FAQ |
Calendar |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#31
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
Sorry Beth, but I know what my *"mission" is {see*} and it is not to turn my cheek every time a "stranger" insults me or another brother or sister in Christ. And if we "suspend" God's instructions to us as Christians just because this is not a "church", then I for one want no part of such an operation. There is no reason why, when a person comes on to this Forum that they cannot be Polite, Considerate, Respectful, and Conduct themselves "Honorably". And if they don't have the Christian decency to act in such a manner, then we have no obligation to "turn the other cheek in hopes of winning the offender over." (Wrong scriptural application - wrong dispensation.). You have said: “you should be able to defend yourself in a Christian way”. What “way” is that? Is it what you “think” I should do or say, or are you referring to my following the scriptures? The following examples demonstrate how the Apostle Paul dealt with the “brethren” in a scriptural manner, I’m afraid it doesn’t follow your “concept” of the “Christian way” – but it is according to the scriptures. There are people out there who are: “unruly persons”; "heretics"; "reprobates'; "vain talkers"; “deceivers”; “false teachers”; “false brethren”; and “grievous wolves”. These are all “Scriptural” terms describing people who - we have no obligation to extend the hand of “friendship” to, or much less the hand of Christian “Fellowship”. There are those who "shipwreck" other people’s faith (Hymenaeus & Alexander - 1Timothy 1:19-20) of whom Paul did not try to “edify”: [1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.] Nor did Paul "turn the other cheek in hopes of winning the offender over." Instead he “delivered them over to Satan”. Pretty strong words! And the reason for this is we are in a “war” – and that “war” is to be conducted by men in an “army” (according to the Scriptures); not the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, or Camp Fire Girls. And what of Hymenaeus & Philetus? 2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Not “everyone” who claims to be a brother is deserving of: 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. The “unity” of the faith has to do with those with whom we can walk together with: {Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?} Where can there be “unity” and/or “fellowship”; when a “Christian”, who is a perfect stranger, castigates and insults me after only being on this forum for 5 days? Can you not see that that kind of “conduct” is in total opposition to 90% of the Christians that have joined? When he “bragged” about: “being in rare form tonight”, could you not see him for what he is? And what of Phygellus & Hermogenes? 2 Timothy 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. Do you really think that Paul was concerned about “reaching out” to these “brethren”? And what about Alexander the coppersmith? 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward himaccording to his works: Paul wasn’t much concerned with Christian “forgiveness” with Alexander – he asked that God would “reward him according to his works” and at some point before this Paul delivered him unto Satan also! [1 Timothy 1:20] And now on to my being an elder: Common sense and decency, would dictate that all Christians who are new to this Forum would have some consideration and respect for all of us who are already here, regardless of who we are. Not hurl insults against them in less than a week. I have never pushed what little authority I have (which is strictly confined to our local church – see *) in this Forum, because I do not have any authority over anyone here (except my wife), and I have never even “intimated” that I do. (If I did – why didn’t I go to Brandon and request {or “demand”} that he kick the offender off?). I am a firm believer in the maximum amount of Christian “Liberty” allowed by scripture. Anyone who knows me knows that what I have said is true. I do not seek “dominion” over the brethren – here on this Forum or anywhere else for that matter. [2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.] On the other hand I do have the “right” and “duty” to defend myself and any other Christian brother who comes under attack, or who is unjustly charged or accused of wrong doing if we are innocent of the charges. Paul never “rolled over” and “turned the other cheek” when he was falsely charged. I not only have the “right”, but I also have a duty and responsibility to criticize any one who falsely accuses me or another Christian of wrong doing, or insults us. After all, it would be a double standard if someone on this Forum would have the “right” to accuse me, or say, brother Ruckman, of wrong doing; but I would not have the “same right” to answer the charges and level criticisms’ of my own at the accuser. Or would it be fair, if I am required to answer someone’s criticisms “according” to how the accuser “thinks” I should, or in a “tone” that is acceptable to them? Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? You and others on this Forum may not like or agree with my “tone” or “directness”, but I do not “insult” people by calling them names (like stupid, knucklehead, jerk, etc.), if I call someone a name – it’s because I believe the person is guilty of being: a “Humanist”, a “Sophist” a “liar”, etc.; or if I believe they are proud, vain, arrogant, puffed up, etc. I call it the way I see it. Again, you may not like the way I express myself, but you have no right to “dictate” to me how I do – since I do not “dictate” to you how you respond. Quote:
