Dealing with Professing Believers Walking in Sin in Online Boards

[JonC]

To illustrate my last post:

Years ago I was a member of a Reformed board. There were things that I did not believe were correct, however I never seriously explored the doctrines because of the behavior of a few of the people on that board. Their behavior to my questions made be believe that what they were saying, what they believed, was not true or worth consideration. Since that time I have accepted some of that doctrine and "spit out the bones". But the reason is I left that board because of the people there. Given my understanding then, perhaps the actions of those few people delivered me from indoctrination because their actions spoke louder than their words.

But apply this to fundamental doctrines. There is a risk that allowing hate to be acted out on a Christian board will cause other people not to consider the fundamentals of Christianity because the actions of a few overshadow the words being spoken.

I think that we have to behave in such a manner as to bring light into darkness - we need to assume that people who are not Christians may stumble on this board and think about what they will see and hear.

 

[1689Dave]

It's all tares and wheat as always. If the tares take control, you lose when speaking the truth.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

I think that we have to behave in such a manner as to bring light into darkness - we need to assume that people who are not Christians may stumble on this board and think about what they will see and hear.

It's all tares and wheat as always. If the tares take control, you lose when speaking the truth.

These posts sound like human psychological babble. No scriptural support included.

If Christians expressing their Biblical convictions are a stumbling block to non-believers, so be it. Let your light shine.

If Christians don't hold forth the work of God, it will appear as though the tares have won - but they haven't and never will!

[1Pe 2:9 KJV] 9 But ye [are] a chosen generation (exclusive), a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people(exclusive); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you(exclusive) out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We, regardless of how arrogant we might be, cannot change God's plan for our fellow man.

 

[JonC]

These posts sound like human psychological babble. No scriptural support included.

If Christians expressing their Biblical convictions are a stumbling block to non-believers, so be it. Let your light shine.

If Christians don't hold forth the work of God, it will appear as though the tares have won - but they haven't and never will!

[1Pe 2:9 KJV] 9 But ye [are] a chosen generation (exclusive), a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people(exclusive); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you(exclusive) out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We, regardless of how arrogant we might be, cannot change God's plan for our fellow man.

I understand one is not very familiar with Scripture those words may sound like babble. Perhaps I should have provided references (John 8:12; Acts 26:18; 1 John 1:5-7; Romans 13:22; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 8:9; romans 14:13-23; 1 John 2:10).

I say again, we are called to be a light in the darkness. We have to be careful not to be the reason that some may reject Christ (like the Pharisees Christ cursed for being the cause of disbelief). Some may stumble over the gospel, but they should not stumble over professing Christians acting in opposition to the gospel message.

I think what you miss is Christ's command that we not be the stumbling block. This does not mean that a person is or is not saved. It means that we need to be sure that we are not the reason that one reject's Christ even if later on God draws him to redemption (or the man is never saved).

You also seem to miss the fact that these "Christians" I mention are in direct disobedience to God's command (even if acting out their own convictions). The Bible tells us how to deal with Christians, the World, and disobedient Christians. We do not have to wonder.

 

[1689Dave]

These posts sound like human psychological babble. No scriptural support included.

If Christians expressing their Biblical convictions are a stumbling block to non-believers, so be it. Let your light shine.

If Christians don't hold forth the work of God, it will appear as though the tares have won - but they haven't and never will!

[1Pe 2:9 KJV] 9 But ye [are] a chosen generation (exclusive), a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people(exclusive); that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you(exclusive) out of darkness into his marvellous light:

We, regardless of how arrogant we might be, cannot change God's plan for our fellow man.

The Tares look like believers but cause people to sin. The Wheat causes people to overcome. You can see both in many forums. False doctrine is sweeping the world as though the forums are the Devil's playground.

“The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.” (Matthew 13:41) NIV

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire: so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity: and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:40–42 (NCPB)

 

[JonC]

The Tares look like believers but cause people to sin. The Wheat causes people to overcome. You can see both in many forums. False doctrine is sweeping the world as though the forums are the Devil's playground.

“The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.” (Matthew 13:41) NIV

“As therefore the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire: so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity: and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:40–42 (NCPB)

I agree. People can say all the right things, but if in the wrong way then who cares? Even Satan knows Scripture.

 

[canadyjd]

......
I say again, we are called to be a light in the darkness. We have to be careful not to be the reason that some may reject Christ (like the Pharisees Christ cursed for being the cause of disbelief)......
You also seem to miss the fact that these "Christians" I mention are in direct disobedience to God's command (even if acting out their own convictions). The Bible tells us how to deal with Christians, the World, and disobedient Christians. We do not have to wonder.

I have encountered Christians with very aggressive methods that would say “I don’t care what they think of me...” when justifying they way they presented the gospel. I knew one that would “kick the dust” off his feet if someone didn’t respond as he believed they should. I see that same attitude from some on this board.

We shouldn’t compromise the gospel, but we should always “care” what others think. Paul encouraged pastors to have a good reputation outside the church. Peter, I think, encouraged Christians not to give unbelievers an opportunity to criticize them.

peace to you

 

[JonC]

I have encountered Christians with very aggressive methods that would say “I don’t care what they think of me...” when justifying they way they presented the gospel. I knew one that would “kick the dust” off his feet if someone didn’t respond as he believed they should. I see that same attitude from some on this board.

