Disappointed

[DeaconDean]

I must say, I'm really disappointed in the current trend that is developing here in the Baptist room. There was a time, not long ago, when the General Theology was the hostile room, not any more. The hostile room is now the Baptist room! GT had a reputation as one of the worst rooms because of the differences between the Protestants and Catholics. Not any more. The Baptist room has surpassed it. Oh yes friends. The Baptist room is talked about. Gone are the days when Baptists could discuss things. Gone are the days of building up each other. Gone are the days of helping another who is weaker in the faith, or new to the faith. Those days are long gone.

Now it all about how each other is wrong. Now it all about how wrong you are if you don't use this Bible, or how wrong you are if you use this Bible. The doctrines of Grace which many a Baptist have preached, lived for, fought for, died for, been persecuted for, put in prison for, are no more. Gone are the days when God was sovereign and faith was a gift of God. Gone are the days when men and women were led by the Spirit "unto all righteousness." Gone are the days when one could say "Brother your wrong because this is what the Bible says." Gone are the days when one could say, well I may disagree with you, but I can at least pray for you.

Gone are the days where building up of the body meant more than tearing it down. Gone are the days where men such as Spurgeon, Gill, Edwards, Bunyun, Whitefield, and others were held as preaching the word of God, now these men are loathed. Gone are the days when time honored, tried and true Baptist doctrine from America's early beginnings were held in high esteem. Now are the days where we only tell others how wrong they are without pointing that righteous finger at ourselves first.

What was once a rather peaceful room, now has the distinction of being one of the worst. It has really gotten bad when I who has been labeled by another person of being "anti-catholic" am now being accused of trying to help make us (Baptists) Catholics. Gone are the days when all who confessed Christ are considered part of His body. Now your only part of the body if your Baptist. Gone are the days when one would extend a hand of fellowship to any and all. Now it is a club to beat others into submission. I was rised in a time where you were bound for hell if you didn't repent and accept Christ, it has been replaced with the theory of no hell, no punishment, no eternal lake of fire.

This room, over the last two months, has really become disappointing.

This used to hang in all Baptist churches in the south (at least all the ones where I attended):

The Baptist Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek to salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage, shun pornography, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. And now unto Him, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, be Power and Glory forever. Amen.

This has become another relic of the past.

It is sad, and it is true, but I am very disappointed in what this room has turned into. This room was once my refuge on the forums, now....

Yes my friends, I'm personally, very disappointed in what is happening in here.

God Bless

DeaconDean

Till all are one.

 

[£amb]

I couldn't agree more with you. That's why I have, for the most part, stayed away from this area. It's sad....I used to stay away from GT, and come in here for a refresher and have others encourage you. But now...I go to GT to get away from the petty fighting going on in here.

 

[JuJube]

I'm struggling with this, cause this is the same attitude that is in the church. My church, a Baptist church. Don't let anyone in that doesn't think, dress, believe, sing, pray and look like us. How in the world are people going to get truth if we close our doors. I think that is a recipe for stagnation. Nothing coming in and nothing going out.

 

[Eusebios]

Dean,
I fully understand why you are discouraged. As a former mod myself, I've seen so much infighting, etc. that it really can become discouraging. Looking oin on what has been going on on this board, it is easy to see that a few members have essentially hijacked the discussion. It seems to me, that if those more mature and level headed folks would simply ignore the immature and confrontational posts, a good deal of the problem may dissipate.
I for one have found you to be most level headed and genuine. I understand that you don't agree with some of my doctrinal beliefs, you being a Baptist, and myself an EO. We do however agree on many of the same core beliefs and can agree to disagree on the rest, maintaining our mutual love and respect for each other as brothers in Christ.
Don't become too discouraged by this place, take a break if need be, but know that there are those of us here who greatly appreciate the job you and all the moderators do.
In Christ Jesus,
Don

 

[JuJube]

The "only us" attitude is what I am referring to that I have seen posted in this forum. Not this specific thread right here. Sorry that I didn't make myself clear. It is that attitude that I see in my church...and others also.

 

[BereanTodd]

I agree that it's quite sad. I haven't been around this site as long as some others, but I find very little worthy of input, or of any serious benefit that get's posted in this section anymore.

