What is new has anything changed?????

Ok yes I am living what I preach...to the best of my abliity and to what God leads me into....

I am not expecting anyone to change ...that is the point...I keep seeing the same debates...nothing fresh nothing new....its all about how everyone thinks and bash you in the head if you don't agree...sorry if it seemed a blanket statment, because I do know not all think this is true for all....it's just I was not on here for a long time and when I came back I see the same things.....pants poll was one of the first...lol.....


I have some pants hanging in my closet that are for women only and if a man were to wear them he has more than the pants he is wearing problem....


If the shoe does not fit don't be offended, and if it does maybe look inside a bit more....I have been doing a lot of that...in no way do I think anyone must agree with me.....I just want to agree with GOD....and know I am doing my best on His behalf....for He surely is keeping up His end in my life....


no need for anyone to respoind .... sorry it all was so upsetting to some...


I need to go now...got a big busy day! I do love you all...sorry if it didn't seem that way...

[tamor]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I for one do not come here to change minds or really to banter either. I mostly come here for the same reason I get a double shot of espresso and say hello to the guys at the coffee shop - because I enjoy it and am a social creature. It is an added benefit that most here share some core beliefs of my own.....


Blessings to all and have another cup please.

Originally Posted by RevRandy

Good!!....

This is not a place or a church... it's a gathering of like minded and unlike minded folks who get along....

[ILG]

I think debate can be good and healthy. I come here to fellowship with Christians. It is pretty much the only fellowship I get. My job has very liberal people at it...none of whom are Christians as far as I know. It is very much a challenge to me. I go to church on Sunday but am not involved there at all in anything and know very few on any more than a "hi" "bye" basis. I need a place to be with Christians. I miss having that every day and all the time.

[Margies3]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I for one do not come here to change minds or really to banter either. I mostly come here for the same reason I get a double shot of espresso and say hello to the guys at the coffee shop - because I enjoy it and am a social creature. It is an added benefit that most here share some core beliefs of my own.....


Blessings to all and have another cup please.

Well said, Stephen. I couldn't agree more. I do not come for the purpose of changing anyone's mind or to have my mind changed. I come for the fellowship.

If people agree with me, that's nice. If they don't, I can read what they do believe and perhaps will stretch myself just a little so that I can grow.

One big benefit I see in a forum such as this is that back when I was UPC, we rarely questioned "why" we believed something. We were taught to believe what we were told, for the most part. Or as someone else said, in another thread - it was ok to question what we were taught. What we didn't do was question the answer that we got.

Please understand that I hesitated to say all of that because I have sat under some GREAT and WONDERFUL men of God!!! They truly loved souls! I'm not questioning them. It's just that this is the way things were done back then.

I'm encouraged when I can come to a forum like this and see people having discussions, arguments and dialogue about core beliefs. I don't expect to see people changed. Don't even want to. I just think it's much more healthy for us when we believe something and KNOW WHY WE BELIEVE IT. That's what I see people learning here.

[QueenEsther]

Originally Posted by Margies3

Well said, Stephen. I couldn't agree more. I do not come for the purpose of changing anyone's mind or to have my mind changed. I come for the fellowship.

If people agree with me, that's nice. If they don't, I can read what they do believe and perhaps will stretch myself just a little so that I can grow.

One big benefit I see in a forum such as this is that back when I was UPC, we rarely questioned "why" we believed something. We were taught to believe what we were told, for the most part. Or as someone else said, in another thread - it was ok to question what we were taught. What we didn't do was question the answer that we got.

Please understand that I hesitated to say all of that because I have sat under some GREAT and WONDERFUL men of God!!! They truly loved souls! I'm not questioning them. It's just that this is the way things were done back then.

I'm encouraged when I can come to a forum like this and see people having discussions, arguments and dialogue about core beliefs. I don't expect to see people changed. Don't even want to. I just think it's much more healthy for us when we believe something and KNOW WHY WE BELIEVE IT. That's what I see people learning here.

Ditto!!

[The Mrs]

Originally Posted by Margies3

I'm encouraged when I can come to a forum like this and see people having discussions, arguments and dialogue about core beliefs. I don't expect to see people changed. Don't even want to. I just think it's much more healthy for us when we believe something and KNOW WHY WE BELIEVE IT. That's what I see people learning here.

This is great Margie. We have a core group of posters here who are very involved in debating. They pretty much have things resolved in their minds, so we won't see much change among them. But there is another aspect to consider...there is another group who we don't hear from: our lurkers.

I whole-heartedly believe lives are changed because of the interactions on this forum. We may never hear from our lurkers, but because I was one, I know they exist, and I know that lives can be touched by our debates.

I'm thankful for the great friendships that have been formed here. And the great sense of 'community' that exists. The prayer threads alone attest to the love shared by all.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Margies3

Well said, Stephen. I couldn't agree more. I do not come for the purpose of changing anyone's mind or to have my mind changed. I come for the fellowship.

If people agree with me, that's nice. If they don't, I can read what they do believe and perhaps will stretch myself just a little so that I can grow.

One big benefit I see in a forum such as this is that back when I was UPC, we rarely questioned "why" we believed something. We were taught to believe what we were told, for the most part. Or as someone else said, in another thread - it was ok to question what we were taught. What we didn't do was question the answer that we got.
Please understand that I hesitated to say all of that because I have sat under some GREAT and WONDERFUL men of God!!! They truly loved souls! I'm not questioning them. It's just that this is the way things were done back then.

I'm encouraged when I can come to a forum like this and see people having discussions, arguments and dialogue about core beliefs. I don't expect to see people changed. Don't even want to. I just think it's much more healthy for us when we believe something and KNOW WHY WE BELIEVE IT. That's what I see people learning here.

I understand your sentiments here, but for those who don't know - this mindset is rapidly vanishing both outside and inside the UPC.

Re-evaluation of doctrines is crucial for a church to be effective and have maximum impact on the culture. The UPC is is maturing in this as are some other denominations.