Member Guidelines

[Lisa0315]

I would like to create a guideline for how our members should receive guests and react to hostility. This is NOT a rule, is not enforceable in any way. It is simply a reference tool.

I would like for all of us to post Scripture here and come up with a list of guidelines.

For example, when do we report? When do we turn the other cheek? What is the most Christian way we can answer hostile posts? When is it time to draw our swords and when is it time to gently rebuke?

There are even special cases here in CF. There are members who have severe mental illnesses who may on occasion post here. Some are well known, others may not be. Yet, how would we know until it all comes out in the wash? We could potentially cause great harm with the best intentions of protecting our forum.

So, that being said, let's come up with some guidelines for how to handle issues, how to treat guests, and how to discern if a post is truly reportable.

Lisa

[Voegelin]

I would like for all of us to post Scripture here and come up with a list of guidelines.


Fine for those who want to post Scripture but I don't make my case, usually, that way. The scriptural basis should be obvious so I don't see the need to cite it and believe it is counterproductive to cite Scripture for everything.

I suspect many feel this way as well. So I'll just back out of this thread too.

[JimfromOhio]

As a Christian and as a Conservative, I will still fellowship and debate with my Christian brethren even though I may not agree with their beliefs even if they are hard-core liberals. In our Christian fellowship (not individual), we must recognize that the Holy Spirit desires to take us and lead us, and use us as instruments through which He can express Himself through US. All beliefs about God are problematic and this will NEVER change until we die or when Christ returns (whichever comes first). Christianity will always be running against the prevailing movement of society with individualistic views. Like in life, in Christianity, one size doesn't fit all! We must never forget that true Christianity is more than believing and teaching - it is a way of life that we are the "light of the world".

When we argue and disagree, we will know what kind of a Christian others are and what kind of a heart they have. We always argue over things that we love, or that we disagree. I will speak up when I hear doctrines that I disagree with. Doctrines sounds very good and simple but life is not so simple. There are Christians who are zealous for their "beliefs" and forget the sensitivity of others regarding certain topics (i.e. homosexual). We must God desires by using our spiritual fruits by avoiding breaking God's spiritual harmony. Christian faith is not to manipulate and intimidate people with our personal beliefs but rather allow the Holy Spirit to do the work in convicting people's hearts. Only God can others who thinks differently than we do. We cannot change them. Only God can. It is something of a paradox that while thoughts deeply affect a person's will and go far to determine a person's choices, a person's will on the other hand has the power to control the thoughts. There are many Christian cultures because there are Christians who will follow their conscience, feelings, beliefs and personal worship preferences. This is between God and each individual believer(s).

J. I. Packer has warned us that in the “Battle for the Bible”—the danger operates, that the folk engaged in the battle will just concentrate on the battle and never think of the issues for the sake of which the battle is being fought. I am a conservative Christian but I won't be a hypocrite. A humbled Christian is a Christian with flaws which humbles them that is more useful to God than hypocrite action that puffs them up. I am reminded of this quote by D.L Moody, "Character is what you are in the dark". With that thought, a true character is what and who you are in Christ.

If we have no zeal for the glory of God our mercy must be superficial, man-centred human improvement with no eternal significance. And if our zeal for the glory of God is not a revelling in his mercy, than our so-called zeal, in spite of all its protests, is our of touch with God and hypocritical. John Piper

Scriptures in the New Testment explains clearly that Christians do not look at the Ten Commandments as laws but Grace of Love.

Jesus TAUGHT us that we are to LOVE God first (first 4 commandments) and we are to love one another (last 6 commandments). The first and greatest commandment is to love God with every power of our entire CHRISTIAN being. Where love like that exists, there can be no place for a second object. The Great Commission and Love are the two most important ministry of God's will. Act like Jesus, toward sinners and brethren in compassion, toward saints in warm affection, toward others in love. We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Jesus Christ has forgiven us. If we forgive those who sin against us, our heavenly Father will forgive us. But if we refuse to forgive others, our Father will not forgive our sins. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Live in Harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. Don't think we know it all. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see we are honorable.

[JoeWill]

No doubt lots of valuable posts about the golden rule and how everything must be said in love will follow.

But I think we need to be assertive as well. I'm trying to think of a relevant scripture about that.

Brain ticking... tick... tick...

[Lisa0315]

Fine for those who want to post Scripture but I don't make my case, usually, that way. The scriptural basis should be obvious so I don't see the need to cite it and believe it is counterproductive to cite Scripture for everything.

I suspect many feel this way as well. So I'll just back out of this thread too.

Well, I don't know why you would back out of the thread. You don't HAVE to add Scripture. I was just thinking it would be a good exercise. It is just an idea. Nothing is ever written in stone.

Lisa

[JoeWill]

Well, I don't know why you would back out of the thread. You don't HAVE to add Scripture. I was just thinking it would be a good exercise. It is just an idea. Nothing is ever written in stone.

Lisa
Also, it is unlikely to be the case that we have nothing to learn from each other's applications of scripture.

[JimfromOhio]

Often we don't apply ourselves to the spiritual fruits and often forget that we are still living in the flesh that still carries sin even though spiritually, we are forgiven and sinless.

[Lisa0315]

Also, it is unlikely to be the case that we have nothing to learn from each other's applications of scripture.

Good point!

Lisa

[Lisa0315]

I know a good Scripture for the love idea.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend F52 (http://bible1.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?passage=ro+12:10&version=kjv&context=1&showtools=1#F52) to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

[JoeWill]

The verses that spring to mind are those found in Paul's introductions in his epistles. An example:

"Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1)

Paul has no doubts about his position as an apostle sent by God, and he asserts it. I think it is this kind of remembrance of what he was in Christ, that helped Paul to stand up to hecklers, adversaries and false apostles.