The Apostle Paul spent three years continually warning the Christians of his day of the “danger’ from within the churches of “grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” From his day until ours there have always been “false brethren”; "grievous wolves"; “false teachers” and such destroying Christian’s faith in God’s word, and eventually destroying God’s churches. {2,000 years of church history demonstrates this over and over and over again – literally hundreds of times). You will have to decide WHY I am here. Since: “I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.” I cannot be “guilty” of that charge. Of course it could be that I am one of those men who:“arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Or I could be a proud, vain, arrogant, “blow hard”, and know-it-all. Or I could be a Sophist and a “troublemaker”, who enjoys a good old debate once in a while. Or I just might be a Christian who has “been around the block” a few times, and is genuinely concerned for the welfare (spiritual & physical) of the saints. This isn’t “My First Rodeo”, I have seen “Christians” (or people who call themselves “Christians”) commit practically every sin in the BOOK. I have no illusions about what “Christians” are capable of doing – and I will continue to “warn” the brethren “night and day” to beware – not everything and everyone is what and who they “appear to be. The following verses are just a few that describe the days that we live in and why we should be both careful and prudent about who we trust, or admire, or respect, when it comes to God’s words and the “interpretation” of them. Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. * My "Mission": (I “know what my “mission” is and my “orders” come from God – not from contemporary “mores” {socially acceptable behavior} designed to dictate my conduct according to Humanist Dogma). SCRIPTURAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF: {an elder-pastor} PERSONAL (Inward) 1. PRAYER [Addressed - to God] 2. STUDY [Scriptures – from God] CONGREGATIONAL (Outward – “the ministry of the word of God”) 3. PREACHING [The Word of God] {PURPOSE: Feeding & Edification–Doctrine & Conduct} 4. TEACHING [Convincing, Exhorting - Sound Doctrine & the Whole Council of God] {PURPOSE: Feeding & Edification – Doctrine & Conduct} 5. WARNING [Against: Leaven (False Doctrine), Philosophy, Vain Deceit, the Traditions of Men, Science-Falsely-so-called, and the Rudiments of the World, etc.] {PURPOSE: Edification– Doctrine & Conduct} CORRECTION– SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY & LIMITS OF: {an elder-pastor} 6. ADMONISHING [Advise, Caution, or Notify of a Fault] {PURPOSE - Correction} 7. REPROVING [To Refute, Disprove, or Convince of a Fault or to Make It Manifest] {PURPOSE - Correction} 8. REBUKING [To reprehend for faults; to chide, chasten, check, restrain or silence] {PURPOSE - Correction} Headings 6-8 above describe the absolute LIMITS OF PASTORAL AUTHORITY (“Correction”). All matters of Discipline within a church are to be administered by the whole body (the congregation) – NOT an individual elder-pastor, or a board of deacons, or any other extra-scriptural council or committee. NOTE: All matters of Punishment are to be administered by Almighty God! In the early church there was no clergy–laity set up as in almost all modern day churches. There was no one individual “pastor” over the church, or in the larger churches – a “senior pastor”; “assistant pastors”; “youth pastor”; “Choir Director”; or so-called “Christian Counsellors” - dispensing pagan philosophy within the church, or today’s’ modern equivalent - Humanism, Psychiatry, & Psychology. The leaders in the early church were called elders and were always plural in number and they shared whatever power and authority they had – equally. No division existed between the congregation and elders-pastors. [They (elders-pastors and the congregation) all were brethren – with no distinctions!] An elder’s (pastor’s) authority over the brethren (in a local church) was, and still is, very limited – spiritual only! An elder (pastor) is not to exercise dominion over the brethren or over their faith! 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand. Just to be clear: The purpose of my being here on this Forum is mainly to edify and be edified; and to warn the saints of leaven in the form of doctrine or people. If someone comes on this Forum and hurls insults at me or at the brethren; or if they make false claims and charges against me or my friends; you may be rest assured that I will respond in a manner that I believe is scripturally appropriate according to the circumstances and who is doing the insulting, etc. |
#32
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
I was curious about hearing more about how the instruction in the Bible of not rebuking an elder would be carried out on a forum such as this as far as the rules are concerned. I'm more than willing to adhere to the rules of this forum.
