here to be friends nor are they here to find out more about ford mustangs...hence they would no longer be welcome on the boards. i think you all get the picture.

may it never be said that someone, whether christian or not, did not find gracious love here on CF at some point.

please post questions, and i will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

I am very glad to read this.
May I ask what your reaction would be to a 'ford lover' who was persistently rude and unpleasant to someone who happened to mention that they didn't feel the same way?

Because, whilst it is true that some non-Christians do come here purely to cause trouble and push their own beliefs, I have seen a lot more unkindness from Christians towards those who don't share our beliefs... and I find that very sad.
Do you have any plans to do anything about this problem?

 

[sk8Joyful]

I am very glad to read this.

Because, whilst it is true that some non-Christians do come here purely to cause trouble and push their own beliefs,
I have seen a lot more unkindness from Christians towards those who don't share our beliefs... and I find that very sad.
Do you have any plans to do anything about this problem?

'unkindness from Christians' is, alongside with 'christians fighting against becoming well', in alot of people's experience in CF, 2 of its major challenges.

Of course, God/Jesus wants as many of His human-creations, to Accept Him as their personal Savior, this life included. - Meaning CF as a fit vehicle could serve... atheists, or agnostics, or anyone being additionally gently lovingly & constructively guided towards radiant emotional well-being, as well as strong physical health, for life & this abundant...

People evidencing these processes, in such a community, would be drawn here, as many people do wholeheartedly want, & seek to enjoy related blessings...

in God richly-blessed Paul, live...

 

[JoabAnias]

i know this has been a long time coming, and i apologize for that. i wanted to communicate with you all first and for you all to gain clarity before sharing with the rest of the board.

before i get into it, i just want to ask you all to try and read this as from Christ's perspective. what i mean by that is to try and put our own biases aside. the below statement can be taken from a "liberal" standpoint in an anything goes attitude. it can also be taken "conservativly" in a walk on eggshells around everyone. it is not meant for either extreme.

as i have been praying over the last few weeks, this was the only thing that kept coming back to me.

36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matt 22:36-40


As pertaining to Christ:
i try to think of CF as church, and i thought of the character of Christ and what he would want his people to be like. i want CF to be a place where Christians have a place to discuss the things of Christ...even amongst all the different denominations out there. it would be a place where all who claim to have a personal relationship with Christ can come to talk about Him and worship Him.

As pertaining to Life:
i would want people to develop deep relationships with each other and be able to walk with each other both in the bright and dark times of life...share in both bliss and sorrow...joy and heartache....in essence live life and grow together

As pertaining to those that dont know Christ:
i want those that are not believers to be able to interact amicably with believers on the board. i would hope that the believers on CF would welcome non-believers with open loving arms and for the believers to show them the light of Christ in their interactions with them in speech and attitude.

however, let's say CF was a ford mustang forum. if someone really loved chevy camaros, and started to say how camaros were better than ford and fords suck and constantly caused trouble with other members, they are not here to be friends nor are they here to find out more about ford mustangs...hence they would no longer be welcome on the boards. i think you all get the picture.

may it never be said that someone, whether christian or not, did not find gracious love here on CF at some point.

please post questions, and i will try to answer them to the best of my ability.

I know how to make it work. It would require eliminating elitism and encouraging respect.

 

[MariaRegina]

I know how to make it work. It would require eliminating elitism and encouraging respect.

Only the Holy Spirit can eliminate elitism through the graces of humility and charity. He showers His blessings, but few are willing to receive. Only through Christ can we be made one.

Come Lord Jesus.

 

[MrJim]

 

[hollowgram]

Because, whilst it is true that some non-Christians do come here purely to cause trouble and push their own beliefs, I have seen a lot more unkindness from Christians towards those who don't share our beliefs... and I find that very sad.
Do you have any plans to do anything about this problem?

Even worse would be the unkindness from one segment of self-professed Christians (who, by their own repeated testimonies, not making a judgment here, believe themselves the only "real" ones), toward other Christians whose faith focuses more on Christ's love and His exhortations to love ALL without reservation, bias or favorites. You can pretty much cut with a knife the division down the middle between those who imagine living Christlike lives to be a matter of following tons and tons of all the "right" rules about "everything" and cheerleading all the "right" social and political causes, versus those who know it has to do with how we treat one another -- and the first group treats the second group REALLY REALLY shabby here. Sorry to say it but everyone can see it. Deplorable. and sorry to break it to you but it has been WAY too late for a VERY long time for wishing "may it never be said that someone, whether christian or not, did not find gracious love here on CF at some point". Plenty haven't -- but they have all been driven off or silenced. How convenient for those wanting to maintain an illusory appearance to the contrary.

 

[BelindaP]

I have to ask. What is Pauler's commitment to actually seeing this vision through, given that he posted it and has been absent ever since.

 

[RoseyK]

Paul.....keeping you and everyone on CF in prayer. My heart was opened to accepting Christ as my Lord and Saviour after I had listened to a sermon preached on love. I had never realized what true love was and it hit me that Jesus was the only one who could love me the way I wanted so desparately to be loved.

1 Cor 4 - 7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

 

[Servant of Jesus]

Paul.....keeping you and everyone on CF in prayer. My heart was opened to accepting Christ as my Lord and Saviour after I had listened to a sermon preached on love. I had never realized what true love was and it hit me that Jesus was the only one who could love me the way I wanted so desparately to be loved.

1 Cor 4 - 7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

This is such an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of our faith. Time and time again, Jesus when he walked on the earth, demonstrated this love for us- thereby giving us the perfect example of how we also are to live our lives and interact with others.

So in Jesus, we have a faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love; here is the expanded passage from that given above by RoseyK:

1 Corinthians 13: 4-13

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.