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Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 7:27:31 AM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 803
Status: offline
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We all have things we debate passionately on these threads.... Sometimes we have hurt feelings, sometimes we are frustrated, sometimes we cry, and sometimes we laugh until we cry. I recognized something yesterday when I got so tickled, I literally laughed out loud and hard.
We all have very strong emotions about our faith. All because we believe so strongly that we are right in our beliefs. Those of us the do debate fervently are, "iron sharpening iron". This is such a good thing. Some us of are not theologians (I am not), but those that are cause us to search for our answers to why we believe what we believe. This is as it should be. The HS leads us into all knowledge...... We just step in and help that process.
So, what are some of the best times you have had here on these forums? Have you ever found a topic that challenges you to look deeper, search out and answer and find it? How has debate furthered your walk with Christ? Have you ever cried because you were so moved. Ever laughed so hard you did cry?
Maybe this thread will help us all see that we all search and to be more challenged just to know Him better 
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 12:19:11 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 2640
Joined: 6/8/2005
Status: offline
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My tenure on Crosswalk goes back way farther than the date on my tag indicates. I was once here under another name, before CW did some major changes which, at the time, knocked me off the site for months, until I bought a new computer.
When I first came on CW, I was hurt, angry, thrust out of the church organization of which I had been a member for over 50 years. They did me a HUGE favor to kick me out and I knew it, but the shock of the experience was initially debilitating, and I struggled hard spiritually and personally. So my entrance into CW was one in which my posts revealed the anger, hurt, spiritual disorientation, and loss.
However, as I searched for spiritual and personal stability off screen, and began to find it, this was evidenced on CW as well. As I learned how to not be what that church organization had taught me to be, that also evidenced in in both ways.
A time came when I needed answers to one of the many fallacies I had been taught there -- one of the main fallacies -- and I came here looking for answers, too. I had thought it could have been some other site, not CW, but the more I considered it, the more I realized that it was people on CW who helped me to begin to shake off that bad doctrine. I don't know who they were anymore, and they would not recognize me with my newer CW tag, but I will be forever grateful to them, the moderators, and to Frizt, all of whom were patient with me and who occasionally gave me gentle nudges.
_____________________________
Abiyah
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
A tree's fruit is obvious; you have to look harder for the worm hole.
G-d has only one natural Son; EVERYONE else is adopted.
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 2:27:23 PM
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deliveredarling
Posts: 803
Status: offline
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I can relate to the bad doctrine part. I have come a long way from my short time spent here. I came full of knowledge and would debate with the best of them. One day I was debating with a bunch of pastors about church discipline (I didn't believe in it and thought it was a terrible thing to do regardless was scripture said, Jesus would not have approved!). We debated that for weeks. God then showed me in terms I could understand how very important that this kind of discipline is for the body. I was in shock that I had been so deceived. When I got home from work that day, I immediately got online and apologized to the ones I had been debating with and told them the story. I admitted how wrong I was and how grateful I was that they were there to show me. We were passionate in our debates and just as passionate about reconciliation.....
_____________________________
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed: but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 8:16
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 3:36:35 PM
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SuspenseWriter
Posts: 213
Joined: 2/22/2008
Status: offline
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The first time I joined CW was maybe two years ago. Now bear in mind I'm not a newbie to the faith, but I am to world of computers (my wife and I were saved back in the early 70s, in the Jesus Movement, but we didn't purchase a computer until fairly recently). We've always belonged to full-gospel churches, and while we knew that a sizeable portion of the Body of Christ doesn't believe as we do, we simply extended grace and love to them, and received the same in return.
Until I became a member here.
Brother, were my eyes ever opened. And not in a good way. First day here I innocently wandered into the Theology, Church, Bible, and some other threads. I figured they'd be good places for fellowship...until I mentioned where my wife and I attend church, and the ministries we support. Teeth were bared, the long knives unsheathed, and after twenty minutes of being called a silly, brainwashed heretic, I retreated, baffled and hurt. A few more times I peeped in those threads, as a lurker, and then quietly slipped out heartsore and grieved. I've traveled the world in these fifty plus years, and had never seen the level of sneering distaste leveled from Christian to Christian. A short time after that I cancelled my membership here.
Then, a few months ago, the Lord nudged me. "They're my kids, John, but they're driven by pain you can't imagine," He said. "And so they lash out at anyone who doesn't have that same level of hurt. Only I can heal that hurt, not any man. So why not only visit the threads I tell you to?"