The number of people causing it to get this way can really be counted on one hand, but I don't know what can be done to recover this area. *shrug* For my part I've found a much safer and more loving area in the MJ area, and more chances to help weaker or younger brothers in the non-denom section. I would love for changes to be made around here, but I don't know what it is that could be done.

 

[MikeMcK]

I must say, I'm really disappointed in the current trend that is developing here in the Baptist room. There was a time, not long ago, when the General Theology was the hostile room, not any more. The hostile room is now the Baptist room! GT had a reputation as one of the worst rooms because of the differences between the Protestants and Catholics. Not any more. The Baptist room has surpassed it. Oh yes friends. The Baptist room is talked about. Gone are the days when Baptists could discuss things. Gone are the days of building up each other. Gone are the days of helping another who is weaker in the faith, or new to the faith. Those days are long gone.

Now it all about how each other is wrong. Now it all about how wrong you are if you don't use this Bible, or how wrong you are if you use this Bible. The doctrines of Grace which many a Baptist have preached, lived for, fought for, died for, been persecuted for, put in prison for, are no more. Gone are the days when God was sovereign and faith was a gift of God. Gone are the days when men and women were led by the Spirit "unto all righteousness." Gone are the days when one could say "Brother your wrong because this is what the Bible says." Gone are the days when one could say, well I may disagree with you, but I can at least pray for you.

Gone are the days where building up of the body meant more than tearing it down. Gone are the days where men such as Spurgeon, Gill, Edwards, Bunyun, Whitefield, and others were held as preaching the word of God, now these men are loathed. Gone are the days when time honored, tried and true Baptist doctrine from America's early beginnings were held in high esteem. Now are the days where we only tell others how wrong they are without pointing that righteous finger at ourselves first.

What was once a rather peaceful room, now has the distinction of being one of the worst. It has really gotten bad when I who has been labeled by another person of being "anti-catholic" am now being accused of trying to help make us (Baptists) Catholics. Gone are the days when all who confessed Christ are considered part of His body. Now your only part of the body if your Baptist. Gone are the days when one would extend a hand of fellowship to any and all. Now it is a club to beat others into submission. I was rised in a time where you were bound for hell if you didn't repent and accept Christ, it has been replaced with the theory of no hell, no punishment, no eternal lake of fire.

This room, over the last two months, has really become disappointing.

This used to hang in all Baptist churches in the south (at least all the ones where I attended):

The Baptist Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek to salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage, shun pornography, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. And now unto Him, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, be Power and Glory forever. Amen.

This has become another relic of the past.

It is sad, and it is true, but I am very disappointed in what this room has turned into. This room was once my refuge on the forums, now....

Yes my friends, I'm personally, very disappointed in what is happening in here.

God Bless

DeaconDean

Till all are one.

A lot of us have been disappointed with RCF for a long time. That's why so many good posters are defecting to Baptistboard.com

 

[BereanTodd]

A lot of us have been disappointed with RCF for a long time. That's why so many good posters are defecting to Baptistboard.com

I personally think it is wrong to segregate ourselves into our own little message board though. I think unity in the body of Christ is needed. The problems here are not because of external denominations, but infighting amongst baptist brothers.

I think a place like CF is very much welcome and important in promoting unity and understanding within the body of Christ. We should not exclude ourselves from rubbing shoulders with and fellowshipping with non-baptists.

Just my opinion though.

 

[MikeMcK]

I personally think it is wrong to segregate ourselves into our own little message board though. I think unity in the body of Christ is needed. The problems here are not because of external denominations, but infighting amongst baptist brothers.

Go to Bapstist board and compare it with the baptist forum on RCF.

Notice the difference?

Baptistboard = nice, peaceful, edifying

Baptist forum on RCF = everybody's complaining about how hostile it is

Why? It's the difference in the moderators.

I think a place like CF is very much welcome and important in promoting unity and understanding within the body of Christ. We should not exclude ourselves from rubbing shoulders with and fellowshipping with non-baptists.

I agree. However, you're still posting on a forum that's specifically for Baptists.

