The Ministry of Exposing Others - SI Forums Note

Amen dear brother, Amen.

Amen!

I had been contemplating these very same thoughts lately.

Thanks brother

Thank you Greg for posting these helpful insights, and what I believe to be the heart of the Lord on this matter.

Many of the things that you posted have been on my heart for sometime, and the Lord has corrected me on many occassions on the very issues that you have dealt with.

We don't have to go out and hunt for error to find it. The light is going to expose the darkness. Walking in the truth will make the lie manifest, and speaking the truth in love will edify and build up the Church.

Much of the exposing of false brethren, teachings, etc. etc. is coming from brothers and sisters who truly have a love for the truth. However, not everyone that is in some error concerning doctrine is a false brother, teacher, or prophet. I cannot begin to tell you how over the years there are many things that I had believed to be absoulte fact, that in reality were not. The Holy Spirit teaches us through men, but He also lives on the inside of us to lead us and guide us into all truth.

If we could only see Christ in one another, and seek to build up and edify all of the saints, then the Church would grow. The emphasis on seeking the unity of the Spirit is all throughout the New Testament, and the work of the enemy is to bring accusuation and condemnation upon the brethren to bring disunity and division into the Body of Christ.

May Christ be glorified and may His nature and character be formed in us, and may the Holy Spirit have His way in this ministry.

Mike

Some think themselves prophetic and discerning because they pick apart this or that. It tickles their pride to be so scathing. But the apostle Paul said he determined to know nothing among us except Christ and Him crucified. It has long been my contention that if you show people the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, then that which is true shall become self evident. There is nothing more prophetic than preaching Christ.

Amen to this dear brother.

Nothing grieves my heart more on SermonIndex than encountering brothers (and sisters) who feel they must take it upon themselves to rebuke and accuse others. A doctrinally-incorrect Apollos can always have things "better explained" to him by a Priscilla and Acquila (Acts 18:26), but Satan is always the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10) and unable to be corrected. I would rather have Apollos in the forum than Satan.

We should seek to edify and build each other up. We all have so much to offer if we can only get past politics, doctrinal disputes and rebuke festivals. God's will is that we water each other, that our ministries and words promote life and spiritual health. Leadership is installed, firstly, to make sure this "life" principle flows most richly and unobstructed here. It is not primarily to rebuke, though at times rebuking and exposing is in order. Ironically, the most rebuking and exposing I have had to do in this forum has been geared toward those taking it upon themselves to rebuke others. The true heretics and wolves flee and abandon ship pretty quickly once exposed; the self-righteous accusers usually stay for months and rack up thousands of posts, endlessly rebuking and debating and undermining authority until finally asked to leave or are banned.

But my soul thirsts for true godly fellowship that lends to abundant life here. I love sharing the deep truth of God's Word, of learning from the ministry of all of you, from sitting and breaking the bread of peace through this online network of believers God has so blessed us with. The enemy will do all he can to disrupt it, but we are not ignorant of his schemes. The moderation ministry is dedicated to thwarting these schemes, regardless if they are manifesting from a wolf coming from the outside-in or an accuser from the inside-out.

My sole desire is that Jesus Christ continally be formed in us, unhindered. We all need room to grow. We all need God's grace. May this place be a safe haven for believers of all ages to experience both.

Brother Paul

Amen

I am so very glad to see this thread! May we all prayerfully take it to heart...may we represent Christ in every way here on this forum.

This is a good word. But I'm convinced that brawling over dogma is an addictive behavior. "Whosoever commiteth sin is the servant of sin." Some people have indulged in the sin of contentiousness for so long that they are in bondage to it and can't help themselves. Just watch and see: there are members of this forum who will not be able to restrain themselves from jumping into this thread and explaining that you're all wrong: it is necessary to "protect the flock" and bludgeon heretics and reprove apostates etc., etc., etc...

But it is an excellent word anyway. God bless.

wayneman
I'm convinced that brawling over dogma is an addictive behavior.