Ok, you've made your position very clear and I think I know where you are coming from. I would just advise, (I'm speaking to the forum as a whole) that we take a little time in debate before we call someone a heretic or chase them off. Let's show humility and meekness. I agree that if the person continues in rude behavior then they need to be dealt with. |
#33
|
|||
|
|||
![]() Quote:
Quote:
I guess I need more clarification here. Although, this is a thread on discussion of forum rules and you have given me a report and as I read it have many questions although don't feel I want to get into it with you. Not on this thread at least. Maybe I should ask Jerry how this will go down? I notice you didn't bring up his name when you mentioned I should ask others. I also don't understand why you want to rehash the incidence of last week. When t4t tried to explain his position and that he didn't come on to cause trouble, his thread got deleted, (btw t4t I made a response to your thread before it was deleted, email me if you want to see it) My response to this thread was re: what I am seeing as a whole, I was not thinking just specifically of the incidence last week. why can you continue to drag this on? I really don't want to get into this again with you. I simply wanted to point out some things that I see on this forum. I'm sorry, but it is different then being in Church or your home or any where else where you can look at someone in the eye and know who they are. Please just let me give my opinions on forum rules. I will not continue to do this with you. It won't end well for me anyway. I really do like this forum and would like to stay. I have definitely learned my lesson on who I can challenge and who I can't. I'll be done with this topic....now. |
#34
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
![]() Quote:
You ignored nearly my whole post! I demonstrated (with scriptural examples) that we are not obligated to "turn the other cheek" (Paul didn't!) and if you had more biblical discernment and understanding you would know that those verses in Matthew 5:39 & Luke 6:29 do NOT "apply" to "Christians" in the "Age of Grace", but to Jews (living at the time of Christ) "under the Law". If those verses apply to us then ALL of Matthew Chapters 5, 6, & 7 and Luke Chapter 6 are "applicable" to us, and in 50 years of being a Christian I have never met one Christian that ever obeyed the command to: "cut off their hand"; or pluck out their eye" or cut off their foot;[Matthew 18:18 & Mark 9:45] - have you?. This is known as "rightly dividing the word of God" 101. We can not "pick & choose" which verses apply to us just willy-nilly. There has to be some "scriptural basis" to Bible knowledge, discernment and understanding and that basis is found in "dispensational" teaching and "rightly dividing the word of truth" - or else you are going to try to make me "observe" something that God never intended for Christians (saved by Grace) to observe. ("turning the other cheek" - so we can have "debate"!) If you don't understand these basic "dispensational" truths - what are you doing trying to "instruct" this Forum when you don't know what you are talking about? I didn't call the man a heretic! I said that he was proud, vain, and arrogant. (which he demonstrated when he bragged about being "in rare form tonight", after he had just got through castigating, rebuking, and ridiculing me - a perfect stranger who he knew absolutely nothing about!) You still have not replied to my questions about his pernicious conduct, but I guess it was OK because he "agreed" with you on a post that you made about Dr. Peter Ruckman. I also said that he was a "trouble maker" - which is obvious from what has happened. Why can't you keep your facts straight? Why are we obligated to give someone who comes on this Forum and personally insults one of the members in less than a week, (who has had to re-write some of his Posts because of his lousy "attitude"), to give him a little time for "debate"? This isn't about "turning the other cheek". This is about a man who insulted me and you don't think that is such a big deal. I guess in your book "debate" is more important than decent Christian conduct! But it is not so in my "Book": Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. In my BOOK God puts "debate" way up there amongst murder and deceit. Someone who "enjoys a good debate" is "carnal". I do not "enjoy" debate whatsoever! But I will contend for the faith, when it comes under attack. And I will defend myself from slander and insults. This man came on the Forum and was almost immediately "contentious", but you ignored his abusive behavior because - you wanted some more "debate"? 