What do People Want?

[CoreIssue]

I am curious. What is posters are wanting on most Christian boards today?

Seems like serious and actual learning are not high priorities.

Don't get me wrong, chat, fellowship and clowning around are needed and great.

[Jessie]

I'm thinking walking with the Lord is a second priority. so the message board is
an escape.

learning and studying , sitting still and being quiet is not something they have the discipline to do. They just "feel" something and run on it for many.

[Chrystalwuzhere]

I can't speak for others, but what I want is a place to learn, study, grow, and fellowship. We have that here. I can come here with ANYTHING and know I can talk about it. I like that.

[eahaddix]

I am curious. What is posters are wanting on most Christian boards today?

Convenient, worldly walks with Christ Jesus.

:shrug: It is as simple as that.

[CoreIssue]

Convenient, worldly walks with Christ Jesus.

:shrug: It is as simple as that.
Sounds about right.:nod:

[CoreIssue]

I'm thinking walking with the Lord is a second priority. so the message board is
an escape.

learning and studying , sitting still and being quiet is not something they have the discipline to do. They just "feel" something and run on it for many.
Yep.

[CoreIssue]

I can't speak for others, but what I want is a place to learn, study, grow, and fellowship. We have that here. I can come here with ANYTHING and know I can talk about it. I like that.
That is what it should be about.

But obviously, is not.

[Jessie]

Convenient, worldly walks with Christ Jesus.

:shrug: It is as simple as that.

is'nt this about the same thing as using God when one has a flat tire analogy?

[LDinthewoods]

Honestly, I get all the study, fellowship and growth at church & reading the Bible. I used to kick topics around on message boards with folks at another message board. I did gain a lot by it but after a while I also realized there was a great deal of confusion coming from it. You never know who you are talking to on the internet or what their motives are.

Mostly I come to boards for fellowship & prayer. Can't hardly go wrong with that. It is nice to have someplace to go to have people pray with you immediately and to be able to pray for those that truly need it.

[CoreIssue]

Honestly, I get all the study, fellowship and growth at church & reading the Bible. I used to kick topics around on message boards with folks at another message board. I did gain a lot by it but after a while I also realized there was a great deal of confusion coming from it. You never know who you are talking to on the internet or what their motives are.

Mostly I come to boards for fellowship & prayer. Can't hardly go wrong with that. It is nice to have someplace to go to have people pray with you immediately and to be able to pray for those that truly need it.
A question here.

Does your church allow you to challenge their doctrines, if they are denominational with a Statement of Faith required for membership?

Where do you get your challenge to check things out? To look at new things?

Not knocking your church. But I have found most churches are extremely narrow focused. And either do not allow or encourage independent study or thinking.

The Bible says to listen to all, test it against the Bible, keep what is good and reject the rest.

Example. One church I attended taught any alcohol consumption was a sin. When I said Christ drank wine, they had a fit. Said it was grape juice. When I presented the different Greek words for wine and juice and so on, I got pulled to the side and was told not to confuse the members and to be quiet.

[eahaddix]

Honestly, I get all the study, fellowship and growth at church & reading the Bible.

You do realize that the believer's spiritual life does not revolve around certain local church meetings, right?

I used to kick topics around on message boards with folks at another message board. I did gain a lot by it but after a while I also realized there was a great deal of confusion coming from it. You never know who you are talking to on the internet or what their motives are.

So, in order to avoid confusing doctrinal disputes, you let your local church determine your doctrinal beliefs?

Mostly I come to boards for fellowship & prayer. Can't hardly go wrong with that. It is nice to have someplace to go to have people pray with you immediately and to be able to pray for those that truly need it.

You do realize that online fellowship involves more than dropping prayer requests and leaving, right?

[eahaddix]

is'nt this about the same thing as using God when one has a flat tire analogy?

Yes. Only personal problems and passions "spiritually energize" the worldly believer. Otherwise, worldly believers resume worldly daily schedules, such as "Sunday Christianity."

[LDinthewoods]

A question here.

Does your church allow you to challenge their doctrines, if they are denominational with a Statement of Faith required for membership?

Where do you get your challenge to check things out? To look at new things?

Not knocking your church. But I have found most churches are extremely narrow focused. And either do not allow or encourage independent study or thinking.

The Bible says to listen to all, test it against the Bible, keep what is good and reject the rest.

Example. One church I attended taught any alcohol consumption was a sin. When I said Christ drank wine, they had a fit. Said it was grape juice. When I presented the different Greek words for wine and juice and so on, I got pulled to the side and was told not to confuse the members and to be quiet.

We do have open discussions in Sunday school and Bible study. I do not feel stifled or prohibited in testing or questioning beliefs being presented or my own beliefs. I am also not being discouraged from studying the Bible on my own or with friends from other churches; or from reading various books or other Christian material of my choosing.

