Taking a break from the forum

[DeaconDean]

It is becoming apparent that my Baptist views are not welcome on the forum and even in this section. Evidently, teachings from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary are all wrong. Everything I was taught is wrong.

I have offended so many people in this section (B/A) as well as other sections also because of my "faulty" Baptist views. I honestly did not know how wrong I was. Apparently I am wrong on everything.

There are those in this section who believe that "the husband of one wife" no longer applies. I was taught it does. I was wrong here again.

I was taught that living together outside of marriage was wrong and was a sin. Yet in the forum, because "doctrine" says otherwise, I am wrong. See here, I am wrong again.

The ideas and theology I was taught from the 60's and up, I have learned are all wrong. I was taught never to compromise God's word as a preacher, yet there is a movement even in this section to modernize the scriptures to reflect modern views. Here again, I was wrong.

It is sad to me that the church which thought enough of me that I fulfilled these qualifications:

"Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless." -1 Tim 3:9-10

Now I must go back and tell them I was wrong.

Because of my traditional and Baptist viewpoints I have offended a great many people. It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that I will be taking a leave from the forum. And on a night where I was asked to preach in my home church, only to find out that I am wrong in so many areas of Baptist faith. As of Wednesday morning (7/5/06) at 5 am EST, I will gone from the forums in an effort to keep the peace.

So I ask you good people to forgive me for offending you. I ask that you forgive me of my shortcomings also. I may check from time to time, but who knows for sure. All I know is that I did not want to spread disharmony and it seems that during the last 11 months that is all I have done. So once again I ask that you forgive me and all my shortcomings.

One other point, since I have commented in so many threads, if you would like for me to remove my comments from your thread(s), please pm me telling me which ones and what numbers my posts were and I will delete them promptly.

A brother in Christ,
DeaconDean

 

[mlqurgw]

You have never offended me. I think we probably agree more than we disagree. Truth is often offensve to those who hate it. the Apostles offended quite a few religionists in their day and it is only reasonable that those who proclaim truth withut apology in this day will do the same. If you offended all here but helped one to come to a knowledge of truth wouldn't it be worth it? I ask that you continue here so that there will be a vioce for truth when needed.

 

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

We may be called wrong by the world but there is only one judge of what is actually right and wrong.

 

[newbeliever02072005]

You have never offended me. I think we probably agree more than we disagree. Truth is often offensve to those who hate it. the Apostles offended quite a few religionists in their day and it is only reasonable that those who proclaim truth withut apology in this day will do the same. If you offended all here but helped one to come to a knowledge of truth wouldn't it be worth it? I ask that you continue here so that there will be a vioce for truth when needed.

mlqurgw has asked a very good question here DecanDean. Being available to God's will for someone to hear the truth of the gospel is all worth it. Even if it is one person. Because all the souls here on earth belong to God and He loves each and every one of them. His heart desire is that we love him back. Keep spread the truth DeaconDean. It's worth it.


I will be praying for you to see where God is leading you. May He bless you abundantly for trying to stay in His will and plan. Amen!

 

[MrJim]

Grow a thicker hide, hoss.

There will always be disagreements-I've had my go arounds in here since I'm one of the few anabaptists here. Whether it has to do with nationalism, or war, or calvinists, I can find all kinds of things to throw my hands in the air and figure "all is lost". I took off for a while, bummed around some other forums, and came back. Know why? 'Cause I love these folks inspite of their wrong (in my anabaptist opinion) views. And at the end of the day, at the end of my life here on this world, I figure a lot of what I think I understand fully will be revealed as just being a partial understanding-sorta like how children think they understand things, but actually only comprehend a very small part. Looking through Acts we find that apostles and disciples didn't always get along but they never stopped being brothers and neither should we.

So I'd hate to see another mosey on out-just like I still miss GEL. Ya have to do what ya have to do. If you are not able to articulate your views without being upset at another's opposing view, then maybe you should consider that the problem isn't the others, but yourself. That is what I had to do. It got to a point with me where I decided my anger was because I want to be right all the time and others to agree with my "rightness". Yup, came down to (and honestly still does at time-one of those things I'm working at) pride.

So some old jarhead advice-suck it up and examine yourself. At the end of the day you may be the only person around that believes what you teach--and you may be the only one that is right and everyone else is wrong. Are some whiny people (ha, which could very well be me sometimes) disagreeing with you enough to have you shut out your wisdom to others here? Would you run into a closet at church if someone got up while you were preaching? I don't think you would-no, I know you wouldn't.

God's blessings in your decision....