1 Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom , neither the churches of God. I have tried to be less "harsh" and "direct" with you because of your past posts. What I cannot understand is why you ever posted those "charges" against brother Ruckman from Donald Waite (a man that you "admire" and "respect"). Did you think that I would let them just pass? At first I carefully and respectfully dealt with them and you seemed to be satisfied until T4T showed up and (by taking them out of context) made 3 of them "appear" to support Waite's accusations; at which time you suddenly did an about face and declared that you were so pleased that someone proved that you (and Waite) were "right" all along. I then demonstrated that 5 of those charges were FALSE! and the other 4 were FRIVOLOUS! and instead of examining my points, since you had now found an ally (T4T), you ignored them and proceeded to start to "upbraid" me for not being "nice" and "loving" and unwilling to "turn the other cheek". What about the fact that a man that you admire and respect is proven to be a liar? Making "false" charges; taking words out of context; twisting words to make a man to appear to be something he is not, or believes something that he doesn't. Doesn't that "bother" you even in the least bit? If I found out that someone that I admire and respect turned out to make false accusations and tried to isolate a fellow brother in Christ by taking his words out of context ,and tried to denigrate him I would be greatly disappointed in that person. After the remarks that you made when you first returned to the Forum today - I find it hard to believe that you just couldn't help "commenting" on my statements earlier today. Haven't you learned to let "sleeping dogs lie"? If you had taken time to "check out" the charges & accusations made by a man that you admire and respect, none of this would have happened. But instead, like Jerry before you, you accepted that man's word and maligned, slandered, and falsely charged brother Peter Ruckman with things that he is not guilty of - without reading anything by him; without ever hearing any of his teaching; and without ever having met the man; you judged him by what others said of him (that's known as "hearsay" in court). I will not stand by while someone insults me, and neither will I stand by if someone falsely charges a man that I admire and respect. And if you can post charges and accusations against him without proof - I certainly can charge Donald Waite with making "false accusations" against brother Ruckman. And unlike you, I can "prove" it! What's good for the "gander" is also good for the "goose". ![]() The fact that you are a woman doesn't change a thing - "turn-about" is fair play. If you don't want to see me be "unloving" and "judgmental", then don't make charges that you can't prove! If you want to see me be more humble and meek then how about a little more "righteous judgment"? ![]() |
#35
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
A man may well be right about his Christian obligation to rebuke offenses and yet be wrong in judging the offense itself, even at times making himself a terror more to the innocent than to the offender.
|
#36
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
George, I really just wanted to help out in this open discussion re: forum rules and moderating. I know better than to engage in a debate with you. I don't mind when you chase off real trouble makers, but when I see you chase off others that defend the KJB, (they just don't agree on all the details that you do), I start to wonder. It would be great if we could all defend the KJB together.
I for one refuse to go down any extreme roads, especially hyper-dispensationalism. I also refuse to agree with the extreme views of Ruckman. This makes for a poor witness as it is almost impossible to teach those that prefer the MV to understand the Holy and trustworthiness of the KJB. The only way I will be able to remain on this forum is if I stay clear of any debates with you. I meant it from my heart how I appreciate your ministry of getting God's Holy Word out to the people, but I refuse to go down this road with you again. Peace be with you. Beth |
#37
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
![]() |
#38
|
||||
|
||||
![]() Quote:
I believe in the ministry of "reconciliation" (if it is possible), so perhaps we can begin again on a more agreeable note. ![]() |
#39
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Deal!! God bless you, Beth
|
#40
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Beth post #39,
I'm glad that is over. He is full of fire but I tell you as my husband and friend for 47 years he is a blessed friend to have on your side. I have always known where I stand with George. And I have always said I am above all women blessed. In Christ love, Renee |
|
|