Nathan, you wrote, "Let us take control of this thread once again and use it for the Glory of G-d. Let us not cast pearls before swine...."
I see this in a little different light than you and I would like to express myself in a manner that is consistent with Christians who disagree. If there is differences of opinion in church meetings, and there usually is in a congregational assembly, I like to pray with those of another mind. That keeps us both on the right track. However, over the NET we don't have that luxury of closeness so I will begin with the following.
My mindset and attitude in writing this response is derived from the following Scripture verse.
(Eph 4:15 NASB) "but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ,"
May I kindly inquire as to when "we" lost the thread? Who is we? IMO, The only Christians who lost it are those who quit posting. I have known exactly where and How to find it, as well as use it. Some have stopped sowing here for whatever reason, not mine to judge, but that doesn't mean the Christians have lost control of the thread. There are a lot of things in the world that I don't like and disagree with, but I'm not going to withdraw from the world. Jesus said "go". He did not say "go if they treat you nice and don't hurt your feelings or don't say blasphemas things about me". Yes, it hurts when people throw garbage on our Lord, and although we may be their reason for doing that, Jesus knows that also. Is He not the Great Shepherd of the sheep? We know that many shall be offended because of Him and us. We are to persevere anyway.
Did Jesus select certain places for us to sow? No, I believe He said into all the world. That, to me, means the Ask God thread since it is availble to us. Some seed will find a place to be productive. Just because there is stoney ground, thorns, and satan, doesn't mean we should withdraw from the battle. Spiritual warfare is our commissioned task.
(Mark 4:15 KJV) "And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts."
(Mark 4:16 KJV) "And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;"
(Mark 4:17 KJV) "And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended."
(Mark 4:18 KJV) "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,"
(Mark 4:19 KJV) "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
(Mark 4:20 KJV) "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
The light will shine because the darkness cannot put it out.
If some feel they have lost control of the thread and stopped posting, I guess that means they have put their light under a bushel.
(Mark 4:21 KJV) "And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?" God gave us His Word and blessed it with the power of The Holy Spirit. Shall we not use it in public places?
Personally, I have never felt we have lost control of anything. If, however, it is as you say, then it is because God's people have withdrawn from the battle. If God's people will exert themselves in His name, He will provide the victory. This doesn't mean that the evil one will leave us; we know his day is coming. Our assigned effort is to "keep on keeping on" and God will bless. We may not see the results until judgment, but He will give victory. Else, what is God for? Or why did He send Us? Ours is to labor in faith, not necessarily in pleasant surroundings. Some places in the vineyard are difficult to work in, but they must still be worked.
I'm sure you know all these things and I am not intending to insult your intelligence. I just think it necessary from time to time for the Christians to make a definate statement about our purpose on this thread and who's responsibility it is to maintain it
(Heb 12:12 NASB) "Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble,"
(Heb 12:13 NASB) "and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed."
(Heb 12:14 NASB) "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."
Pursue peace, preach/teach the Gospel.
(John 11:25 KJV) "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:"
(John 11:26 KJV) "And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
(John 11:27 KJV) "She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."
God bless,
toiling on,
David |
