Peace @ AFF

[Sam]

Each of us has our understanding of God's Word that has been shaped by what we've been taught and how we have responded to that teaching over the years. We each have "rules" that govern our behavior in our walk with God.

One thing we need to give up is the idea that everyone is at the same place in their growth and development of their spiritual life and that we all have to live the same way.

Some may think we need to keep a certain day as a sabbath and others may not. If we keep a certain day as a sabbath we should not think everyone else has to keep that day and we should not condemn them if they do not. Others may regard all days alike. That's fine, just don't condemn someone who keeps a certain day as a sabbath. Those who keep a certain day as a sabbath should not condemn those who do not and those who do not keep a certain day as a sabbath should not condemn those who do.

I think this applies to all sorts of stuff like sleeve length, hair length, alcohol, chocolate, deodorant, reading newspapers, watching tv, jewelry, tobacco, neckties, etc. If you believe it is wrong to wear a necktie, don't wear one but don't condemn someone who believes it's OK to adorn themselves that way. If you believe in moderate use of alcohol, go ahead and drink moderately but don't insist that everyone has to drink alcohol. Some folks for several different reasons do not drink alcohol at all. Fine, don't drink alcohol at all but don't condemn those who believe moderate alcohol use is OK.

Each of us is a servant of God and we are accountable to Him. If your brother or sister is not your servant, don't judge them. Let their Master judge them.

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by NewWine

Having said all that I think that for the most part there is a "peace" here on AFF, however, at times things can get a bit icy. Everyone should read comments in their entirety and in the context that they are stated; and if you don't understand don't attack the person, but ask for clarification. Sometimes it's hard to understand when you're talking on the computer.

A well reasoned post and this particular paragraph is good for instruction.

Forum communication is hampered because it's virtually one dimensional without tone of voice and facial expressions. It seems that the non-verbal parts of communication play a greater role than we think. I would say I need to work on getting my thoughts across with more discription of the tone and intent. Perhaps like writing a scirpt for a play [he said with a smile and a friendly nod of his head].

[NotforSale]

I think love is the key to true peace. Love carries us beyond hate, and brings man into the light of mercy and forgiveness, the 2 things we all need and are doomed without.

When we can love the enemy that is about to take our life, peace becomes internal and contagious. This is what Jesus did on the cross, and today we are still infected by those words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do".

Love is far more powerful than we realize, and I Corinthians 13 sheds some deep light on the subject.

I think fear holds us back from true love, because we might end up embracing those we've hated in the past, and forgiving someone who has abused us.

And, the one wall that seems to come down when love is really in affect is Religion. This is just too much for some to bear, and so the wars continue.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

I think love is the key to true peace. Love carries us beyond hate, and brings man into the light of mercy and forgiveness, the 2 things we all need and are doomed without.

When we can love the enemy that is about to take our life, peace becomes internal and contagious. This is what Jesus did on the cross, and today we are still infected by those words, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do".

Love is far more powerful than we realize, and I Corinthians 13 sheds some deep light on the subject.

I think fear holds us back from true love, because we might end up embracing those we've hated in the past, and forgiving someone who has abused us.

And, the one wall that seems to come down when love is really in affect is Religion. This is just too much for some to bear, and so the wars continue.

What an awesome post!

[Shawn]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

What an awesome post!

I agree, nice.

[DAII]

Originally Posted by NewWine

DAII
What is the novel (if I may ask) and what grade do you teach?

The Giver by Lois Lowry.

[NewWine]

Amen to that Sam (I feel little weird addressing you as Sam; because I was raised not to address my elders by their first name). Thank you in particularly for the following statements

Originally Posted by Sam

"One thing we need to give up is the idea that everyone is at the same place in their growth and development of their spiritual life and that we all have to live the same way"

.
So very often many people forget that.

Originally Posted by Sam

"If you believe it is wrong to wear a necktie, don't wear one but don't condemn someone who believes it's OK to adorn themselves that way."

I should keep this in mind; because my husband does not like to wear neckties.

[NewWine]

DAII: Sounds like a good read.

NotforSale: Yes, that is so true. Thank you for a such a fruitful post; it really touched me.

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

We must give up...

1. The concept that I cannot abide you if you do not hold my exact interpretation of scripture.
But in fairness, this request seeks to handicap another's belief. If my belief is that you must do xyz to be saved, how is there any other way? Such is the emotional nature of discussion religion.
2. Once right always right.
3. Defining the word per our own traditions. Traditions help inform us, but certainly aren't the end-all authoritative source for truth.
4. Being the devils advocate. But this is an effective method that many use to learn, and other's learn from.

See above.

[Sam]

Sam said:
One thing that would help is of all f us went with the Fundamental Doctrine Statement as adopted in 1945 and paid more attention to that second paragraph.

DAII asked:
What does it say, Sam?
----------------------------------
Here it is:

The basic fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.

We shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit until we all come into the unity of the faith, at the same time admonishing all the brethren that they shall not contend for their different views to the disunity of the body.