 

[TwinCrier]

I think the problem lies in the whole ecumenticalism thing. Christians are to be a witness, to spread truth, but any truth that offends another on this board is viewed as a "flame." We live in a world where political correctness rules over common sense and logical thinking. Not only that, but any effort to promote holiness and righteousness is now labeled bigotry, intolerance or my favorite; "mean-spiritedness." There is no edifying because room is being made to accommodate evil. We are not uniting all Christians as one body but uniting with the forces of darkenss.

2 Corinthians 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

Come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

[arunma]

Yes brother Dean, I've noticed the same thing. It seems like every other thread created these days is about why this group is apostate or why that behavior (which isn't mentioned in the Bible) is wicked. I was rather surprised the other day when someone criticized a testimony I had written because it did not exceed to his standards. This isn't a very edifying place any longer.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Often it is not the denomination (i.e. Baptist) fault but rather the leadership and members of the denominations. Some are more extreme than the other. Being a Christian requires great care (Christ-like) and a true knowledge of the Bible to distinguish a spiritual burden from doctrines irritation. We cannot close our minds to everything that is happening around us because if we do that, others are grieved by burdensome legalism. In our Christian fellowship (not individual), we must recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to take us and control us, and use us as instruments through which He can express Himself in the Christian community. We ALL are Christians first and everything else after that is secondary. Christians should use their Bible and their relationship with God by adopting a biblical perspectives which are God's views in all aspects of life through the help from the Holy Spirit. The Bible reminds us Proverbs 3:5 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (I am using NIV for a reason).

The question becomes when a person say: "I am a believer in Christ" and practice what God calls it sin is where God will meet this person in the core, in the heart. This also means a person's opinion who disagree with God about certain sin (i.e. KJVOnly). Many Christian liberal thinkers have differed regarding this from their own perspective rather than God's perspective simply because of man's doctrines rather than truth. The Biblical process of solving problems begins with God's Word revealing our hearts (James 1:21-25, Heb. 4:12). At that point we can then go to the real Christ for grace, mercy and help (Heb. 4:13-16). Then as the real Holy Spirit ministers in our lives through the Word of God, we will grow in abundant life and godliness (II Pet. 1:3) and become adequate for every good work (II Tim. 3:16,17). Read Romans Chapters 12, 13, 14 and 15 and Book of Galatians because they teach believers to have a real relationship with God.

 

[Rion]

This attitude is so prevailant among the Baptists, that I'm leaving the church for another denomination. Currently, I'm looking into the various faiths. Oddly, I'd love to join the Orthodox or RCC, but aside from a couple of doctrine issues, there seems to be the same attitude among them. Why can't I find a faith that doesn't seem controlled by the haters?

 

[JimfromOhio]

This attitude is so prevailant among the Baptists, that I'm leaving the church for another denomination. Currently, I'm looking into the various faiths. Oddly, I'd love to join the Orthodox or RCC, but aside from a couple of doctrine issues, there seems to be the same attitude among them. Why can't I find a faith that doesn't seem controlled by the haters?

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to a local Church as He did to me. I found a wonderful Church that God lead me.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Bump

Worthy thread.

 

[FreeinChrist]

I must say, I'm really disappointed in the current trend that is developing here in the Baptist room. There was a time, not long ago, when the General Theology was the hostile room, not any more. The hostile room is now the Baptist room! GT had a reputation as one of the worst rooms because of the differences between the Protestants and Catholics. Not any more. The Baptist room has surpassed it. Oh yes friends. The Baptist room is talked about. Gone are the days when Baptists could discuss things. Gone are the days of building up each other. Gone are the days of helping another who is weaker in the faith, or new to the faith. Those days are long gone.

Now it all about how each other is wrong. Now it all about how wrong you are if you don't use this Bible, or how wrong you are if you use this Bible. The doctrines of Grace which many a Baptist have preached, lived for, fought for, died for, been persecuted for, put in prison for, are no more. Gone are the days when God was sovereign and faith was a gift of God. Gone are the days when men and women were led by the Spirit "unto all righteousness." Gone are the days when one could say "Brother your wrong because this is what the Bible says." Gone are the days when one could say, well I may disagree with you, but I can at least pray for you.

