Is not Christ the answer?

[Monster]

I re-read the OP to make sure I didn't miss anything. Yes, it IS encouraging. I'm not used to seeing encouraging posts in the DEBATE forum. :smilewinkgrin:

Still, when we say Christ is the answer, I like to make sure it's not being said flippantly in a way that might cause someone to stumble, thinking they don't have enough faith simply because they are ill or facing difficulties. (I say this because many charismatics I've run into use the phrase this way.) Anyway, I don't see this in the OP, I see his post as an encouragement.

Yeah, it's a gut-wrenching shame that we have to test every spirit with such a defensive sense of doubt, even amongst those we believe to be our brethren. The cool thing though, is when it works and there's a meeting of minds and that rare but sweet-sweet fellowship is had by all. Jesus didn't say it'd be easy, just rewarding.

I'm testing constantly but always with hope, and while in the process trying to be very slow to anger. There's so much good to be found here; solid Biblical discussions, willing and knowledgeable teachers and occasionally, humble, peaceable interactions. :1_grouphug: <--- that almost makes me sound like a throwback hippie... /me shudders.

 

[quantumfaith]

For starters, to see what I mean, read post #17 here on Christ being the answer to Spiritual or demonic oppression: http://www.baptistboard.com/showpost.php?p=1953073&postcount=17

second, what I generally mean is that keeping our focus on Christ and his Gospel and his cross will keep us from despairing when these other issues seem to be huge mountains in our path that might cause us harm. I can know The Christ and his truth will prevail...even if I don't always know the perfect way to interpret or apply that truth.

Third, I cannot imagine what reason you could have for disparaging any either encouraging people to look toward Christ, or other Christians encouraging a brother for doing so.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Aaron]

The problem with that logic is that we can then argue that Christ isn't the answer, at all, unless we prescribe to your/their/whoever's (I'm not picking on you) specific definitions.

Not at all. It just means that the statement is not as unifying as one is hoping. In teaching the doctrines that divide us, we all believe we're preaching Christ.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Not at all. It just means that the statement is not as unifying as one is hoping. In teaching the doctrines that divide us, we all believe we're preaching Christ.

Would you say then that both camps have different prospectives on the gospel?

 

[Aaron]

Of course, but those who truly understand Calvinism will tell you, that though they may have a deep and abiding love for their Calvinist and noncalvinist brothers as did Whitefield and Wesley, they would be unequally yoked working in the same ministry.

Calvinism and any other noncalvinist thought aren't simply different perspectives of Christ like one is looking at the north side of a building and the other is looking at the south. One is describing Solomon's Temple, and the other a log cabin, and they're both called "Christ."

 

[Yeshua1]

Of course, but those who truly understand Calvinism will tell you, that though they may have a deep and abiding love for their Calvinist and noncalvinist brothers as did Whitefield and Wesley, they would be unequally yoked working in the same ministry.

Calvinism and any other noncalvinist thought aren't simply different perspectives of Christ like one is looking at the north side of a building and the other is looking at the south. One is describing Solomon's Temple, and the other a log cabin, and they're both called "Christ."

Are you saying that non cals cannot by close chrsitian friends, and that they do not have any smart person in theology on their side?