We shouldn’t compromise the gospel, but we should always “care” what others think. Paul encouraged pastors to have a good reputation outside the church. Peter, I think, encouraged Christians not to give unbelievers an opportunity to criticize them.

peace to you

I think the issue is often pride.

 

[JonC]

I think my main caution with online Christian forums is the misperception that they are a "safe" place, especially for new or immature believers.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I think my main caution with online Christian forums is the misperception that they are a "safe" place, especially for new or immature believers.

Bingo

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Jon, we had a fella on here who was diagnosed by a psychiatrist and prescribed certain drugs for some mental and emotional problems he was having. Long story short we had some on this very board who advised him scripturally to ignore his doctor, so he went off the rails and eventually killed himself. Sad to say the least!

 

[1689Dave]

Jon, we had a fella on here who was diagnosed by a psychiatrist and prescribed certain drugs for some mental and emotional problems he was having. Long story short we had some on this very board who advised him scripturally to ignore his doctor, so he went off the rails and eventually killed himself. Sad to say the least!

I got sucked into cult that killed over 100 people by shunning medicine for easily treated ailments. The reason I'm a Calvinist is that they were teaching against limited atonement and I realized that if it were true, none of what they say is true about how salvation and healing work.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I got sucked into cult that killed over 100 people by shunning medicine for easily treated ailments. The reason I'm a Calvinist is that they were teaching against limited atonement and I realized that if it were true, none of what they say is true about how salvation and healing work.

Have you heard of D. J. Ward... look up some of his sermons on the Doctrine of Election, etc. I think you will enjoy him. Note, he had lung cancer thru many of those sermons so if you hear him falter, he was trying his best to deliver the message. God rest his soul.

BTW, I consider it definite atonement

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

 

[1689Dave]

Have you heard of D. J. Ward... look up some of his sermons on the Doctrine of Election, etc. I think you will enjoy him. Note, he had lung cancer thru many of those sermons so if you hear him falter, he was trying his best to deliver the message. God rest his soul.

BTW, I consider it definite atonement

I just began listening to him. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Wesley Briggman]

I knew one that would “kick the dust” off his feet if someone didn’t respond as he believed they should. I see that same attitude from some on this board.

If the one you knew was promoting a false gospel, his kicking the dust off his feet might have opened the way for the true gospel to be presented.

The Bible teaches that if the true gospel is rejected, the "dust" of those rejecting it should be shaken off as a testimony against them. I know of no mission effort to invoke this or a similar practice when their efforts are rejected. Instead they build health clinics, schools, etc. to convince the goats the Christians offer a better life.

[Mar 6:11 ESV] 11 And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them."

[Act 13:50-52 ESV] 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

 

[atpollard]

I guess that's where it gets difficult for me. I'm having to learn to accept that the injustices that have taken place by the hands of other believers--they think they did the right thing, and will likely always think that. It's just sad when it affected something that was important to me. An example would be when my family began mistreating me after I left the IFB sub-denomination and King James onlyism behind.

The Moravian Church has a motto that I find helpful: "In essentials unity. In non-essentials liberty. In all things charity."

For me, that means that people that deny the truth about Christ (like calling him an archangel rather than God) or deny the truth of scripture (like saying the miracles never happened) have stepped on the "third rail" that kills the soul and destroys any real salvation. They have violated an "essential" and need to be opposed until they or I am driven from the public forum.

People can be wrong about lots of things and still be a child of God. Among these non-essentials I place Calvinism vs Arminianism and Cerdo-baptism vs paedo-baptism. Whether one believes they chose God first, or God chose them first does not tie God's hands in his ability to save.

No matter what the disagreement, or the personality or the conflict, we should still approach all people with "charity". If a statement can be interpreted two ways, never assume the worst. Even in an important argument, the hope and goal should always be the correction and welfare of the opponent, or at least a warning for any listeners if the other person is a "wolf" among the flock. There is no prize for enemies slain, only for enemies saved.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I just began listening to him. Thanks for the tip.

Of course you know about R.C. Stroll and Sinclair Ferguson and Alistair Begg. Good men!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

The Moravian Church has a motto that I find helpful: "In essentials unity. In non-essentials liberty. In all things charity."

For me, that means that people that deny the truth about Christ (like calling him an archangel rather than God) or deny the truth of scripture (like saying the miracles never happened) have stepped on the "third rail" that kills the soul and destroys any real salvation. They have violated an "essential" and need to be opposed until they or I am driven from the public forum.

People can be wrong about lots of things and still be a child of God. Among these non-essentials I place Calvinism vs Arminianism and Cerdo-baptism vs paedo-baptism. Whether one believes they chose God first, or God chose them first does not tie God's hands in his ability to save.

No matter what the disagreement, or the personality or the conflict, we should still approach all people with "charity". If a statement can be interpreted two ways, never assume the worst. Even in an important argument, the hope and goal should always be the correction and welfare of the opponent, or at least a warning for any listeners if the other person is a "wolf" among the flock. There is no prize for enemies slain, only for enemies saved.

It is my contention that the HS is the one who saves—- in tandem with The Father & the Son. Therefore whatever I say will never be heard without the spirit.

 

[atpollard]

It is my contention that the HS is the one who saves—- in tandem with The Father & the Son. Therefore whatever I say will never be heard without the spirit.

I agree, but too often I am tempted to use that as an excuse to remain silent when I should have said SOMETHING.