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So, have you changed what you believe yet?

cleanfreak

Member
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> So, have you changed what you believe yet?

There are several threads here that are getting a lot of attention to say the least. We go about posting scripture after scripture and I do not see anyone who originally disagreed actually change their mind. From “Is Jesus really God†to “Cigarette Smoking Christians†it seems we are not willing to move from our stance on what we believe.

With that said, it is sad to see the way some of us here are treating each other. For the most part, we here are Christians and yet, we are lashing out at each other as if we were on a secular forum. Speaking of which, I am in a "religious" discussion on one of these other forums and the “tone†is much better there than what I am seeing here.

Recently, I had to “agree to disagree†with Alabaster in the “Is Jesus really God†thread which was getting a bit out of hand. For this, Alabaster, I apologize.

I pray we will all take a step back and remember why and what brought us here in the first place. There is a vast amount of knowledge here and I do not want to see anyone here mistreated.

Remember, we are all in the family of God. Let’s love our neighbor as we love ourselves and then we can truly make a difference in someone’s life.

Your brother in Christ
cleanfreak
 
Well i'm trying to help people on this forum as well as learn new things as well. I pray for this forum, that people will grow in fellowship and in the knowledge of God's Word. And i believe it is great place for unbelievers and other religion believers to come and have there questions answered so that they will accept Jesus Christ.

I will never change what i believe: that Jesus Christ is my Saviour and Lord and that He died on the cross for my sins, now i have no sin before God because i have been forgiven. That is foundational. That can't be changed.

[SIZE=-1]"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish." (Proverbs 12:1)

[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]"Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12)

[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]"Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." (Proverbs 23:23)[/SIZE]

 
Personally I have changed my beliefs considerably since my time on the site. I have grown more on here in the last few months than I have ever done in years of going to "church". Why?

I think its because on here, people do not try to be fake for the most part. Sure there are some, but most are just 'real' about what they think. A lot of the time I come across as "knowing it all", but in reality I simply state what I do know to let others test it. If its real, it will stand; if its not real, it will fail.

I understand what your seeing on here and it is frustrating. But at the same time the wisdom of the truth you see happening is quite Biblical.

Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another

The truth of it all is that love is often very direct and to the point, where as hatred takes a 'back seat' approach.
 
CF, I am with you on this. I believe part of the problem is that if a person admits that they may have been wrong or reverses their belief in something, it can be seen as an indication that they haven't thought something through. More correctly, they can feel as though they're seen that way. They can also feel they come across as too "pliable" and easily swayed. Honestly, I think it comes down to the ego too often. But some members can promote this perception by the way the lord themselves over others.

One thing that I took an about-face on was infant baptism. Through discussion, study and prayer, I have come to not hold to this anymore.

I wish there was more "I believe this..." and less "This is how it is... You're wrong..." Regardless how strongly people feel about certain aspects of our faith, I believe we will not know most of these for sure until we are received by the Lord. I'm quite sure when everything is revealed to me, I will be forced to reflect that I was so very wrong about many things while here in the flesh.

I was stagnant in my spiritual growth for a very long time and didn't seek to even listen to other beliefs. I believe growing closer to the Lord means being willing to throw away certain beliefs when we are led to other conclusions. This would seem to be part of the sanctification process.

1 Corinthians 13
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28661">11</sup> When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28662">12</sup> Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
 
CF, I am with you on this. I believe part of the problem is that if a person admits that they may have been wrong or reverses their belief in something, it can be seen as an indication that they haven't thought something through. More correctly, they can feel as though they're seen that way. They can also feel they come across as too "pliable" and easily swayed. Honestly, I think it comes down to the ego too often. But some members can promote this perception by the way the lord themselves over others.

One thing that I took an about-face on was infant baptism. Through discussion, study and prayer, I have come to not hold to this anymore.

I wish there was more "I believe this..." and less "This is how it is... You're wrong..." Regardless how strongly people feel about certain aspects of our faith, I believe we will not know most of these for sure until we are received by the Lord. I'm quite sure when everything is revealed to me, I will be forced to reflect that I was so very wrong about many things while here in the flesh.

I was stagnant in my spiritual growth for a very long time and didn't seek to even listen to other beliefs. I believe growing closer to the Lord means being willing to throw away certain beliefs when we are led to other conclusions. This would seem to be part of the sanctification process.

1 Corinthians 13
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28661">11</sup> When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28662">12</sup> Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

well spoken. thanks for your reply. :)
 
Having only been here a few months not much has changed for me..

Over 10 years now of having the computer and being on line with esword has changed my perspective on many things.

I have, sadly, learned how much PC has forged its way into the church.

Folks posting may not always tell the truth but in that they are being honest to themselves. Being true to their nature.

Enjoying the different perspectives the thoughts of others has been very eye opening. With in the Bible believing christian ideals.

Some of the verbal battles are senseless some are not. Some lead to knowledge some just to anger. It is a good thing we all dont think exactly alike, keeps us all on our toes..
 
Tone is always problematic when discussing, debating, arguing, etc. anything through text. In our minds we read the text we write the way we hear it in our head, so when we send something we tend to think is innocent we generally don't spend too much time thinking about it after we hit the 'Submit Post' button. However, on the other side of the Internet line when we read something that someone has written we naturally put a mental voice with the words and the tone of that voice is driven by our subconscious.