I think that we should be the same. When we stand up to those who insult us and those who post falsities on our forum, we should begin by remembering that we are children of God appointed to uphold what is right. We have a strong basis to resist false witness against us and to correct anti-scriptural teachings assertively (although with love).

[Lisa0315]

The verses that spring to mind are those found in Paul's introductions in his epistles. An example:

"Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead" (Galatians 1:1)

Paul has no doubts about his position as an apostle sent by God, and asserts he it. I think it is this kind of remembrance of what he was in Christ, that helped Paul to stand up to hecklers, adversaries and false apostles.

I think that we should be the same. When we stand up to those who insult us and those who post falsities on our forum, we should begin by remembering that we are children of God appointed to uphold what is right. We have a strong basis to resist false witness against us and to correct anti-scriptural teachings assertively (although with love).


That's good. It reminds me of a story.

My brother was called to preach when he was in his late 20's. He sold everything except his car, packed up and moved to Hammond, Indiana to go to Bible College. (Hyles-Andersen) Anyway, one of the first things that happens is they are given a bus and told to fill it up. They also have to work in the missions that are scattered across the inner city of Chicago.

Well, one Winter day, my brother was returning from the mission and his car would not start. He was in a very, very bad part of town. Suddenly, gang members surrounded his car. The climbed on top of it. They showed him guns and knives. They pressed their faces to the glass.

My brother said he was terrified and was sure they were going to kill him. The car just would not crank.

Finally, he rolled down his window and said, "I am a Man of God and I cannot be responsible for what will happen to you if you harm me."

The leader of the gang signaled to the others. They put up their weapons and one of them ran and got jumper cables. They helped my brother get his car going and he never had another problem.

Lisa

[LivingLifeHisWay]

How do you all react to this scripture?

Matthew 18:15-17> If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

These scriptures are usually used as a layout for church discipline. Sometimes we do need to approach our brethren about issues.

Also, I came across these scriptures today that refers to being a blessing:

1 Peter 3:8-12

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,

Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.

He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and His ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

[Tangeloper]

Nothing is ever written in stone.

Lisa
Except perhaps the 10 Commandments! ^_^ LOL
Sorry Lisa, just had to write this... ;)

[Tangeloper]

That's good. It reminds me of a story.

My brother was called to preach when he was in his late 20's. He sold everything except his car, packed up and moved to Hammond, Indiana to go to Bible College. (Hyles-Andersen) Anyway, one of the first things that happens is they are given a bus and told to fill it up. They also have to work in the missions that are scattered across the inner city of Chicago.

Well, one Winter day, my brother was returning from the mission and his car would not start. He was in a very, very bad part of town. Suddenly, gang members surrounded his car. The climbed on top of it. They showed him guns and knives. They pressed their faces to the glass.

My brother said he was terrified and was sure they were going to kill him. The car just would not crank.

Finally, he rolled down his window and said, "I am a Man of God and I cannot be responsible for what will happen to you if you harm me."

The leader of the gang signaled to the others. They put up their weapons and one of them ran and got jumper cables. They helped my brother get his car going and he never had another problem.

Lisa
Very amazing story Lisa. I'm glad God gave your brother the courage to stand his ground in that way.

I grew up outside of Chicago and there are some places you just DON'T GO!!! (Especially me being a white suburban girl! LOL) Anyway, I used to have to go through the bad parts of town when my sister was in foster care as the courts are located in the "bad" parts... (off California Ave. -- this was when I had just turned 18). One day I was late and took the wrong expressway to get there and ended up having to travel on California about 25 miles or more across the heart of the neighborhood. Nothing for miles but abandoned houses, and liquor stores. I have never been so scared in my life, and it was DAYTIME!!! I pulled into the first police station I saw because I thought for sure I was lost! The woman behind the counter, a very sweet African-American woman, looked at me when I walked in the door and said, "GIRL, WHAT are YOU doing in THIS neighborhood?!?!?!" LOL She called one of the officers who was at the station at the time and he literally escorted me out of the neighborhood and to the courthouse because they didn't want me to get into any trouble! I've never been so grateful to be followed by a cop in my life! LOL

[Criada]

No doubt lots of valuable posts about the golden rule and how everything must be said in love will follow.


:D Yup!

Ephesians 4

2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.




But I think we need to be assertive as well. I'm trying to think of a relevant scripture about that.

Brain ticking... tick... tick...



It goes on to say...

14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Two things - love - and truth!
Cos that's where the assertiveness comes in -being loving is right, but we must never allow that to compromise the truth.
We need to recognise the false teaching, and the ' cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. '.
It's a hard line to walk - because showing love can sometimes lead us (OK, me! :D) to avoid the isue that truth is being compromise...
something I'm learning about!

A good case study is the way Jesus dealt with the woman taken in adultery. He showed compassion and protected her from condemnation. BUT - His final words to her were "Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11)
He did not ignore the sin, or allow her to think that it was OK. And that is where we have to be careful....

[Debi1967]

1Co 13:4 Charity is patient, is kind: charity envieth not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5 Is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil:
1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth with the truth:
1Co 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
1Co 13:8 Charity never falleth away: whether prophecies shall be made void or tongues shall cease or knowledge shall be destroyed.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part: and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But, when I became a man, I put away the things of a child.
1Co 13:12 We see now through a glass in a dark manner: but then face to face. Now I know in part: but then I shall know even as I am known.
1Co 13:13 And now there remain faith, hope, and charity, these three: but the greatest of these is charity.