Made sense to me, so these days I mainly post in Books or Writing (since that's what I do), with an occasional side trip to Current Events. If I happen to cross paths with one of the resident "heresy hunters" here, I try not to say anything that'll draw their fire (and increase their pain), and move on. And my time here has been a lot more pleasant.
_____________________________
John Robinson
writer of suspense...obviously!
www.johnrobinsonbooks.com
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 3:58:13 PM
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CherishedbyGod
Posts: 2888
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
Then, a few months ago, the Lord nudged me. "They're my kids, John, but they're driven by pain you can't imagine," He said. "And so they lash out at anyone who doesn't have that same level of hurt. Only I can heal that hurt, not any man. So why not only visit the threads I tell you to?"
If only all that come here would realize this. How true it is. Thank you for sharing that.
_____________________________
~For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ~
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 4:02:15 PM
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crh737
Posts: 592
Joined: 6/1/2005
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
Until I became a member here.
Brother, were my eyes ever opened. And not in a good way. First day here I innocently wandered into the Theology, Church, Bible, and some other threads. I figured they'd be good places for fellowship...until I mentioned where my wife and I attend church, and the ministries we support. Teeth were bared, the long knives unsheathed, and after twenty minutes of being called a silly, brainwashed heretic, I retreated, baffled and hurt. A few more times I peeped in those threads, as a lurker, and then quietly slipped out heartsore and grieved. I've traveled the world in these fifty plus years, and had never seen the level of sneering distaste leveled from Christian to Christian. A short time after that I cancelled my membership here.
Then, a few months ago, the Lord nudged me. "They're my kids, John, but they're driven by pain you can't imagine," He said. "And so they lash out at anyone who doesn't have that same level of hurt. Only I can heal that hurt, not any man. So why not only visit the threads I tell you to?"
Suspense writer, Rotfl.....  Yeah they can be brutal on some forums.
But what the Lord told you is true. Hurting people hurt others.
Welcome btw
CRH
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 5:36:39 PM
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SuspenseWriter
Posts: 213
Joined: 2/22/2008
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deliveredarling
John, Welcome back to the forums. I don't know what to say about your previous time spent here, other than I am sorry you had that experience. All I can say is, we vehemently battle what we perceive to be false doctrine...Let me re-welcome you again and may God bless you
Thanks! And I highlighted the word in your post that jumped out at me: perceived. And here's where I believe the disconnect comes. To my thinking there are certain essentials of the faith that are non-debatable: that Jesus is God, was born of a virgin, crucified, buried, resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God, ever making intercession for us. Further, if a person accepts Jesus into their heart, His blood saves them, and they're now a Christian. Everything else--Sabbath days, water baptism, denominations, gifts of the Spirit, the rest--are just details. This has allowed my wife and me to have fellowship and break bread with brothers and sisters in the Lord worldwide.
As I said, when I read posts here vilifying folks like me, calling us heretics (and let's face it, if one is a classic "heretic", then ipso facto they cannot be born again)...well, that was hard to take. But as my old drill sargeant used to say, "son, it is what is." Now, knowing those people are only being so hateful and divisive because being so helps them handle their own agony, makes them easier to understand, and to pray for.
Again, thanks for the kind welcome.
_____________________________
John Robinson
writer of suspense...obviously!
www.johnrobinsonbooks.com
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 6:46:48 PM
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SpongeBlog
Posts: 1178
Joined: 12/9/2006
Status: offline
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We've hired a famous dramatic narrarator to help SuspenseWriter tell his story...
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...First day here I innocently wandered into the Theology, Church, Bible, and some other threads.
"...like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life." (Proverbs 7:22-23)
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...I figured they'd be good places for fellowship...until I mentioned where my wife and I attend church, and the ministries we support. Teeth were bared, the long knives unsheathed, and after twenty minutes of being called a silly, brainwashed heretic, I retreated, baffled and hurt.
As they stared at me like a fresh slab of thigh meat at a convention of canibals I innocently asked, "what's for dinner?".
"If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:15)
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...Then, a few months ago, the Lord nudged me. "They're my kids, John, but they're driven by pain you can't imagine," He said. "And so they lash out at anyone who doesn't have that same level of hurt. Only I can heal that hurt, not any man.
"...miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?
I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you." (Job 16:2-4)
Anyway...I remember when you left, ball in hand, holding back the tears. I too, have a former Forum life. I got so irritated by the pain and bruising you invite when you challenge the Church's 'golden calves'. I love the Church, I really do, and that's what motivates me to draw people away from their denominational wranglings and into the one calling that we all share without difference or exception, but which we hardly even speak about. Helping each other be like Christ in our daily duties as spouses, employees, and neighbors is what it's all about, but we seen to prefer to divide and isolate ourselves over the externals.