 

[Flynmonkie]

DD, I agree with Menno here. First of all I am not sure where you think you have offended me, we have gone a few rounds in disagreement (and most likely will again!) But I absolutely love our banter. And I am unaware of any issue with the one-man one-woman issue or otherwise. So if you decide to take a "leave" I need to know that you understand I hold none of our disagreements against you, we might just think differently on non-essential perception. I really cannot recall anything that I think we truly disagree on anyway? When it boils down to it, you have to try to remember that people are on different learning paths, when you are spiritually mature in areas others have learning yet to do you want to have them see things your way, but we know the only one whom can change a persons heart condition is God. Your not compromising the gospel, your stepping back and allowing the Holy Spirit to do what He does best!

Maybe that is what you are here to learn, allowing the Holy Spirit to do His work. Sometimes I even loose sight of that. Learning when it is time for us to say something, or not? This is quite a bit different than a church in your own community where everyone is familiar with everyone else and the social norms are evident. Here, not only are you typing to an impersonal screen, you cannot be face to face. It is a challenge! But I think a good challenge learning to communicate with other Christians with different paths in their walk.

I think you are a great asset to the board and I would sure hate to think it is something I did confused: still cannot recall anything over here?)

 

[HumbleMan]

Deac,

You've never offended me, either. Made me think about things, sure. But never offended.

Those that take offense will be offended no matter who is saying what they don't agree with.

My only advice is this: don't stop learning. As Menno said, at the end of the day, you may be the only one who's right, but you may also be the only one who's wrong. If someone disagrees with you, pray for guidance and examine their reasons, then go with what God speaks to you.

You are a very smart, Godly man, and there are many here who can learn from what you have to say. Don't deny that knowledge to someone by leaving.

 

[mesue]

Brother Dean,
I have never been offened by your speaking the truth. The truth hurts those that cannot handle it. You have spoken the truth and it is the offended that should be worried. I pray you will reconsider your leaving CF. There are so few voices here that stand up for the Lord.
Standing up for God and His Holy Word is never wrong. You have nothing to apologize for.
There will not be peace on these forums, ever, until Christ comes back. There won't be peace on this earth until Christ comes back. That's just how the world is. Until then the tares will remain. The religious that claim to be the true church will find out how very wrong they are at the cost of their very souls. When Jesus said wailing and gnashing of teeth, He meant it and I believe Him.
come back soon.

 

[Dmckay]

DeaconDean,
I would hate to see you leave, but of course if you have already this won't be seen. I believe that you are a victim of what I call the professionally offended. It doesn't matter what you say or do they are going to raise a ruckus, just because they are contrary in nature.

Whenever I am feeling persecuted and attacked I read through Jeremiah. If ever there was a servant of the Lord who knew what it was to be persecuted and afflicted, it was he.

 

[arunma]

Dean, sorry to hear that you're leaving. Of the various people on the Baptist forum, your theological persuasions seem to resemble my own more than most others. If you feel that you must take a break, I understand. I hope you return soon.

 

[edie19]

I hope you prayerfully reconsider your decision. Your posts are always well thought out and are Scripturally sound.

We need more, not fewer, men and women who are willing to stand on the truth.

edie

 

[JPPT1974]

I love your posts too
Please reconsider as well
Coming back asap!

 

[tall73]

While my comments in the GT version were direct, I still wanted to let you know that a break is sometimes good. It helps us get perspective. I have had to take a couple short ones as well. The more you are in GT the more you need them.

I hope you come back after your break.

God bless you

 

[Erinwilcox]

I'd hate to see you leave. From some of the reasons why you are leaving, it seems that our views are very similar. I have never been offended by you, brother. To the contrary, I have often been very blessed by reading you posts and have benefitted from your wisdom. I can understand if you need a break from CF if it is discouraging you, but I sincerely hope that one day you will return to impart once more the great knowledge that our God has given you. You will truly be missed.

Erin

 

[Sword-In-Hand]

I truly believe this, but it seems that the Christian who is berated the most, especially by other Christians, is really the one holding to true doctrine. We may not agree on everything, but who does to begin with? You've never offended me and really I can't see how your posts offended anyone. It would appear to me that those who you have offended are ones whose roots are not on the good soil.

 

[DeaconDean]