Gone are the days where building up of the body meant more than tearing it down. Gone are the days where men such as Spurgeon, Gill, Edwards, Bunyun, Whitefield, and others were held as preaching the word of God, now these men are loathed. Gone are the days when time honored, tried and true Baptist doctrine from America's early beginnings were held in high esteem. Now are the days where we only tell others how wrong they are without pointing that righteous finger at ourselves first.

What was once a rather peaceful room, now has the distinction of being one of the worst. It has really gotten bad when I who has been labeled by another person of being "anti-catholic" am now being accused of trying to help make us (Baptists) Catholics. Gone are the days when all who confessed Christ are considered part of His body. Now your only part of the body if your Baptist. Gone are the days when one would extend a hand of fellowship to any and all. Now it is a club to beat others into submission. I was rised in a time where you were bound for hell if you didn't repent and accept Christ, it has been replaced with the theory of no hell, no punishment, no eternal lake of fire.

This room, over the last two months, has really become disappointing.

This used to hang in all Baptist churches in the south (at least all the ones where I attended):

The Baptist Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek to salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our department; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drink as a beverage, shun pornography, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that, when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's Word. And now unto Him, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, be Power and Glory forever. Amen.

This has become another relic of the past.

It is sad, and it is true, but I am very disappointed in what this room has turned into. This room was once my refuge on the forums, now....

Yes my friends, I'm personally, very disappointed in what is happening in here.

God Bless

DeaconDean

Till all are one.

Amen, DeaconDean!!!

 

[DeaconDean]

Dean,
I fully understand why you are discouraged. As a former mod myself, I've seen so much infighting, etc. that it really can become discouraging. Looking oin on what has been going on on this board, it is easy to see that a few members have essentially hijacked the discussion. It seems to me, that if those more mature and level headed folks would simply ignore the immature and confrontational posts, a good deal of the problem may dissipate.
I for one have found you to be most level headed and genuine. I understand that you don't agree with some of my doctrinal beliefs, you being a Baptist, and myself an EO. We do however agree on many of the same core beliefs and can agree to disagree on the rest, maintaining our mutual love and respect for each other as brothers in Christ.
Don't become too discouraged by this place, take a break if need be, but know that there are those of us here who greatly appreciate the job you and all the moderators do.
In Christ Jesus,
Don

I just wanted to thank you for your kind words brother. I know that your beliefs and my beliefs clash, but rather than focus on that, I'd rather focus on the common ground we share, a risen Savior. We might could discuss our beliefs, and we could disagree based on scripture or whatever, but I could not in good conscience, disrepect your beliefs. I'd rather say you have yours, I have mine, and leave it at that, that way the door for reconcilation is open. I may not believe the same things as you do, but I can respect them, know what I'm getting to?

As for the rest of your post, I'm not going to let this place get the better of me. I get discouraged at times because I see a lot of this going on in spite of the warnings against it:

"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." -Gal. 5:15

There is no genuine concern for our fellow Christian brothers and sisters in this room anymore! I have several people in this room whom I have dealt with over my time here, they are on my buddy list, and I'm truly thankful to God that He led me to them. I wouldn't take silver or gold for their friendship. They have taught me as much I ever taught them. But for the most part, there are some people who have destroyed the harmony of this room. We have at times in the past had some people come through who interupted the harmony, but most of them are either not here, or don't visit the forums anymore. But there are some here who would rather beat others down than to say "God bless you in your convictions."

At times, I honestly believe this area of the forums has gone to "pot." I don't mind a disagreement or two when discussing points of doctrine, but when it escalates into a heated debate, some don't know when to step back and let it go. And there are some people in this room who are "on mission" to find any and all little faults with all members. It is almost to the point where I'm ashambed of the way this room has gotten.

I may be discouraged, but I'm not beaten. (yet) I have been slapped, spit on, rebuffed, reproved, reported, whipped, but I'm not going to let it get me down. You know why?

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -1 Cor. 12:9

I can't stop what is happening in this room, but I can pray for it to end.

Don, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I do hope that we can be friends in spite of our "doctrinal" differences. As I see it, we share a common ground together, the foot of Jesus' cross.

God Bless

Till all are one.

