Losing Fellowship?

[The Simple Plan]

I must say that I have not been made to feel part of a fellowship by some Christians on this and other Christian forums. Wishing to engage in dialogue about this whole issue, I have listened to various points of view and tried to express a counter view to this conflict, based both on my opinion, other Christian writers and an exegesis of scripture. Only to be labelled anti-American, non Christian and supportive of Saddam's regime!!

PMs, emails and even direct posts have been really offensive, belittling and in many ways very un Christian. It makes me sad. really sad, that some members of the body of Christ could behave that way. It hurts!!

Oh well....off for some quiet reflection with my Lord!!

 

[altya]

Sorry - I should fellowship more with my Christian brothers and sisters but because of this is my second language, I am holding back.

I use the tenses the way it sounds good to me or sometimes I mixed up two words that sounds the same but spelled differently.
I use my daughter Sonja to edit my writings for me so that there wont be errors in it but she does not have always the time.

If you don’t mind me making mistakes I will fellowship more. I believe we are all in need for it. I certainly do. I am lonely and the internet is most of the time the only company I have.

I never argue scriptures nor do I belittle anyone. I believe we have to make space for others to grow in. If you know what I mean

 

[KeysforChrist]

I guess I haven't seen the debate, but in regards to the war, it is what it is. We all should be praying for the safety and safe return of all of the combatants - on both sides. Jesus also says that we should pray for our enemies.

I am sensing that you shared some things that were anti-war and against what 75% of the citizens of the United States believe is a just war. I also think that if you entertain dialogue on this issue, and simply insist that you are right, and the opposing point of view is dead wrong, then you are opening yourself up to whatever the opposition feels was offensive to them.

Be that as it may, I don't know the issues at hand here, and am only grasping at straws here. I might advise you not to take things so seriously either. Whether or not we are in support or oppose the war, we all need to be in serious prayer about this issue. We need to be praying for everyone involved on both sides of the fence. Pray that God would grant the President wisdom. Pray for the safety of all the combatants. And also pray that Saddaam Insane would seek out the Lord, and that he would turn from his wicked ways.

War is never pretty, never easy, and never without hurting a lot of people both directly and indirectly. However, if you flip through the old testament a bit I think you will find that war is plentiful even within the pages of scripture. So if our goal here is eliminate and purge this evilness from the world, then by all means may God be with the valient soldiers led to the cause of freedom, and liberty.

May God Bless America!

 

[Lotuspetal_uk]

I must say that I have not been made to feel part of a fellowship by some Christians on this and other Christian forums. Wishing to engage in dialogue about this whole issue, I have listened to various points of view and tried to express a counter view to this conflict, based both on my opinion, other Christian writers and an exegesis of scripture. Only to be labelled anti-American, non Christian and supportive of Saddam's regime!!

PMs, emails and even direct posts have been really offensive, belittling and in many ways very un Christian. It makes me sad. really sad, that some members of the body of Christ could behave that way. It hurts!!

Oh well....off for some quiet reflection with my Lord!!

I'm very sorry that you have been treated that way which is inexcusable and as Keys mentioned all in the conflict need our prayers right now.

The problem with this conflict is that many people here may have close relatives actively involved in it and whilst it does not excuse their behaviour their emotions may be running high. For now, perhaps it might be good to steer away from those threads and those individuals who have proven to be overtly hostile.

I pray that the Lord brings you some peace and return the joy in your heart.

God bless

 

[GraftMeIn]

Awww Dave i'm not sure what to say other than for myself I've decided to stay away from the issues of the war. Thing is I fully believe that God is in full control of everything. May His will be done concerning all that's happening in the world right now.

I've decide my time is better spent trying to lead others to Christ and spreading Gods Word than it is to argue with others about who's right and who's wrong concerning the war. I'll just let God be the judge of that.

I'm not sure what all happened with you but I will certainly be praying for you

 

[Sharky]

Remember what Jesus said about persecution. "Rejoice! For your reward is great in heaven."

Ummm, i think that's it.

 

[Gerry]

2nd April 2003 at 12:36 PM The Simple Plan said this in Post #1

I must say that I have not been made to feel part of a fellowship by some Christians on this and other Christian forums. Wishing to engage in dialogue about this whole issue, I have listened to various points of view and tried to express a counter view to this conflict, based both on my opinion, other Christian writers and an exegesis of scripture. Only to be labelled anti-American, non Christian and supportive of Saddam's regime!!

PMs, emails and even direct posts have been really offensive, belittling and in many ways very un Christian. It makes me sad. really sad, that some members of the body of Christ could behave that way. It hurts!!

Oh well....off for some quiet reflection with my Lord!!

Yeah! Well, I understand the feeling! I too have been made to feel like leprosy by many also. Do you know that there are some self righteous persons who call themselves "shunning" me? lol So what? That does not change my position in Christ or the job He has given me to do.

As for being in agrement on all social issues, even though it seems like the only way it should be, it clearly will never be. So do not take offense from that.

But if you feel it is God who is moving you on, then go in Peace and love with the prayers of those who are of the Family. Sometimes God does move His people. I also know this. And I also know we grow into new fields of service. Just know you are loved and respected here, and you will be greatly missed on this board. The loss of your input will leave a vaccuum
that no one else can fill.

 

[reeann]

awesome advice Gerry. I can relate to Dave. From another sensitive person, keep the focus, there are plenty whom find you edifying.

 

[Yahweh Nissi]

Peace, Simple Plan.
I know there have been some unfortunate posts, but they are mainly confined to the war threads, an area bound to excite emotions, and as far as I have seen they are even in the minority there. Of course you must do what you feel is best upon consultation with God, but my advice would be to try and shrug off angry replies (remember that they are most likely just attacking the views, not you personally, and would not do it face to face) and keep giving your considered views, expressed lovingly. The whole site will be blessed by this. If you cannot help being hurt then just try and avoid threads likely to turn nasty (war and creation/evolution mainly).
I will pray that God will guide you. Good luck, what ever you decide.

 

[hugoguttman]

Hey SimplePlan:
I can feel the same way you do. Sometimes expressing our thoughts on war, as non american citizens, could make a so unwanted reaction in a forum where there are a lot of american people, that sometimes we feel strange. We must understand the way they feel, but that does not mean you have to change your mind, your point of view... Have you been hurt by someone? Well yes, that feels bad, but leaving the forum is not the solution. The best you can do is trust in Jesus and watch people and let them show themselves by their fruits, and stay away from them. It is written, that in the last days, there will be wolves dressed as lambs... people which show mercy, but denies it...and they call themselves... Christians...
Hugo.

 

[Blessed-one]

my way of dealing it is not to participate in the discussions at all. The others've given you good advice to not this that personally and to step away from the threads for awhile. Take refuge in the Lord and focus on him, that helps a lot.

 

[Ameli]

Hi Simple Plan,

I am sorry you feel that way- Really, I don't want to make excuses, but sometimes may be some misunderstandings, and even though we are Christians- we are all human! We have our own weaknesses and sometimes, disobedience against God by saying and doing stuff we know are bad for us, and a bad example to others.

I think the best thing is keep on praying, may be Lord strengthen us in our daily lives.