Thank you, Daniel. This is a wise admonishment.

 

The conference must have been good for you. An answer to the prayers of God's people.

BTW, good post, for some reason it reminded me of Spurgeon.

 

Hard hitting truth, Daniel. It is a rebuke that I need from time-to-time.

 

I realize that good can come from debate, however, in my later years, I find less and less of that appealing. Instead, I find what works to further the truth and the work of the Kingdom, is simply to love and encourage those trying. I am (and often do) differ, but my primary job (even as a teacher of the Word) is to encourage as I teach.

The views we hold in reaction to what others believe will not hold water in the long run. The more battles I fight in the doctrinal arena, the less impact I have in the lives of people.

Jesus fought His battles, but if we examine them, we find them devoid of personal "right" and pride. We need to take this to heart.

Thank you for the thoughtful post.

 

Good post,

I'm wondering if you were prompted to write this by visiting "a new blog" someone, who I highly appreciate, is advertising?

 

Bobby - While I did feel inclined to write this after visiting a "new blog" that a mutually appreciated blogger was promoting, yet this sentiment I have expressed is not directed at any single blogger. I have held this conviction for a long time, and frankly I direct it more to myself than to others - a dead man doesn't complain when he is poked with a stick, and I find in myself a pressing desire to ridicule anything that doesn't line up with my understanding of scripture. Yet I see in that desire nothing godly, and so giving it to the Lord I am brought to a place where I can right this sort of post and mean it. God isn't impressed by sectarianism for pride's sake, and tempted as I am to the contrary, I must say, the love of Christ has, at least for this day, constrained me.

I am always disappointed when my brothers and sisters tear each other down in this way (the bible calls it back biting) to build (puff) themselves up. I do not believe it honors Christ in us, nor does it bring glory to the church - it is just another way "self" deceives us.

My prayer is that we see these things for what they are, repent of them, and move on from there.

 

Daniel,

I agree, and have the same concern for the body of Christ, myself included.

 

Hooray for the Holy Spirit! May love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control abound in our lives!

Thanks for the good word, Bro.