I agree 100%! and Brother you used a perfect word to address it here "Brawling", I actually compared it to a cage match once. :)

To call any Saint here "Satan" is a far worse than what those being addressed have done.

Some are being targeted here in an exaggerated way and again - to call the Saints, His Sheep, "Satan" is very dangerous for the ones that see them that way.

Wait on God be still as a weaned child. Paul, if this policy is of God, you will not need to defend it. Those who hear God's voice will agree with what you are saying because the Spirit of God within them will testify with what has been said in the same manner our Lord described of those who are His sheep hear His voice.

Amen, brother Greg!

The forums -- even though a powerful and helpful tool -- can turn into a distraction FROM the Kingdom of God.

If we aren't careful, we might resemble those who buried their "talents" into the earthly sod of a online Christian forum. We might meander from "rightly dividing the Word of Truth" into the fallacy of suspicion, conjecture, cynicism, distrust or trepidation about other believers.

In a discussion of persecution, I can't help but think how the Early Church -- and the generations that faced persecution over the nearly 20 centuries since -- weren't quite so distracted by perpetual disputes over non-essential issues.

When I read Greg's posts and many of the subsequent posts, I was reminded of the words of I John chapter 4 and I Corinthians 13:

I JOHN 4

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.

6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

- and -

I CORINTHIANS 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Good post, Greg. I joined the forum a year ago in hope of finding believers who shared my passion for true revival. I was much encouraged by the sermons but was initially turned off from the forum because of the cheap pot shots members were taking at one another. My conviction is that the Spirit of God allows that kind of religious scrapping to take care of itself(perhaps self-destruction) without getting involved. However, I believe that our moderators are doing an excellent job of countering this kind of spirit and have considerably improved the atmosphere of the forum. This is a monumental task and may the Lord enable them as they work to make this a completely different site than the typical "dime a dozen" forums on the web.
Since I believe in the work of the Spirit, after I feel led to express an opinion, I refuse to engage in a heated debate to drive home my conviction. He is well able to either show me my error or to speak to my fellow believer if my words were,indeed, from God. He cannot do His work in either heart when a fleshly argument ensues.. I think that many such debates will never continue if just one party is mature enough to drop the thread when it becomes obvious that this is taking place.
Another thing that bothers me is when we cannot allow the moderators to have the last word. Are they not the leaders in this work whom we are called to respect and honour? To make the forum work, we must all work together in the Spirit and not give place to the devil who is trying to destroy its effectiveness.

I recall that message Keith Daniel - (I'm paraphrasing) Walking the Tightrope between Calvin & Wesley... Now that was a great message. I thank God for a man like that who can bring both points of doctrines together for the edifying of the saints.
I thank God for the modern reformers that are sticking their necks out (although I don't think they probably see it as such) to warn others of damnable heresies. They sure do it much better than I can. I praise God for them.
Back in the days of the reformation in the UK, there was Latimer, Flavel, Bunyan, Huss, Knox, etc. Those guys suffered, and some died for their faith. They grasped the verse of keeping their consciences void of offense to God and man. They were true pilgrims and sojourners, setting their minds on things above, looking towards their true home in heaven, seeing it as a privilege and a great honour to count everything else as dung, compared to the excellencies that are found in Christ. They went to war in the Spirit of His strength.
Nowadays, it seems, everybody wants their rights in the church and in the world. They want to worship God the way they seem fit, live comfortable lives, have families, be accepted into their communties, etc.
You see, on this road to the celestial city there's a ditch on either side of the road. The path is so narrow, life is but a vapour, then the Judgment.
In the body there are different callings, and that's just the way it is - some teachers, some pastors, etc. Shepherds not only feed their sheep, but they also guard them as well, and so does the Lord guard them as the apple of His eye. Some pastors, many I believe, are too busy (doing what I don't know) to go out to the homes of the flock to see how they are living. These seem more concerned with writing books, sermons, and blogs, then getting out there and getting to know the people in their congregations. But, at the same time, they expect their congregation to come sunday after sunday and drop $ in the offering plate.
What a blessing Paul was to the church! What an example he was! The things God did through that man! The heart he gave to Paul! He was not only a teacher, but a father to the various folds that God entrusted him with.
I just wanted to say that. I'm all for unity and fellowship, but not at the expense of Biblical Truth.
I'm not rebuking this thread, or anyone here, lol... Itype this with a smile and a tear on my cell phone. Perhaps, once we get high-speed internet up here in the sticks where I am, I'll be able to put my thoughts together more appropriately.
In the meantime, I'm signing off again for a while. Peace to those whom abide in Christ Jesus, who are at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.