I'm not a member of my church as I hope to be moving very soon back to TX - so I haven't really pursued it. I also have a disagreement with the church doctrine in that they do believe in OSAS and I do not. But I don't see this as extremely relevant as I am certainly saved & the people I go to church with are wonderful, Spirit led people.

[LDinthewoods]

You do realize that the believer's spiritual life does not revolve around certain local church meetings, right? Yes.....And I never said it did. But my church is somewhat of a "home base" for me.....outside of work, I am there more than any other place I go and my closest friends are there. We do community outreaches from there & organize local charity efforts there which is far more effective than I could do simply on my own.

You do realize that the Body of Christ existed long before internet message boards & that one's spiritual life does not require an internet component, right?


So, in order to avoid confusing doctrinal disputes, you let your local church determine your doctrinal beliefs? I never said that. Please....why do you guys hate the church so much?

I constantly pursue the truth....through prayer & reading the word. I ask plenty of questions & participate in plenty of discussions. I simply said I don't like to do it on line any more because I never know the motives of the person I am talking too. You sure do read a lot more into statements I make than what is actually there.

The truth?

I used to have lengthy in-depth discussions of various topics in the Bible & have now had two different married men make what I can only refer to as a "cyber" pass at me. These were men I met on the other Christian board I spend a great deal of time on. I can assure you, my own intentions were strictly to pursue knowledge about the Bible. After spending much time discussing issues with these men, I guess they decided to take it a step further. I was both astonished & extremely disappointed to say the least as these men "helped" me learn and work through some of my own issues with understanding the Bible. But after it became evident what they were really interested in, I was very confused & this caused me to question everything I'd learned from them. So I now take steps to insure I don't get myself into that kind of "fellowship" again.



You do realize that online fellowship involves more than dropping prayer requests and leaving, right? No, I didn't realize there was any kind of requirement I needed to fulfill in order to be here. Since I've been here, I have put in only two personal requests for prayer for myself. Two requests for friends of mine & two prayers that I offered for all the members on the board. I have also prayed over everyone else's requests. Now beyond that, I have swapped hair color tips with the ladies as well as a few recipes and participated in a handful of discussion threads as well as welcomed a few newbies to the board. Is that enough? Do I pass the test - oh master of the on-line fellowship rule book??

__________________________________________________ ____

The OP asked a question.....

I am curious. What is posters are wanting on most Christian boards today?

Seems like serious and actual learning are not high priorities.

Don't get me wrong, chat, fellowship and clowning around are needed and great.
And I simply gave an answer that reflected "no" serious learning is not what I come to Christian message boards in search of. That's not to say that I don't take learning seriously, but as I indicated, I just search & find that learning other places. If I'd known there was a right & wrong answer, I would have avoided the topic all together.


I really would like to know if the majority on this board all despise church-going types? I don't participate in many discussions here but the few threads where I have mentioned anything about going to church or what I do get out of my own church, I have been derided as if somehow going to church or relying on my church for any part of my Christian walk is somehow contemptible. So please tell me....is this board anti-church?

[InTheWind]

No, I didn't realize there was any kind of requirement I needed to fulfill in order to be here.

There are no requirments and your prayer requests and those you prayed for is greatly appreciated. You are entitled to your opinions and are a welcome member so please feel welcome and comfortable here. :nod: :):
And here`s a hug that doesn`t mean i`m making a pass at you. :hug:

[LDinthewoods]

And here`s a hug that doesn`t mean i`m making a pass at you. :hug: ;) Thank you. :laugh: (I can assure you I was being offered more than a hug in those two situations I mentioned.)

[CoreIssue]

We do have open discussions in Sunday school and Bible study. I do not feel stifled or prohibited in testing or questioning beliefs being presented or my own beliefs. I am also not being discouraged from studying the Bible on my own or with friends from other churches; or from reading various books or other Christian material of my choosing.

I'm not a member of my church as I hope to be moving very soon back to TX - so I haven't really pursued it. I also have a disagreement with the church doctrine in that they do believe in OSAS and I do not. But I don't see this as extremely relevant as I am certainly saved & the people I go to church with are wonderful, Spirit led people.
Thanks for the answers.

I actually agree with them on Eternal Security. And it is not a trivial issue, as in to hold to one can loose salvation is in conflict with being dead to the Law and salvation being purely by grace. It gives the person a part in salvation and says there are sins not covered by grace and we are still in part under the Law.

But, that is another topic! :D

[CoreIssue]

There are no requirments and your prayer requests and those you prayed for is greatly appreciated. You are entitled to your opinions and are a welcome member so please feel welcome and comfortable here. :nod: :):
And here`s a hug that doesn`t mean i`m making a pass at you. :hug:
I agree with ITW.

