Dear brother Greg,I sincerely apologize if you are offended by my use of the word "crackpot" if you think I am directing it towards you and the entire forum.Nothing could be further from the truth. I first used that term in the Christmas thread AFTER reading some responses from ONE particular person. Honestly I could not believe what I was reading and yes it gave off the impression of a religious crackpot. I did not level that term directly at that person because I did not want to start a war. I used it in a general sense. You are now bringing this war to me for some reason though?Here are some statements made:"Therefore, let those who are watering their Christmas trees, water their Christmas trees, but you follow me.""Charlie, Linus, and Lucy are the new prophets of the American Church. And the people love it so!""Are you alluding that if a Christian celebrates (what you called) the most 'indulgent' time of the year that they cannot be Christ's disciple?"This last comment was in response to the impression given that Christians who celebrate Christmas are not as serious about being Christs disciples.That was when I stepped in and said that:"I never have to wonder where the term "religious nutcase" comes from. Just go on facebook or come to Christian forums like this one:-)"So that was the context brother. I was referring to one particular persons comments, that is all.But now that you have made an issue about my use of the word let me clarify how the term is used. It is primarily used by UNBELIEVERS when they see or hear us take on non-essential issues and get bent out of shape about them such as celebrating Christmas. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. So when an unbeliever sees a believer making a big deal about these things they think of us as "religious crackpots".Now if they think or say that about us for our love for Jesus and love for others then let us wear that badge with honor. But if they think of us as religious crackpots because we denounce others for celebrating Christmas with their families then I think we need to take a long hard look at ourselves.
double post
This post reminded me of an old expression. "People are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good!"I am in a quandary about voicing opinions on political issues given that I am a Mennonite who believes in Biblical non-resistance. So, how proper is is for me to voice an opinion? I certainly have them, you can count on it. On the other hand I am not about to tell the gov to run their business like you run a church or use NT principles to do so - recognizing the gov is a ministry ordained by God whose purpose and methods differ to restrain evil in this world of sinners. Is it possible to think Biblicaly for both? Still, Jesus called Herod a Fox, so maybe it is OK for me to voice my opinions concerning an entity I cannot be a part of? Sandra
_________________Sandra Miller
"People are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good!""Maybe it is OK for me to voice my opinions..."I agree sister and I also agree there is nothing wrong with not agreeing with celebrating Christmas or any number of things.My point is that IF this is how the world sees us, IF the world sees a dour, miserable, never happy, never smiling, never able to enjoy humor, always seeing the negative and the wrong in everything and everybody...WHAT KIND OF JESUS ARE WE SHOWING THEM???I don't know how much louder I can ask this question and yet I wonder if ANYONE on this forum this morning is even hearing the question at all?
RE : /// If I feel that they are full of Love for me. And for others. And if by being in there company there Love is rubbing off on me.///Is this the environment of SI ?
Thanks for the KingJimmy link yuehan. He's really come into his own in the last couple years. I would wager that he would credit SI as an important milestone to bring him from young prophet and zealot to the heart of a minister. Based on the comments of other folks who have left and returned after a hiatus, they have been brought to a breaking point where the Lord has dealt with them and set them free from their striving and into rest. It blesses my heart to see them return meek and lowly of heart. All glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
I sincerely apologize if you are offended by my use of the word "crackpot" if you think I am directing it towards you and the entire forum.Nothing could be further from the truth. I first used that term in the Christmas thread AFTER reading some responses from ONE particular person. Honestly I could not believe what I was reading and yes it gave off the impression of a religious crackpot. I did not level that term directly at that person because I did not want to start a war. I used it in a general sense. You are now bringing this war to me for some reason though?
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
Please lock this thread. I'm done here.