Preaching?

[David Lamb]

Also. It was not a moderator, so don't want anyone to assume that. Never once was I told by any moderator that preaching is off limits.

As I said, if the issue with some members is really not about preaching, then why not just mention to stick to the topic on hand rather than bringing up preaching?

If it wasn't a moderator, I don't know what can have happened. Ordinary members of the forums can't delete posts from other members, only their own.

 

[Jo555]

If it wasn't a moderator, I don't know what can have happened. Ordinary members of the forums can't delete posts from other members, only their own.

Sorry David, I don't mean to sound difficult, but at this point I have yet to have my morning cup of coffee, and am confused as what is acceptable and not acceptable.

My post is there, but the comment regarding preaching is gone.

As best as my recollection serves, it was stated regarding the comments I made about challenging others, especially believers, about concerns of what may be found in the sciences. If our faith is based on more than surface knowledge, then there is no problem, and if not, these things can reveal how deep the roots of our faith go.

But all must go by what the Lord places on their hearts. It was just something to prayerfully consider, that portion of a larger piece.

I believe fear is not to lead us, but faith and love, etc. God can be trusted to sustain us, and even deepen the roots of our faith, but as I said, all must be comfortable with Him on that.

I went on a bit there. I just feel the need to finish my thoughts in that regard.

 

[seeking.IAM]

I didn't see the referenced post so I cannot comment about it specifically. However, some of the preaching to the choir done on this forum (and likely in real life) comes off as:

• "You're not as Christian as I am"
• "I'm a Christian and you're not"
• "I have the truth and you don't"
• "You think you are a Christian but you're not because x, y, or z"
• "My church is good; yours is heretical"

These may be implied or stated. I think none are very charitable to fellow Christians and could easily get moderator action if reported by another Christian taking offense.

 

[Jo555]

I didn't see the referenced post so I cannot comment about it specifically. However, some of the preaching to the choir done on this forum (and likely in real life) comes off as:

• "You're not as Christian as I am"
• "I'm a Christian and you're not"
• "I have the truth and you don't"
• "You think you are a Christian but you're not because x, y, or z"
• "My church is good; yours is heretical"

These may be implied or stated. I think none are very charitable to fellow Christians and could easily get moderator action if reported by another Christian taking offense.

Agreed. These things are not limited to unbelievers, but believers also. We all must recognize when we have beams in our eyes blinding us and judgement begins with the house of God, for we are given an abundance of his mercy and grace and He expects us to steward that with love. Plus, we are his vessels as a city on a hill, etc.

So really, this doesn't so much apply to the unbeliever, accept as to how more clearly they care to see, and get along with others.

 

[Hans Blaster]

With all due respect, just because you are participating from your home doesn't make this any less a public forum than everyone eating out together at a public restaurant, or attending a concert, or in a hospital, or in school together.

Additionally, just because that preaching in the street turns you off, doesn't mean it is not helpful to another.

To the streat preacher I'm sure it's a way to make a living.

And what do you mean by preaching?
What does it mean to you?

And I disagree that it is not always relevant to the thread, or marginally so, even if that is the case sometimes. You may try and say something like. "I would appreciate if you stick to the topic," if that truly is the concern because from this end it just seems like some are looking to shut down any elaboration on bringing the topic of God into the equation, especially if it raises a good point regarding the thread. If that is what this department is about and that is acceptable, I may not agree, but I can surely accept that. Someone do clue me in so I can leave.

In any thread I can post on, preaching is off topic.

[Love stuff cut]

 

[Jo555]

To the streat preacher I'm sure it's a way to make a living.

In any thread I can post on, preaching is off topic.

[Love stuff cut]

That is you judging their hearts, but that is within your rights.

On the other, I disagree, love stuff inserted in.

Careful now, I'm beginning to think that you are beginning to like me. Oh, I know you don't care, but I think it is nice. Gives me the warm fuzzies.

Are we having fun yet Hans, because I feel it coming?

How about a joke to lighten the mood because I can only do serious for so long, before needing a break from that?

The Baptist, The Catholic and The Charismatic”. They died on the same day and went to heaven. Saint Peter met them at the Pearly Gates and said, “I’m so sorry men! But your rooms aren’t available yet. He didn’t know what to do so he decided to call Satan and see if he would keep them for a little while. Satan reluctantly agreed. A few hours later, Satan called back and said, “Peter, you have to come and get these three guys. The Baptist man is saving everyone. The Catholic man is forgiving everyone. And the Charismatic has already raised money enough for air conditioning. —You Are Going to Laugh Again.