hi, i find this to be a very important item. i live in a bible col. atmosphere and spend a lot of time with the students. some actually feel they were called by God to point out error in others. the word says that satan is the accuser of the brethren. most of these students are those that are not doing well themselves.(cannot hold jobs because of others... poor grades because the teacher is boring etc.)most have left without graduating.this is not a ministry in the bible. the only people i believe that should criticize are pastors to protect sheep or other people in authority like one of our moderators. this haughty attitude is growing to epidemic proportions in very conservative churches.jimp

Thanks Greg. I joined the forum about a year ago, hoping to meet with believers who shared my passion for revival. While I was greatly encouraged by the sermons, I did not participate in the forum to any degree. The cheap pot shots that forum members were taking at one another reminded me too much of the many secular forums of the "dime a dozen" venue. I spoke to others who shared a similar sentiment about typical Christian forums.
However, you moderators have been doing a tremendous job since then to counter this carnal spirit and I commend you for the improvements which I have observed. May God give you wisdom and discernment to make this a unique place where Christians and seekers can profit as mature believers work together in the Spirit to build His kingdom. Since, I believe, it is God's work the enemy will try to frustrate it. Consequently, we need to be careful not to give him place here as we do when we bicker back and forth.
After I have expressed myself when I feel led to share a comment I expect the Holy Spirit to take over from there. Anyone has a right to give a reply in disagreement - it may be to my benifit - but arguing back and forth will likely get both of us to a position where the Spirit of God cannot work in our hearts. In fact, that may be the point in which He leaves the scene and gives us up to our own fleshly devices.
It also bothers me when we cannot allow the moderators to have the last word. As the leaders of this work we owe them our respect as we recognise their responsibility, and our place of submission.
May the hand of God be upon all of us as we work together in this ministry. If we are mature it may mean dropping out of a thread rather than allowing it to become a dispute. Remember, prayer is the most powerful tool of the Christian.

...Oh, you said " Apollos," phewww, I thought you said " appolus." :)

LOL. Close one!

The Internet can have a strangely personal effect on us. When we are alone at our computer engaged in argument, who are we arguing with? More often then not, I wonder if the posts we choose to respond to are simply those that most resemble the issues we are still working out in our own lives. As we filter the comments we ignore from those we are drawn to, we are reacting to ourselves.

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/duty_calls.png

MC

Dear brothers / Sisters here,
I am asking the following question in the most humble way

I truly hope I am not causing a problem here.?

I truly DO NOT wish to ever !

I know,I do not know how to express things as some here,that is SO gifted
In that way...but have been SO thankful to have this outlet to share what Bread that the Lord has shared with me,...and to hope that if only it
helps just one person in the world, I would be most thankful,...that is the hope of my heart.

I do see the fierce debates,that takes place here,..are they Godly ?...but I also see some here,that is very knowledgeable in the things of the Lord.
That speak the truth in love...very Godly,and good counsel,and guidance,with much wisdom in the Word. In the body,arin't we really suppose to have that ?

( 1Cor.14:1)"Follow after love,and desire spiritual gifts,but rather that ye
may prophesy."Verse 3,..he prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification,
exhortation,and comfort.