 

[mlqurgw]

Dean; I don't know of any here who I respect more than I do you. I made you a promise to come to your aid and will stand by it. If I can help in any way let me know.
You have always been one whom I could always count on.
As for this room I have found it recently to be of very little value. I have always been aware that Baptists are a contentious lot for the most part but, like you, have begun to see a trend here that is making this room pointless. There are so many deep things of Christ that could and should be discussed but recently it is just nonsense. Though I may disagree with many, if not most, here I do wish we could actually have less fighting and more exchange of ideas. The zeal of the young without the wisdom of experience has supplanted both love and kindness. I applaud the young in their zeal but wish that they would be more open to instruction rather than outspokenness. One of the many problems with message boards is that it is easy to be impersonal.

 

[DeaconDean]

Thank you Ron, you know that I respect your opinions. And I do know we don't always see eye to eye, but hey, I don't see eye to eye with my wife, but does that mean I love her any less?

I do agree that there some who are young, and you have to applaud their zeal for the Lord, but in spite of that, I'm like you, they need guidance from more mature people in the Lord. I remember a time where I thought I knew it all and my parents were idiots. Boy was I wrong!

And your right, this room any more is becoming pointless. It is kinda funny to see just know much this room is straying anymore. It is pretty bad when this room is more contentous than the GT room. And that truly saddens me. But as long as people like you are here, I'll still keep coming here. But don't think your the only one, there are other to be sure.

I'll still keep praying for this room, I might not visit as often as I once did, but I'll continue to lift this room, you and others up to the Lord. Thank you my dear friend for your hand in friendship, and brotherhood.

I do hope and pray that God blesses your ministry.

May God make your cup, runneth over.

Your humble servant always,

God Bless

Dean

Till all are one.

The Haven of Rest

Words: Henry l. Gilmore, Music: George D. Moore (MIDI, score).

My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying,
“Make Me your choice”;
And I entered the “Haven of Rest”!

Refrain:
I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.

Refrain

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, Who’ll save whosoever will have
A home in the “Haven of Rest.”

Refrain

How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the belovèd so blest,
On Jesus’ strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the “Haven of Rest.”

Refrain

O come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
And say, “My Belovèd is mine.”

Refrain

 

[IisJustMe]

Its everywhere on this forum, and every other forum like it. These Internet addresses are set up allegedly to give Christians a place to "fellowship" (a term I fail to understand as it applies to sitting in front of a computer screen watching bits and bytes form a "community" before my eyes) and it becomes a place for vitriol and anger to be made manifest in 12-point (or bigger, if particularly angry) font.

Too many of those who post in these forums (and I confess it has been my motive at times, particularly after a rough day at the detox and treatment center where I work) do so to vent their inner fears, anxiety, turmoil and bitterness. The true self comes online, with all the ugliness that is carefully concealed below the surface when we are out in the real world.

I confess that when I first started posting here over a year ago, my anger rose when I saw some "false doctrine" posted, and set out to change the heart and mind of the poor unfortunate who was so misguided as to hold such an erroneous opinion. It does not serve Christ, nor my brother or sister, to make doctrinal issues a point of personal contention. Yet we all do it, some worse than others.

One thing that has changed my perspective is my advancement to management in addiction treatment. I've found, from that overview position, that everyone suffers from addiction. The addiction is sin, and we relapse constantly. Thanks be to God, there is forgiveness where there is confession and repentance, and I can turn to my Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ, to receive it. Then I can turn to the brother or sister I've offended and seek forgiveness from them as well.

We do not do this often enough, any of us. We think we are somehow justified in letting our feathers be ruffled, and that it is OK to aim the perfect skewer at our "tormentor" who would dare challenge our doctrinal position. Thus we become a forum -- not just Baptists but everywhere on CF, there are none any better than this one -- of (gasp!) people!

"Speak the truth in love" Paul wrote. But don't claim vociferously to hold "more truth" than the next person. We can always learn from someone else, even if we think them to be "beneath" or intellect or our social status. When we realize that we are all sinners saved by grace, who fall down but get up again, it will be much easier for us to turn to one another and say, "You know what? I was wrong. Please forgive me."

And do it often. Its good for the soul.