As result a seeming 'innocent' email can come across as disingenuous, rude, obnoxious, etc. because we read it with another intent. Obviously, when we respond 'in-kind' the threat level goes up a notch and the ratcheting up can happen so quick that before you even realize it your in a full blown forum war with someone who two days before you had no problem with.

Although it could be argued that my example is a bit of an exaggeration, there are clearly examples of just that kind of thing happening on every forum - that a big part of why Mods are needed. No way to make members really change either because sticky's are often forgotten, if members ever read them at all. You just can't cut out the human factor in any online or forum discussion.

The only advise I would give is to painfully spell out your point and try to make sure you mind your "P's" and "Q's" like your mom taught you. Treat others like you'd want to be treated - hey, I think I've heard that somewhere before.

Keep smiling and God bless. :)

Nu
 
I have learned to bite my tongue and lots of patience.:biglol

I also am really enjoying reading the History on the millinium thread, wonderful work by Vince. Thank you Vince.:thumbsup

I have thought about posting a thread regarding the Rapture theory but thought it might get to controversial so if I think it would be of benefit and people could behave maybe I can get some feedback about it. I personally don't believe in the Rapture and will leave it at that for now. Thanks all for your wonderful input and advice.
 
I've changed my views on a few things...and have had my own view reinforced when I've done the study on what some have said around here. I find that whether I change my view, or just come to a deeper understanding of why I believe my first view was the more Biblical one, I think it's all good.
 
In a way, that's what I'm here for. To read discussions by Christians more knowledgeable than myself, look at them open-mindedly (I hope) and learn. Since it's just a few days, not much change yet. But learned already about using some online tools.

At my tiny church, Fellowship Time often becomes Gossip Time, or even Church Politics time, so I usually do my music thing and go home, not taking sides or talking gossip. Between the gossip/politics and many trying to appear Better Christians than the next guy, it can get shaky, maybe half the people play these games. Yet these are good people, for some this is the best they can do, even though yes, the PC or running down others gets pretty thick.

On a forum, we are anonymous enough to be honest. I was in a lapidary forum where many of us ended up knowing each other pretty well, because of that safety in anonymity, though many of us never met.
 
So, have you changed what you believe yet?

There are several threads here that are getting a lot of attention to say the least. We go about posting scripture after scripture and I do not see anyone who originally disagreed actually change their mind.
This may seem self-serving, but I can think of at least two cases where I have
"changed my mind" on a matter of theology as a direct result of conversations I have had at this very forum:

1. I changed from believing in an eternal hell to the position that the lost are annihilated;

2. I changed from believing that God's knowledge of the future constrains human free will to believing that it does not.

A classic sign of someone who is not open to changing their mind: evading arguments that challenge that person's position. Some of the "Trinity" threads have posters who clearly refuse to engage arguments that challenge their position.
 
Having only been here a few months not much has changed for me..

Over 10 years now of having the computer and being on line with esword has changed my perspective on many things.

I have, sadly, learned how much PC has forged its way into the church.

Folks posting may not always tell the truth but in that they are being honest to themselves. Being true to their nature.

Enjoying the different perspectives the thoughts of others has been very eye opening. With in the Bible believing christian ideals.

Some of the verbal battles are senseless some are not. Some lead to knowledge some just to anger. It is a good thing we all dont think exactly alike, keeps us all on our toes..
pc?as in if the pastor teaches a doctrine and throws a verse to support it must be the biblical fact?
cough pre-trib rapture.
 
A classic sign of someone who is not open to changing their mind: evading arguments that challenge that person's position. Some of the "Trinity" threads have posters who clearly refuse to engage arguments that challenge their position.

Here in lies the true issue. When a person is confronted by arguments that address the position, "faith", of that person it often turns into a personal discussion instead of one based on beliefs.

But if we could keep the "personal" stuff out of it then we might just find that people are more open to our defense of beliefs.

I think that we would all admit that there are things we have not fully come to grasp. So if we were truly honest with ourselves, then we might just find that the honesty would allow us to mature in faith.

Thats what happens with me. When I finally break down and admit that I do not know all there is to know about a subject, I usually find that I immediately find something new. A treasure. And it only strengthens my faith. Not my personal faith, but my God given faith. Its hard to explain, but those who are strengthened in their God given faiths understand the difference. Its true peace.
 
my views on ethics has changed, and the concept of grace

mostly from what i read here and what i hear in church

but I still maintan most of my beliefs

for example I was a total pacifist, but not anymore

I also wouldn't lie to save someone's life, but that has changed


* Edit

well of course i would life, just didn't think it was right
 
<DIR>Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. And every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.
Mat 12:26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?

Mar 3:25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Luk 11:17 But knowing their thoughts, He said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. And a house divided against a house falls.

QUESTION

Is Christianity united or divided????


</DIR>
 
<dir>Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. And every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.
Mat 12:26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall his kingdom stand?

Mar 3:25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

Luk 11:17 But knowing their thoughts, He said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. And a house divided against a house falls.

QUESTION

Is Christianity united or divided????


</dir>

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On topic-
Beliefs all do change as we mature in the faith
 
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