Edify,..edification: ' To instruct and improve,especially by good example;
to benefit morally or spiritually.

edification:#3618 ...#3619 To be a house builder to construct confirm
Build-(er-ing-up embolden...architichure - a structure

exhortation: exhort,To arouse,as by word are advise;to urge strongly,to warn,any earnestly spoken words of urgent advise or warning.

Isn't it amazing how our Lord was a carpenter in building in the natural,
and then He was /is the Builder in the Spiritual,..and that is where we get our building material from,...the Bread that we break together...
Here,...Let us break Bread together,here is some that He gave me,and I will eat some of what He doth give to you.
Oh! don't we just love that Bread ?

Before this was ever brought up,I was thinking how valuable some of the
godly Counselors are here. There are quite a few.

Also,we are thankful for our moderators,they really have a big watchful- eye
job. maybe pray for them more.

We are none that cannot mess up sometimes.
So can we pray for one another and grow up unto Him,that He might be glorified .

God bless this ministry, for His sake,

Elizabeth

Being doctrinally-incomplete

Imagine a hospital where the medical people gather each day to talk about the health problems. That’s mainly all they do - in great depth. They discuss their patients' foolish life choices which cause their health problems.

Perhaps the medical staff sings songs about the virtues of good health, or their lovely facility, or wonderful medical director. But together they do little to change anyone’s health. They are, for some reason, not using the abundant gifts and resources they have been given to improve the health condition of society. They don't know how.

To ponder: Why is there this disposition to view life through the eyes of emptiness instead of fullness? Why do we find it easier to grab hold of the symbols of emptiness in our world? This is surely a deadly virus among us all. It’s highly contagious. We are all part of the disease because we easily adapt ourselves to this habit of thinking – and it doesn’t even feel evil. But it festers into resentment and suspicion. Let's admit, that's the world we live in. The MEDIA feeds this to us in a continuous stream. (and isn't that one of our hang-outs)

I suggest that the disease is un-forgiveness – the inability to receive divine unforgiveness for our own sinfulness, and thus the inability to be forgiving people in a fallen world – with forgiving-ness expressed through a renewal of language, thoughts, and habits of viewing others in our world.

May God heal us of our own woundedness through the fullness of his grace and forgiveness – that we may become healers in our wounded world – through the practice of that same grace and forgiveness given to us.

Diane

Both COMPLETE and CORRECT, as always: thanks Diane..

Pondering over these Vintage Photos, came across the -
Epistle to the King and Parliment from George Fox;

Description: George Fox was indeed born at Drayton-in-the clay, Leicestershire, England (now known as Fenny Drayton), 24 km (15 miles) southwest of Leicester. His father, Christopher Fox, was a weaver, called "righteous Christer" by his neighbor.

His mother Mary Lago, was-he tells us-"of the stock of the Martyrs". From childhood, Fox was of a serious, religious disposition. His education was based around the faith of practice of the Church of England, of which his parents were members; he had no formal schooling, but was able to read and write.

Even at a young age, he was fascinated by the Bible, which he studied continually. "When I came to eleven years of age," he said, "I knew pureness and righteousness; for, while I was a child, I was taught how to walk to be kept pure. The Lord taught me to be faithful in all things, and to act faithfully two ways; viz., inwardly to God, and outwardly to man."

If you read the Vintage Photos of John Sung and Watchman Nee, you will see that they both had in command eleven years. John Sung suffered illness alone with no wife to help him, while George Fox suffered righteousness.

Isn't this what brother Greg required of everyone, when creating this post. To often i see exquist and heart felt post being created, and through the coarse of the replys the actual topic gets some how lost in the midst of our spirituality.

I am not in any way saying that one if not all in one way or another should hold back from expressing and limiting our Spirit, quenching Gods Holy Spirit within us, God forbid - but for once, i would like to follow a discussion and perhaps join in as well.

Pray for me