Ray Boltz????

[Elizabeth]

Originally Posted by Berkeley

I find it easier to be honest now and people will get over it, than to keep it to myself only to be destroyed later by others.

You know what, as long as you are putting God first, your honesty about what you have been through is going to help many people!

That's what counts!

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Michlow

I suppose that it's only fair that someone with one of the biggest attitudes around, calls me on my attitude! (Or, in grade-school speak... "I know you are but what am I?" )

I am far from perfect.

I have a dry, irreverent sence of humor that some people love and some people don't get.

I have a head knowledge and a memory of all the things that apostolic's believe, and yet I am in many ways so far removed from it, that my posts sometimes take on a tone of incredulousness. (Which can be misconstrued as attitude)

But mostly I am conflicted, not in what I believe, but in how to express it in such a way that it is given any fair consideration at all.

And so I respond in the only way I know how....I make a joke or say something sarcastic. It's that whole defense mechanism thing.

Reading between the lines what my post ACTUALLY said was "I don't believe homosexuality to be a sin. But I am afraid that once I say that, not only will you not listen to me, but you will all consider me to be below your notice, and to have no value as a poster on this forum, as a Christian, or even as a human being..."

There. Now you had a little insight into the scary mind of Michlow. (That is if you even read this ). So next time you see me write a post filled with "attitude", you can just think to youself "Poor Mich. It must be so hard for her to stand up for her opinions, knowing that people think she is obnoxious, ridiculous, and clueless"

It's not your sense of humor. That's not an "attitude" unless your use of sense of humor is more of an aggressive passive behavior

Your opinions? We all have them and express them. The problem though is why maybe some ignore you is because they know if they try to engage you IN your opinions they usually get no where.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

Backsliders generally know they are backslidden and don't deny the faith, they just are not living it. Those that deny the faith are reprobates
I consider Mich to be reprobate concerning the faith, not backslidden

It depends again on what you mean by "the faith". Do I believe in God? Yes. Do I believe that Jesus is God? yes. Do I believe in Salvation by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone? Yeeeessss..... (That was me kind of wavering on that one...because whereas I believe it, at the same time, I have a hard time casting anyone into hell for any reason, or deciding who is or is not saved).

But I have issues with the Bible, with Church, and with most theology, doctrine and traditions.

Now one could say that I am still working through my issues, or one could say that I have completely walked away. Again, all a matter of perspective.

Originally Posted by Berkeley

I thought we couldn't use that word, reprobate.

Berk, it doesn't bother me in the least. I have in fact used the word as a description of myself in the past. By Prax's definition, I AM a reprobate. (though according to my beliefs, I obviously am not )

[SDG]

I do not see Mich as a reprobate ...

You are entitled to an opinion, Praxeas ... even when it's not said in love.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

It's not your sense of humor. That's not an "attitude" unless your use of sense of humor is more of an aggressive passive behavior

Your opinions? We all have them and express them. The problem though is why maybe some ignore you is because they know if they try to engage you IN your opinions they usually get no where.

Anytime you poke someone who has a wound in the process of healing, that person is bound to react. Like everyone else, I have good days, and I have bad days. I get passionate about discussions, and I get defensive. I am not sure which posts in general you are referring to, or if it is an overall "feeling" that you get. I can only say that I have no felt "attitudish" lately, though usually when I do respond in a snarky manner, I am quick to confess that my response was due to contentiousness.

[nahkoe]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Why don't you agree with his approach? What specifically bothers you about it?

What is that you can understand about how he is presently dealing with his sin struggle?

Because I don't think that giving up is a real good way to deal with life. It bothers me that he's reached a point where this is the choice he's made. Mostly because I know what the journey back has been like for me. And there's always the chance he won't make that journey back.

What I can understand is feeling hopeless, exhausted, out of options and feeling like giving up is the best choice.

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by nahkoe

Because I don't think that giving up is a real good way to deal with life. It bothers me that he's reached a point where this is the choice he's made. Mostly because I know what the journey back has been like for me. And there's always the chance he won't make that journey back.

What I can understand is feeling hopeless, exhausted, out of options and feeling like giving up is the best choice.

Just out of curiousity...who says that he has given up? From what I read in the article it doesn't appear that he has given up on God, or Christianity. (Which brings to mind the previous threads on Christian Garrett).

[nahkoe]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

So you think it's more he's given up ...?

Do you think being filled with Holy Ghost will automatically equate in being cured from the sin giant in one's life?

Again, I'm not Berk...but...

No, I don't think being filled with the Holy Ghost will automatically equate in being cured from the sin giant in one's life. I think it happens sometimes, I wish I could figure out why and get some of that for myself...

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Anytime you poke someone who has a wound in the process of healing, that person is bound to react. Like everyone else, I have good days, and I have bad days. I get passionate about discussions, and I get defensive. I am not sure which posts in general you are referring to, or if it is an overall "feeling" that you get. I can only say that I have no felt "attitudish" lately, though usually when I do respond in a snarky manner, I am quick to confess that my response was due to contentiousness.

Mich, it's not you being here for a while and someone poking you. It's how you start out.

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Just out of curiousity...who says that he has given up? From what I read in the article it doesn't appear that he has given up on God, or Christianity. (Which brings to mind the previous threads on Christian Garrett).

You don't believe homosexuality is a sin...