I visited and read a few threads. They seem to be dominated by a few people who are primarily interested in "the independent Christian Church denomination" and making sure that we have no fellowship with other believers. They seem to be very concerned with being "right" and they are very good a proof-texting. I find the arguments about "preacher or pastor" and long diatribes declaring the evils of Promise Keepers to be about as helpful in reaching the world for Jesus as minutes from the last ACLU meeting. If half the time spent in arguing with other Christians here were spent reaching the lost, we could make a difference for Jesus in this world. I hope that at some time in the future, the conversations become constructive instead destructive. Until then, I'll be spending very little time at thechristianchurch.com.

Saddened and disappointed,

Regan Barr

-- Anonymous, September 27, 1999

Answers

I agree with Gary!!!!

Rev. Danny Gabbard, Sr.

-- Anonymous, September 29, 1999

My wife says she agrees with Gary too!!!

Sign her off......

Pastor Jenny Gabbard

-- Anonymous, September 29, 1999

Dear Regan,

Thank you for your honest remarks.

I would like to post them in the forum--indeed, it is a temptation at times to take our eyes off of Christ.

But the threads are not "dominated" by anyone... Whoever wishes may post new threads and respond to existing ones... About 100 people visit this site each day, (and growing daily) but a small percentage post comments; which is the case in talk radio and other interactive media (usually less than 2%)

Your feelings are shared by many in this forum, and if you have no objection, I will post your message.

Sincerely,

Duane Schwingel

-- Anonymous, September 27, 1999

Dear Duane,

Thank you for your response. I understand how forums work and I must say that I believe most forums are "dominated." A small number of people respond to most postings, often with multiple responses that can get quite lengthy (where do they find the time???). Their opinions end up being disproportionately represented. In my experience, that is the nature of forums. If the tone becomes critical and acidic, others soon learn that they will be quickly attacked for expressing a differing opinion and they simply take their comments elsewhere. My fear is that you'll end up with a group of people patting each other on the back about how pure they've kept themselves by not associating with Promise Keepers or by using "preacher" instead of "pastor" (to use the examples I used earlier). That's where I was several years ago, but God has changed my heart and I'm trying to spend more time following Jesus' example of becoming a "friend of sinners." I'm not very good at it yet, but I'm trying. Right now, I don't think your forum would help me in that endeavor.

If you wish to post my comments, I have no objection, but I will not be around to participate in any continuing discussion. I'll probably visit again in a few months. If I find that the threads have become more encouraging and helpful, I'll stick around.

Still your brother,

Regan

-- Anonymous, September 27, 1999

I do have one comment to make in defense of "spending time" arguing with "other Christians".... You wrote:

If half the time spent in arguing with other Christians here were spent reaching the lost, we could make a difference for Jesus in this world.

OK, point taken. But what of the Promise Keeper, who was "sprinkled" as a baby? If I, in good conscience, based on my understanding of Scripture, cannot keep silent about God's commands to him (and God's commands to me to preach the truth to him), isn't what you call "arguing with 'other Christians'" the same thing as "reaching the lost?" What qualifies something as either:

1. Arguing with another Christian, or

2. Reaching the lost

If in the course of my "arguing" (in LOVE!) with this fellow, he submits to complete obedience to Christ, have I not won the LOST?

-- Anonymous, September 27, 1999

I would have to agree heartily with Mr. Barr's disappointment with the fact that some of these issues are still being hashed over. I am by no means a liberal...I still believe in a literal 6 days of creation, that the miracles happened just as they are presented, and that the Bible is historically trustworthy.

But neither am I a fundamentalist. I still think on my own.

But the fact that there are still some people fighting "the baptism wars", and other similar issues in our fellowship is a testament to the backwardness of some our our folks. Not that I diminish the importance of doctrine, I teach more of it from the pulpit than most preachers. But the acrimony that becomes attached to these issues among us belies our immaturity and failure to grasp the real mission...make disciples of unbelievers.

Indeed, what difference does it make to the person who has never known Christ, who has reached the bottom and is desperate for help, whether the minister is called "Pastor" or "preacher" or by his first name or whatever?! Let's stop looking so silly to the world.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 1999

I love this place! The opening post sounds like some people who dont come to church because there are too many hypocrites!

It all depends what your perspective is... like the two shoe salesman in a tribe of barefoot natives: one called his boss and said "send me home, they don't wear shoes here," and the other: "Send all the shoes we have in stock!"

If you don't want to read "arguing" then dont go into a thread entitled "Is Baptism Essential..." or "What about Promise Keepers..." There is still plenty of good stuff in this forum, even for the meek and mild types! I love the diversity of this forum. I love the Bible College info, the Daily Devotional is super, I even love reading the (shudder!) arguing! And since names are not important, you can call me,

Sincerely,

His Holiness
Robert

-- Anonymous, September 29, 1999

So...what is in a name? Who cares if we use the proper Biblical terminology or not? Who cares if we use or teach the correct definitions or purpose for that terminology or not? So...what is in a name? What is in a definition?

Not much...I had never heard that baptism was for forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit until I was 30.

-- Anonymous, September 30, 1999

I have been checking out a number of different sites that attach the name "Christian" to them in some manner and they are loaded with tendancies away from believing that the Bible really is inspired by God Almighty and it really doesnt make any difference what you belive as long as you are sincere. At least here, you get a much more diversified group of participants. Sure a few liberals come in and they are welcome. You also have the Old Fashioned, Flag waving, Bible thumpers. (God bless them) I grant you that there some who do not want to hear the unadulterated Word or have their positions challenged. But Praise God, at least the two-way doors are open. God bless America, Keep waving the flag and thumping the word.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 1999

What is in a name? They (disciples) were first called Christians at Antioch. (Acts 11:26) There is no other name by which we can be saved. (Acts 4:12) So what if we don't use proper bible terminolgy? How will we know the truth that sets you free from Sin.(John 8:32) How can we worship (show God's worth to the world) in spirit and truth if we don't know the correct definitions of words? (John 4:24) Proverbs 14:12 says that "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." I don't about you, but I don't want to be that man/woman. I prefer to know what I am following rather than take guesses, and I would think that others would like to be the same way.

-- Anonymous, October 06, 1999

Brother Worsham:

I just want to say AMEN and AMEN to your post. Let us have a "THUS SAITH THE LORD" for all that we do in His name! "And whatsoever ye do in WORD OR DEED, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through Him." Col. 3:17. Let us submit to the Lord by being obedient to His commands and follow only His direction. Luke 6:46; Matt. 7:21-23.

Thank you brother for your faith in Christ our Lord and His word. May God grant that we will have many mre like you who want to remain ever faithful to the truth of God found in His inspired word.

Your Brother in Christ,

E. Lee Saffold

-- Anonymous, October 08, 1999

Hey all: Seems like all the "good" answers are taken so all I can say is........ahhhhhhh ya can't please them all can ya?!?!?! Some see it as an opportunity to stretch the grey matter, others see it as a violation of the grey matter...go figure!!! Keep having fun all ya want, I can always use the mouse to scroll faster! Hi to all those gray matters out there! :) Kathy C. ><>

-- Anonymous, October 08, 1999