 

[partinobodycular]

I was going to ask this of a moderator, but I thought I'd place it here as have seen the issue arise more than once and felt it would help for all to see, that way it can avoid pressure, and even bullying, from stopping if we are doing nothing wrong.

I just happened to notice that @Hans Blaster replied to this thread, otherwise I wouldn't have known that it was even here, because for the first time in over 35 years of posting on forums, I've put someone on ignore... and it's you.

It has nothing to do with what you say, it's that you do it off topic and incessantly, cluttering threads with posts that I have absolutely no desire to read. The most viable option therefore, is to simply ignore you. Which is where you'll be returning to as soon as I post this.

Other than that, have a wonderful day.

 

[Hans Blaster]

That is you judging their hearts, but that is within your rights.

I'm not a cardiologist, so I don' t judge hearts.

On the other, I disagree, love stuff inserted in.

Careful now, I'm beginning to think that you are beginning to like me. Oh, I know you don't care, but I think it is nice. Gives me the warm fuzzies.

You would be incorrect.

Are we having fun yet Hans, because I feel it coming?

In this thread, no, I am not having fun.

How about a joke to lighten the mood because I can only do serious for so long, before needing a break from that?

The Baptist, The Catholic and The Charismatic”. They died on the same day and went to heaven. Saint Peter met them at the Pearly Gates and said, “I’m so sorry men! But your rooms aren’t available yet. He didn’t know what to do so he decided to call Satan and see if he would keep them for a little while. Satan reluctantly agreed. A few hours later, Satan called back and said, “Peter, you have to come and get these three guys. The Baptist man is saving everyone. The Catholic man is forgiving everyone. And the Charismatic has already raised money enough for air conditioning. —You Are Going to Laugh Again.

When is the joke coming?

 

[Jo555]

I just happened to notice that @Hans Blaster replied to this thread, otherwise I wouldn't have known that it was even here, because for the first time in over 35 years of posting on forums, I've put someone on ignore... and it's you.

It has nothing to do with what you say, it's that you do it off topic and incessantly, cluttering threads with posts that I have absolutely no desire to read. The most viable option therefore, is to simply ignore you. Which is where you'll be returning to as soon as I post this.

Other than that, have a wonderful day.

Oh sure. Yes, you've made your dislike of preaching to me in the past too and I appreciate that. Communication is good. I'm fine with all ignoring me, especially if it will be ridden with ill feelings Listen, like like chocolate way over vanilla, and my slurpees are always XL over small.

I get it. No offense. But I would advise you to go back to Bradskii's post on determinism and look in the mirror.

On a more serious note, I am very detailed. My sister, who has a daughter diagnosed with autism, says she thinks I'm Aspergers because of my attention to detail and challenge at reading between the lines, but God has shown me my attention to details is a gift, not a curse.

He also warned me about seeing my gift as something negative, otherwise it will be a handicap instead of what He created it to be, a blessing to others.

Not that we impose it on others, but there are more to consider than you and me.

But thank you. I appreciate your feedback.

 

[Jo555]

I'm not a cardiologist, so I don' t judge hearts.

You would be incorrect.

In this thread, no, I am not having fun.

When is the joke coming?

You are too cute.
Thanks for making me smile.

 

[Jo555]

Is the part over? Just when i thought others were going to join me in some fun.

I sure can clear a room.

And that is how it is done folks, don't get goaded into losing the love and reacting badly. Look to God first, and it really helps not to think too highly of yourself, of yourself.

Only react to God and the love He has poured out in your heart. Keep your joy.

Don't react to others attempt to goad you.

I was expecting the crucifix to be brought out next, but it's all good. I will be in fabulous company.

I still have hope we can be friends.

2 Cor 12:
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

1 Timothy 1:
14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Thank you.
xoxo in Christ

 

[stevevw]

I was going to ask this of a moderator, but I thought I'd place it here as have seen the issue arise more than once and felt it would help for all to see, that way it can avoid pressure, and even bullying, from stopping if we are doing nothing wrong.

I noticed when one speaks of God and our view of life in the context of God, it is disapproved by some as if it is unacceptable.

I'm having difficulty understanding that because this is a Christian forum, with a large majority of members being Christians.

We come to places like this to speak about God with other members. If others don't care for that and disapprove of it why would they try and stop that in a Christian forum instead of just leaving and going somewhere that doesn't have that?

I'm having trouble making sense of it.

And I see quite a bit of preaching that is not in a religious context, but the same folks disapprove of preaching when God is inserted into the equation.

