Yep. And I even got caught up in that. But I am pretty much done with it.
Yesterday I spent a lot of time reading debates that were on this forum that we had more than ten years ago (so glad that they still have most of these archived). Most of the debates were BEFORE we had this WoF subforum. I was amazed at the strong unity that was among the WoF here when we all had to stand together in defense of our beliefs.
The disunity among WoFers started not too soon after this subforum came into being. I read some posts where I saw that I was sceptical of having a separate WoF forum for a couple f reasons. I didn't predict the disunity that we now have among the WoF but I did somewhat predict that it would become a "my favorite teacher" or "my pet doctrine" kumbaya session.
We come to these forums for different reasons. Some for discussion and debate and some just for fellowship. The "my favorite teacher" or "my pet doctrine" kumbaya sessions are for those who simply want fellowship. Nothing wrong with that except if it leads to believing what "my favorite teacher" says over and above what the Bible itself says. Hence, that has been the issue that I have had with much of them.
The difference is that Satan knows he has little time so he is devouring whom he may. Many over the years (Carm) have said... and are still saying that Word of Faith is dead. We hear it even more so today. I'm sure you've heard this also.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert, be be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
We haven't been "alert and to be watchful." as we should have. It's time to take authority and stop this now. We will never have unity with OUR interpretation of the Word. That's not where the unity begins. It begins with EACH of us being obedient to the first and great commandment of Love. For If we TRULY walk in Love... we won't be seeing the pride, the arrogance, the know-it-all... I can prove it attitude. The rudeness, the accusing of the brothers. Trying to out-do one another. I am right, you are wrong... We come in here "armed and loaded" (debate ready)... and just baiting and ready to do battle with one another who does not agree with "MY" knowledge of the Word.
I will say it again... Word of Faith is just a label (not to be worshiped) or boasting about. What do we do? We (labor) in our studies to prove we are right... that has resulted in periodic (slams and flaming)... instead we should be putting "every effort" in (laboring) to enter into His Rest (Hebrews 4:11).
Yes, we are to meditate and study the Word as in...
2 Tim 2:15
Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
But, we need to do it with the right motives to exhort one another. If I remember correctly... We have had 3 or 4 threads that were shut down in less than two months. We need to re-read them and see where the areas are that we went wrong. I already did... there are several areas where Satan devoured us. Do we want the (mods) constantly watching us? "Mod Hat On... This thread is under review." Recently, we have been a poor witness in representing Jesus Christ to... win the lost and equip the saints. We are being watched and we tend to forget that.
We are a mixture of pastors, teachers, loafers (me)
and others using this forum as a platform to minister and exhort one another in the goodness of God through His word. Our congregation is not only (us) ourselves... but behind the scenes are the seekers of truth, the hurting, the lonely, the poor in heart, the ones feeling unwanted, feeling unloved, even agnostics, atheists. Guess WHO else is back there behind the curtain scenes laughing at our foolishness. Recognize this guy? You guessed it. The devil himself...
(the devourer)
hmm... Is this a "trip to the woodshed?" I have already had my whipping (repented). I was first in line... and the door remains open! Who's next?
Peace... (since the trip to the woodshed)