There is no requirement. But we would hope all of us are open to new thoughts an considerations. Caring for each other also involves caring about God's Truth in full.

[InTheWind]

Hugs are great if meant in the right way,:nod: here`s some more :hug: :hug:
Am concerned about your view about OSAS though, there are no works or ladders to climb that can get you to heaven or make ya loose your salvation. :eek:
We are saved and remain that way by the blood of Christ and the grace of God, we can back slide but the HS will convict and bring ya back in line. There are those that appear to be Christians that fall away and don`t come back but they were not born again to begin with imo.:):

[CoreIssue]

On your reply to Lucky I noted some statments I consider unfair.

Hitting up on the opposite sex occurs in churches as well. Kids get molested. And more.

Simply wrong to condemn all Forums as it is wrong to condemn all churches when these things happen.

A good, healthy, Christian forum is a unique opportunity to expand ones learning and thinking. It does not replace a church. But neither does a church replace the opportunities a forum presents.

You have not been derided for going to a church. You have not been derided for choosing the limits of your participation. It has simply been pointed out, by myself, who is the Founder of this site, that one should not limit themself to just a church for a source of Bible knowledge challenge.

I did not start this site to replace a church. My fellow Admin and partner in maintaining this site did not join me to be under my thumb or stop attending his church. The Moderators did not do so either.

And church is a church. A forum is a forum. Either can be good. Either can be bad. Either can be an asset to learning and growth. Either can be a detriment.

They are different in fuction and puprose.

We see so many that have no interest in seeing or learning beyond their chuch doctrine. That is all my point was and all it will remain.

You are an accepted member here. And will remain one until you choose otherwise. Do not feel or think otherwise. ;)

[LDinthewoods]

I agree with ITW.

There is no requirement. But we would hope all of us are open to new thoughts an considerations. Caring for each other also involves caring about God's Truth in full.
But, just because I don't come here and do my studying & discussion doesn't mean I'm closed to these considerations. I also believe that I have to turn that guidance of my study over to the Holy Spirit. I don't believe I need to really make an effort to find out things that other people believe that may be different from what I believe.....because that happens every day simply by talking to people at my work about the Lord and talking to my friends at church - all who come from various backgrounds. And it does in fact happen here on message boards.....even still. The Holy Spirit will lead me into situations where I will be challenged & learn as needed. Its just that now (after my bad experiences) I make sure I know the person I choose to ask in real life.

And I can't say I even relate to what you guys say about churches that would discourage anyone from learning or studying on their own? I have never been to a church that did that.....ever. (And have only heard that the RCC is some what like that, but I have never been to a Catholic church.) I'm not denying that this hasn't happened to you but every church I have ever been to practically begs the congregation to dig in to the Bible & to pray & have Bible studies with friends; and they don't let up about it. (And for the record, this would only be Baptist, Southern Baptist & Nazarene churches & one Assembly of God church that I've been to regular enough to get to know people.)

[CoreIssue]

But, just because I don't come here and do my studying & discussion doesn't mean I'm closed to these considerations.
No one is saying to do your studying & discussion all here.

This is but ONE tool. Other tools are church, home study, friends, etc.
I also believe that I have to turn that guidance of my study over to the Holy Spirit.
The Bible say you must pursue study and learning. And trust the Holy Spirit to guide you.

It does not say sit back and wait for the Holy Spirit to do it for you, me or anyone else.
I don't believe I need to really make an effort to find out things that other people believe that may be different from what I believe.....because that happens every day simply by talking to people at my work about the Lord and talking to my friends at church - all who come from various backgrounds. And it does in fact happen here on message boards.....even still.
I agree and disagree.

We do encounter learning in daily life.

But real Bible study pushes beyond the encounters into deliberate seeking.
The Holy Spirit will lead me into situations where I will be challenged & learn as needed.
Again, the Bible says you have an obligation to seek on your own depending on the Holy Spirit to guide it.
Its just that now (after my bad experiences) I make sure I know the person I choose to ask in real life.
We should not shut doors on strangers. But neither should we put ourselves in positions of being harmed by them.
And I can't say I even relate to what you guys say about churches that would discourage anyone from learning or studying on their own?
Doctrinism. Subtle but effective, even when not deliberate.

They establish a mind set in people that do not even allow them to see anything beyond the mind set.

Not all do. But honestly, the vast majority of denominations do.
I have never been to a church that did that.....ever. (And have only heard that the RCC is some what like that, but I have never been to a Catholic church.)
Hmmm. It is the norm.

Not deliberate for most. They have weird excuses for justifying it as okay with God.