I really appreciate the kind words from you all. And yes even you too tall73. I was raised an Independant Baptist in the 1960's through the 1970's. I have "Old Fashioned" beliefs, "Old Fashioned" theology, "Old Fashioned" standards. My GrandFather on my Dads side was a Appalachian mountain Baptist preacher. My GrandFather on my mothers side was a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian (Reformed, lol) church. So I have very old viewpoints. They are established from "Old Fashioned" ideas handed down. I never was able to adapt to school. Going to school in North Carolina on the heels of the de-segregation movement left a lot to be desired. I never did well in school and dropped out twice in the twelveth grade. I got my G.E.D after only three weeks at Gaston College. I have spent two years studying theology and Pastorial courses at the Baptist Association in order to obtain a diploma from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Although if I wished, it could have been awarded to me from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I have spent the last three years studying all aspects of theology. I love theology, Systematic Theology is my speciality, it is where i shine, at least I think so. From a Reformed perspective that is. I just finished writting my thesis on Ezekiel and was about to send it to Liberty University. But I'm not a writer and it falls well short of expectations. But that doesn't bother me. I tell you this not to make myself appear smarter or better than anybody else, rather I'm like Paul, "the chief among sinners." Rather so you would know that I with certainty, give you an answer that it is 99% pure Bible, pure Reformed doctrine, 99% pure Baptist doctrine. I will not say 100% because I don't believe that any denomination has 100% truth, not even the Pope. lol I don't seek the praise of men, I seek His approval. That's all that matters to me. If I thought Baptist, Calvinist, or Reformed theology was really and truely flawed, I'd leave it. But I sincerly believe with all my heart that our beliefs are in line with Biblical teachings. Anabaptists too because in reality, we're not that far apart. And what differences their are between us are minor. But the constant attacks against Protestants in general are what gets to me the most. I'm getting tired of standing up and fighting for the Reformed Protestant Theology only to be told how wrong we are and then to be accused of spreading h****y. I was practicly accused of this by another member. Its just that I'm getting tired of the attacks. It's becoming increasingly clearer that Reformed Theology in any form is not wanted here. That is why I'm thinking of leaving for a while. I keep stepping on toes in every area I go. Anyway, if you have read this far and are still here, thank you for your support, and heartfelt kind words. I may stay, but I need to pray and talk to God about this. Once again thanks for letting me vent and the kind words from each one of you.

A brother in Him,
DeaconDean

 

[aReformedPatriot]

Hey Brother, I too agree with many of your points. You've not offended me and I don't recall as I pick my brain trying to see which Baptist belief you speak of that I disagree with. This forum is like the melting pot of religion. Unfortunately, there is too much bad theology ruining the flavor of the stew.

Aside from the Baptist forum here, the rest of CF is like a thorn in my flesh that I endure hoping to help someone, anyone, who might listen to words of truth. Sounds pretty bland eh? If you feel you must leave this place, then I bid you peace. But I enjoy your presence. I should say that other than bad theology, I enjoy the fellowship. I certainly love everyone in this forum and hope I am able to serve them in some way.

 

[mlqurgw]

I rarely go to GT anymore because it is filled with nonsene from every dark corner of religion. When I first came here I debated frequently but have come to the place that I realized that it is not much more than an exercise in futility and that it is often casting pearls before swine. The very nature of this place makes it open to every false way that claims to be Christian. Holding to a creed doesn't make you a believer nor having an interpretation of the Bible. Any person who can read and has the dicipline to study can come up with what the words of Scripture mean in a literal sense but it takes the Spirit of God to give us the message of the Book. The Pharisees had a literal understanding of the Old Tesament Scriptures and missed Christ because of it. I no longer desire to debate with those who oppose God and His truth but wish only to point folks to Christ. He is the only interpretation that is true. He is all of salvation and all of my acceptence with God. He is my wisdom, righteousnes, sanctification and redemption. He is my strength and song. He is my hope and my life. He is all in all. In Him I have peace with God and peace in my soul. By Him I live and move and have my being. Through Him I receive all the blessings of God and in Him all the promises of God are yea and amen. I dare not trust in anything of myself no matter how sweet it may sound or how much it appeals to my flesh. Christ in me is my hope of glory. I want others to know Him as I know Him and that is why I am still here. I do still get caught up in debate and argument because it is far too pleasing to my flesh bolsters my pride but God give me grace to simply and clearly point people to Christ. I need you here to keep me in focus.

 

[Taylor43]

The truth will set you free yes there will be disagreements even though the truth has been brought out. God knows what is true he has control
Love
Taylor

 

[DeaconDean]

mlqurgw, I know in the past we didn't see eye to eye on some things but we worked through it to become fellow discerners of His word. I have benefited greatly from our discussions and talks. There are not enough people on the forum like you. I personally know of only about ten or fifteen. If we all could just talk first then discuss perhaps things would be different. I have spent half my life studying the Bible because I want to know what His word says. It's only in the last 10 years I have dived into the deepest things of His word. I should stick around if nothing else than to enjoy our studies.

The Lords Envoy, I'm like you, the GT area is getting to be a thorn in the side. But wouldn't it be nice to be a thorn in their side for a change? One member said he wouldn't rest until Calvinism was debunked as the greatest discredit to the church in history. And I told him that as long as there were people like me who hold to some, not all, but some of what Calvin taught, it would never die out. I should hang around just to be a thorn in his side for a change.

At any rate, I'll give my decision before I log off in the morning.

I truly hope that God Blesses each and every one of you richly!

Your humble servant,
DD