Let's Make LocalChurchDiscussions Better!

[UntoHim]

Speaking The Truth In Love
As we begin another year (The 16th for LocalChurchDiscussions.Com!) may we all be lead by the Lord in our speaking and writing to one another, both believers and unbelievers alike. As Christians, as children of the light, our speaking and communicating with one another should be full of light, life, truth and love. I know this is a lofty goal, especially for those of us who are immersed in the most polarized and contentious culture the world has ever known. Let us take heart at the words of our Lord in the Priestly Prayer of John 17:
I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world.

Yes, we are stuck in this polarized and contentious world, at least for now. But we are not of this world. In this world there is very little love, and even less truth. The same thing could be said about false religion. Those trapped within false religion are starving for love and tragically bereft of the truth. Many of us know this first hand. We also know that mere apologetical arguments, as scriptural as they may be, will not win the day, nor the hearts and minds of those we seek to lead out of false religion.

Only speaking the truth in love, along with the working of the Holy Spirit of God, can change minds and soften hearts. But our minds must be changed first. Our minds must be renewed first. Our hearts must be softened first. Our hearts must be enlightened first. If not, I'm afraid that we will simply be the blind leading the blind. May God have mercy on us all.
-

[UntoHim]

Let's Make LocalChurchDiscussions Better!

Believe me when I tell you that Nell and I are open to any and all suggestions and recommendations on how we can make this forum better for all concerned. By better I mean more members, more participation by new/newer members or members who have never posted before. I would place special emphasis on suggestions on how we can encourage CURRENT Local Church members to come register and post. Of course we all know that current LC members are discouraged from even lurking on our forum, much, much less coming to register and post. But with God, all things are possible!
-

[Robert]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

Let's Make LocalChurchDiscussions Better!

Believe me when I tell you that Nell and I are open to any and all suggestions and recommendations on how we can make this forum better for all concerned. By better I mean more members, more participation by new/newer members or members who have never posted before. I would place special emphasis on suggestions on how we can encourage CURRENT Local Church members to come register and post. Of course we all know that current LC members are discouraged from even lurking on our forum, much, much less coming to register and post. But with God, all things are possible!
-

Yes, You are right. Discouragement is for sure one of the factors.
But what I learned is: No matter if my English is good enough to satisfy others, no matter if I have to say anything in response to others, no matter if we agree with this or that- I know more and more, that nothing depend on my struggle or force.
It is God who is coordinating everything and is blessing what He is interested in.
As Call mentioned in one clip, it seems like this movement has not so big impact on Christianity til today.
May be I am wrong, but I noticed, that leaving that sect, can be result of many factors and growth as well.
For some it can be growth in truth, but for some it can be disappointment or some bullying , mobbing.
I hope this forum will stay for long as help and testimony of what Lord has done in us.
God bless You all.

[Zezima]

A mobile version would be clutch

[Bible-believer]

I know some Chinese-speaking saints experienced something; however, they don't have a forum like this to share their thoughts and experiences. Just think if we can have a sub-forum or board for them.
Chinese-speaking saints are under LR's control even more.

[Trapped]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

Let's Make LocalChurchDiscussions Better!

Believe me when I tell you that Nell and I are open to any and all suggestions and recommendations on how we can make this forum better for all concerned. By better I mean more members, more participation by new/newer members or members who have never posted before. I would place special emphasis on suggestions on how we can encourage CURRENT Local Church members to come register and post. Of course we all know that current LC members are discouraged from even lurking on our forum, much, much less coming to register and post. But with God, all things are possible!
-

Make the forum atmosphere more of one that:

1. understands people need space to fumble around with the Bible
2. allows discussion of things some might personally disagree with or feel uncomfortable participating in but that others are able to handle discussing because they are necessary topics, and
3. where people don't so quickly bristle with offense.

All these things drive people away. Unfortunately, I do not have time to discuss those points further or defend them.

Also, I'm not sure how much impact this has had on the forum, but FYI, Texas Street Preacher's channel has called this forum out by name as "demonic" and "going to hell", as well as Cal's videos. His latest frequent guest, Asher, did so recently at a little bit of length, but I also recall Paul (Texas Street Preacher) saying something similar a while back. While listening I could think of several obvious problems they skipped over addressing, and I thought about commenting on the video, but decided against it since I unfortunately would just expect a conversation-stopping response from him of "repent for your demonic participation or you are going to hell!" or something along those lines...

Paul also calls all the former members who don't publicly speak up and show their face in doing so as "living in cowardice", so.....there's a fun conversation starter for everyone.

Greetings to all my fellow cowards

Trapped

[Bear]

Originally Posted by Zezima

A mobile version would be clutch

Yes, a mobile version would really make my lurking easier. Plus, most people of the younger generations are using their phones exclusively to get online.