I'm not denying that this hasn't happened to you but every church I have ever been to practically begs the congregation to dig in to the Bible & to pray & have Bible studies with friends; and they don't let up about it. (And for the record, this would only be Baptist, Southern Baptist & Nazarene churches & one Assembly of God church that I've been to regular enough to get to know people.)

Everyone one of those does what I said.

The example on alcohol was a Baptist Church.

Nazarene have been so hung up in Entire Sanctification they are labeled cult to quasi-cult by most Biblical literalists.

Southern Baptists teach things like all who do not accept Christ go to Hell, even those, such as American Indians before they had any opportunity to even hear his name. Which Paul rejects as true.

They all require you to accept, uphold and endorse their doctrines to be members.

Paul said have no division. These are exactly the kinds of divisions he was talking about.

So, my point is they do not get into depth. They just repeat their doctrines as lessons.

[LDinthewoods]

On your reply to Lucky I noted some statments I consider unfair.

Hitting up on the opposite sex occurs in churches as well. Kids get molested. And more.

Simply wrong to condemn all Forums as it is wrong to condemn all churches when these things happen.

I don't see how it was unfair. His questions & presumptions were condescending. I made the comment that I used to do in-depth study with people from message boards, which had been helpful - but which had also caused me some confusion. I realize now that this was somewhat of a vague statement, but how in the world does he take that to mean that I don't like doctrinal disputes so I just sit back & let my church determine my beliefs?

So, the only reason why I furthered explained the real situation with these two men was to illustrate for him just how far off base his assumption was as well as to illustrate my wariness of sharing problems or concerns I have about my faith with people I only know from a message board. To which I now feel the need to explain further that these discussions with these men moved off the main board & we were talking via PM & yahoo messenger when things started to turn ugly. It wasn't harmless discussions, flirting or hugs that freaked me out. And I am not condemning people here or assuming all men on message boards do this....and did not mean for it to come across that way.

I know this kind of thing goes on in churches also but it has never happened to me. (I mean I get asked on dates by single men but do not get hit on by married men....something about everybody knowing everybody probably makes those straying types be a little more careful who they pick to hit on at church.)



You have not been derided for going to a church. You have not been derided for choosing the limits of your participation. It has simply been pointed out, by myself, who is the Founder of this site, that one should not limit themself to just a church for a source of Bible knowledge challenge.

I didn't say you did it, but I knew it had happened to me here before when I simply was expressing something positive about my own church. So, I went back & looked for that conversation & actually, it was also LuckyStrike that I had a similar conversation with. So, I apologize....its not the group I guess but just this one person.


We see so many that have no interest in seeing or learning beyond their chuch doctrine. That is all my point was and all it will remain.
I know a lot of people who barely even learn at church. I was just trying to point out that I am not one of these types you all were describing in the first several posts.

[CoreIssue]

My only point was if you get a apple with a worm in it you don't stop eating apples and go to just pears. Pears can have worms as well.

I am a believer one never gives up a useful tool because they have a different kind of useful tool. Even useful tools do not do everything other tools do.

[CTZonEdit]

My question would be did you openly confront these married men about their intentions?

Something is wrong with a married man making propositions to anyone other than his wife.

He would have to be lying that he was married in the first place, unhappy in his own marriage, in the middle of a divorce/separation, or caught up in some other sin.

A man should be so infatuated with his wife that he would never act out on these things, not to mention the fact that it is a clear violation of the vow of marriage he took which involves not only his wife but God.

But this is probably best left for another topic.

[LDinthewoods]

No I did not confront them. I put them on my ignore list in my messenger & cancelled my email address that they had (so that messages would return to them). I do believe they were both married....one even sent pictures of his wife & kids. The other used to try to engage me in conversation regarding problems with his wife, but I would always just sort of brush that off & redirect the conversation back to our Bible study. Both of them were being just friends with me for a while so I don't think they set out to do what they eventually did.

[CoreIssue]

No I did not confront them. I put them on my ignore list in my messenger & cancelled my email address that they had (so that messages would return to them). I do believe they were both married....one even sent pictures of his wife & kids. The other used to try to engage me in conversation regarding problems with his wife, but I would always just sort of brush that off & redirect the conversation back to our Bible study. Both of them were being just friends with me for a while so I don't think they set out to do what they eventually did.
That makes it rough.

So many confused people around. Not really sure where they are or where they are headed to. Their emotions get in the way of their thinking.

None of us are immune to stupidity.

Don't get me wrong. I am not justifiying what they did.

[CTZonEdit]

No none of us are immune but if we are to be walking the straight and narrow path, they are really straying off course.

But then a majority tend believe that "chatting" online is not cheating if you are married.