Remember the time your 12 year old son (aspiring writer that he is) hacked your computer and held us in suspense with the thrilling adventure of a far away land? (I think that was you, wasn't it?)
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...these days I mainly post in Books or Writing (since that's what I do), with an occasional side trip to Current Events.
I haven't been able to be in many threads for a while, but I found the 'Community Lounge' to be a refreshing vacation from the battle ground of our various denominational wranglings. Just be prepared to tell us how many buttons you have on your shirt if you post in one of Raspberry's fun threads (if she's still doing that--I hope so). I like when she has a question for everybody to answer like, "what room do you feed your pet in the most", or "do you sleep with the TV on". It's a lot of fun.
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
If I happen to cross paths with one of the resident "heresy hunters" here, I try not to say anything that'll draw their fire (and increase their pain), and move on. And my time here has been a lot more pleasant.
You are either really chicken...or really wise. I suspect the latter.
_____________________________
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." (Romans 14:17,18)
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 6:48:42 PM
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Kath
Posts: 15979
Joined: 2/28/2005
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SpongeBlog
We've hired a famous dramatic narrarator to help SuspenseWriter tell his story...
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...First day here I innocently wandered into the Theology, Church, Bible, and some other threads.
"...like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life." (Proverbs 7:22-23)
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...I figured they'd be good places for fellowship...until I mentioned where my wife and I attend church, and the ministries we support. Teeth were bared, the long knives unsheathed, and after twenty minutes of being called a silly, brainwashed heretic, I retreated, baffled and hurt.
As they stared at me like a fresh slab of thigh meat at a convention of canibals I innocently asked, "what's for dinner?".
"If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:15)
quote:
ORIGINAL: SuspenseWriter
...Then, a few months ago, the Lord nudged me. "They're my kids, John, but they're driven by pain you can't imagine," He said. "And so they lash out at anyone who doesn't have that same level of hurt. Only I can heal that hurt, not any man.
"...miserable comforters are you all! Will your long-winded speeches never end? What ails you that you keep on arguing?
I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you." (Job 16:2-4)
Very clever! 
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 7:15:09 PM
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CherishedbyGod
Posts: 2888
Status: offline
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Spongey's here 
_____________________________
~For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ~
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 7:53:16 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3653
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
Status: offline
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quote:
To my thinking there are certain essentials of the faith that are non-debatable: that Jesus is God, was born of a virgin, crucified, buried, resurrected, and now sits at the right hand of God, ever making intercession for us.
Yep, the rest is just man trying..to be man. Suffering in pride about their interpretations and dividing the body.
Unity is not conformity of thought. We come together to prepare the ground, lay the seed, fertilize and nuture the fruit the Spirit leads us in.
The unimportant doctrines is what corrupted the pharesees.
The best thing I have learned since coming to Crosswalk is that people with some pretty diverse beliefs within christianity still have great fruit. There are people here I disagree with doctrinally almost one hundred percent, but they are very kind knowledgable people who do great things for the Lord.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 8:20:18 PM
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SpongeBlog
Posts: 1178
Joined: 12/9/2006
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: deliveredarling
Spongeblog, that was hysterical I am wondering though, how long did it take you to find those perfect verses?
Literally, LOL
I have this little book (right next to my 'Bible Promises' book) called 'Biblical Quips, Phrases, and Comebacks For Every Occassion', by I. M. Wright (edited by U. R. Wong). I just flipped to the section 'When you've been hurt in a Christian forum', and there they were! Surely you've seen the book advertised on TV...
"Astound your friends, be the hit of the party! Find 'words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict'! (Luke 21:15)
And if you order right now, we'll throw in a..."
_____________________________
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." (Romans 14:17,18)
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RE: Debate.. What are some of the best times you've had - 5/11/2008 8:24:34 PM
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SpongeBlog
Posts: 1178
Joined: 12/9/2006
Status: offline
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Seriously, though...I just like reading the Bible and I have this strange gift that whatever I've been reading lately will suddenly find relevance in a situation or discussion.
_____________________________
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men." (Romans 14:17,18)
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I always learn the hard way. 
None of us believe that our beliefs are false, but we do tell others that there's(beliefs) are. Somewhere in the middle is the Truth. We can all agree that Jesus is the answer, it is others things that come into question...... Please don't let passionate debaters sway you from visiting. I truly believe that it is these that we find where are strengths and weakness are in our beliefs. Let me re-welcome you again and may God bless you 