I mean this isn't like we are on the streets or in someone's home and just speaking a lot of religious stuff that is not welcomed.

It is a Christian forum. Christians flock to forums like this because it provides a place to share our life in God.

So I read the forum rules again and did not see anything that disproves of bringing God and that perspective into the equation. Maybe I missed it somewhere. I just didn't see it

So my very smart and good friend Google provided me with a definition of preaching, which is not confined to religious circles.

verb
gerund or present participle: preaching

1. deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church.
   "he preached to a large congregation"
2. publicly proclaim or teach (a religious message or belief).
   "a church that preaches the good news"
3. earnestly advocate (a belief or course of action).

"my parents have always preached toleration and moderation"

4. give moral advice to someone in an annoying or pompously self-righteous way.
"viewers want to be entertained, not preached at"

5. used to affirm one's approval of or support for a stated opinion, advocated course of action, etc.
"“Please continue to speak up if you see bullying—it could save another's life.” “Preach!”"

My advice is stay away from the non Christian threads if you want to keep your sanity lol. Its a rabbot hole and you will never win lol. Imagine say debating Hitchens. You get the idea. There are some good arguements out there and the best of Christain apologists have failed.

Maybe not failed as in the truth of God but in proving God objectively. Because thats the world that you have to engage on their level and not yours.

All you can do is be confident in Gods word and that is has reality in our world whether people admit it or not. What you say may not be relevant but it can still penetrate. God works in mysterious ways.

The best areas I find debating are with historical biblical stories and archeology. Because at least we can put some objective evidence that the event really happened in our world. Like the historical evidence for Christ or the Exodus. But the supernatural aspects are what we cannot prove scientifically.

We can by best inference which is more about reasoning and logic. Like for example the non biblical evidence that people claim Christ had risen from the dead. The Turin Shroud and other circumstancial evidence and build a case. But it will never convince someone who disbelieves spiritually.

 

[Jo555]

My advice is stay away from the non Christian threads if you want to keep your sanity lol. Its a rabbot hole and you will never win lol. Imagine say debating Hitchens. You get the idea. There are some good arguements out there and the best of Christain apologists have failed.

Maybe not failed as in the truth of God but in proving God objectively. Because thats the world that you have to engage on their level and not yours.

All you can do is be confident in Gods word and that is has reality in our world whether people admit it or not. What you say may not be relevant but it can still penetrate. God works in mysterious ways.

The best areas I find debating are with historical biblical stories and archeology. Because at least we can put some objective evidence that the event really happened in our world. Like the historical evidence for Christ or the Exodus. But the supernatural aspects are what we cannot prove scientifically.

We can by best inference which is more about reasoning and logic. Like for example the non biblical evidence that people claim Christ had risen from the dead. The Turin Shroud and other circumstancial evidence and build a case. But it will never convince someone who disbelieves spiritually.

Thank you Steve.

I here ya, but they don't bother me. Now, like all of us, I do have my off days, just saying.

Ñ

I'm not here to convert anyone or convince them of anything, but to share what I have learned.

 

[stevevw]

Thank you Steve.

I here ya, but they don't bother me. Now, like all of us, I do have my off days, just saying.

Ñ

I'm not here to convert anyone or convince them of anything, but to share what I have learned.

Not that Ifollow my own advice. I happen to enjoy the banter and arguements as its at the coal face between belief and non belief and its an interesting world. IMO I think it strengthens your faith so long as you don't take it too seriously.

I am often amazed at how I can go digging for truth and find it supporting Gods word in the world. Whether thats the latest discoveries from the JWT to some new archeological discovery supporting a small detail about one of the patriarchs camp site p[roving they travelled the way described in the bible.

The best one is the discoveries of Egyptians texts telling the story of the Exodus form their perspective. These you can get yo0ur teeth into as its not just biblical history but world history. Its in the ground and we can make the bible come alive.

I like this site. The coimmentator not only gives the archeological evidence and history but does a bit of preaching t0o go with the real life finds.

Expedition Bible

Expedition Bible brings you the teaching of Joel Kramer, a biblical archaeologist and former expeditioner in his younger years. Joel teaches by "taking you into the Bible," showing you Biblical sites, and giving you context, evidence, and experience to understand Scripture more profoundly...

www.youtube.com

 

[Jo555]

Thank you Steve.

I here ya, but they don't bother me. Now, like all of us, I do have my off days, just saying.

Ñ

I'm not here to convert anyone or convince them of anything, but to share what I have learned.

Sorry, my phone has a mind of its own these days. Dropped too many times. Hit reply before I wanted to send.

I just find it a shame that people have to be so rude though. It makes me sad for them because most people like that are not too happy and they become killjoys. And that is not limited to nonbeliever threads. It can be pretty scary, for lack of a better word, in the believer section too.

I try and joke to help them lighten up and join me in a good time, but many appear to be content in their state, or don't care to join the laugh party, so I just enjoy it with the Lord.

Another sad part is some have really good points, but you can't hear them too well above the disdain. You know, like how they say body language speaks louder than words.

I also sense hidden agendas at times, and it is all a shame because if we can just get over looking in the rearview mirror and make allowances for each other (not saying we have to put up with abuses, unless we ok with that as his Spirit leads), something beautiful may come of it because whether we believe in God or not, He can enter the picture anytime.

I really like them, rudeness cut, but if that is how they want to stay, I'll accept them as they are. Most of us are dealing with something and as such, don't think it will hurt to try to be understanding.

I personally just feel that if someone continues to display some type of hidden agenda, be rude and condescending, and they don't appear to really be here to learn and grow, then it may be time to consider disciplinary action.

Yet, how many of us will that leave? Hum?

And I am not perfect myself so, people can hold a mirror up to me too.

Thank you Steve. I appreciate you looking out for me. I can handle it, but you can join me in some fun anytime. I like to learn new lingos and looking forward to more from down under.

But be forewarned, i heard I talk too much. I think i have some interesting things to add to the mix though so I'll keep sharing as permitted because this is more than just about one person.

And many people are their own worst bully that they have a challenge getting away from, so, do we really need more of that to add to their load? Believe it can get us in trouble in more ways than one.

 

[Jo555]

Not that Ifollow my own advice. I happen to enjoy the banter and arguements as its at the coal face between belief and non belief and its an interesting world. IMO I think it strengthens your faith so long as you don't take it too seriously.

I am often amazed at how I can go digging for truth and find it supporting Gods word in the world. Whether thats the latest discoveries from the JWT to some new archeological discovery supporting a small detail about one of the patriarchs camp site p[roving they travelled the way described in the bible.

The best one is the discoveries of Egyptians texts telling the story of the Exodus form their perspective. These you can get yo0ur teeth into as its not just biblical history but world history. Its in the ground and we can make the bible come alive.

I like this site. The coimmentator not only gives the archeological evidence and history but does a bit of preaching t0o go with the real life finds.

Expedition Bible

Expedition Bible brings you the teaching of Joel Kramer, a biblical archaeologist and former expeditioner in his younger years. Joel teaches by "taking you into the Bible," showing you Biblical sites, and giving you context, evidence, and experience to understand Scripture more profoundly...

www.youtube.com

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. Can i borrow it? (Smile). If not, look forward to learning from you.

Oh, love that stuff so will look forward to checking out the website.

Thank you mate.

Is that something the Aussie's still say, mate?

 

[Jo555]

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. Can i borrow it? (Smile). If not, look forward to learning from you.

Oh, love that stuff so will look forward to checking out the website.

Thank you mate.

Is that something the Aussie's still say, mate?

I think this would make a good avatar for you Steve, for you appear to be a shepherd of the sheep.

I can't make out your current avatar.

 

[stevevw]

Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. Can i borrow it? (Smile). If not, look forward to learning from you.

Oh, love that stuff so will look forward to checking out the website.

Thank you mate.

Is that something the Aussie's still say, mate?

Yeah lol, she'll be right mate, no worries lol. You little ripper lol. Translated its all good, in fact its great lol.

 

[Jo555]

Yeah lol, she'll be right mate, no worries lol. You little ripper lol. Translated its all good, in fact its great lol.

Yippee! Haven't had my coffee yet, late riser. Not sure what time it is in your time zone, but it's late morning here and the stomach is grumbling. Time to make some eggs and coffee, but look forward to chatting again with you soon ...

Mate ... you knew that was coming.

 

[stevevw]

I think this would make a good avatar for you Steve, for you appear to be a shepherd of the sheep.

View attachment 361644

I can't make out your current avatar.

Its called the mural moth. Can't remember its proper name. But its one of those moths with a mural painted on its wings by nature. In this case its of a fly with red eyes eating what looks like bird droppings lol. This scares off predators as the red eyeed fly is known as poisonous.

I just like how Gods design works like that. No chance or blind process could create such a materpiece lol. A masterpiece on a masterpiece.

I like the idea of a dog for an avatar pic. I like dogs, mans best friend. But I think it has to be an Aussie dog like Red dog. Hes a real sheep herder lol.