Hi Cage,
You tell me, "In the short time I have been here, it is OBVIOUS that you ruffle feathers. There have been many attacks on you...your style, your deliverance. Please pay attention."
While there is truth in your words -- please take note of the identity of my attackers: atheists, secularists, New Agers, other non-believers -- and a smattering of those mired in Liberal Theology. Many on the Conservative Theology side have disagreed with me on issues; as I have also disagreed with them at times.
And, I disagree with many Conservative Theology teachers, pastors, and theologians on some issues. Is that a problem? Not as long as we all agree on the Essential Christian Beliefs. Other doctrine such as time and method of baptism, eschatology, speaking in tongues, music in church, etc. -- we can agree to disagree on -- as long as we do not allow it to divide us.
In the Christian family, I can respect that some lean toward Liberal Theology or Social Theology -- however, I cannot join them. And, I realize that a few Friends in the churches which believe in the Eucharist get upset because I cannot agree on that and other church doctrines. Yet, we can still be Christian Friends, Christian brothers and sisters. I would welcome that relationship.
Cage, as long as my attackers are mostly from the atheist and associated non-believing crowd -- that tells me that I am doing something right. If my posts on Conservative Theology were not being effective, maybe even being a wee bit convicting at times -- they would just ignore me and go attack someone on the Political Forum. So, yes, I must be doing something very right -- for, as you said -- the attacks can get viscous.
You tell me, "It is easy for one to get caught up in one's self. We all do it from time to time. I recognize your zeal and commitment to 'spreading the Word.' However, you need to do a little 'google' on Human Behavior. While your message is clear, your 'delivery' sometimes is a little '"coarse.'"
Not sure how you define "coarse" -- but, if my messages are not a wee bit convicting for some, if they are not ruffling a few secular feathers -- then, I am doing it wrong.
And, you tell me, "Before posting/replying, you might want to pause...for a moment...and think, "How would Jesus word this. How would He get the message across...without 'alienating' the audience?" Like I say, just a suggestion."
You would truly be amazed at how many posts I have written on the spur, or aggravation, of the moment -- and, upon reflection -- deleted them. Yes, there is wisdom in your words that we should reread and reflect upon our words before committing them to posterity.
However, while we must be aware of our words and their effects -- we must also be conscience of not compromising the Word of God -- just to placate or cozy up to those who disagree. Actually, Jesus' message in driving the money changers from the temple was very effective. I am sure He alienated the money changers and their temple bosses; just as I know that I ruffle feathers among our atheist, secularist, et al, crowd.
When I write a serious post, I will read and reread it a number of times. I do not want wrong words, misspelled words, or typos to distract from the point I am attempting to make.
Next, you tell me, "First...Drop the 'Supremacy' attitude and try to remember that there are many here whom worship the same God you do. It may not be your way, but, they have as much conviction as you do. Respect that. Be an example of humility."
Do I feel "supreme"? No. Do I feel blessed to be a born again Christian believer who has the unchangeable promise of Jesus Christ that I will spend eternity in the presence of God? You bet I do!
Yes, there are many Christians on the Religion Forum who are devout believers -- but, who follow a different theology than me. And, as Christian brothers and sisters, if we all agree upon the Essential Christian Beliefs -- I can respect our differences.
But, when a person comes on the Religion Forum sharing a New Age religion, a Wiccan religion, atheism, secularism, or any of the other world religions -- yes, I will refute their false teachings. We are NOT following or worshiping the same God. Does this make me feel "supreme"? No, only blessed that I am a Christian believer.
When a Christian or anyone else comes on the Religion Forum and posts a doctrine which I feel to be Biblically wrong -- I am obligated to refute that teaching. I am not denigrating that person -- only disagreeing about that doctrine. If I can respect their rights to believe as they do -- can they not respect my right to believe in and defend my Conservative Christian faith?
Humility -- yes. Humility plus compromise -- no.
Then, you tell me, "Second...your Biblical references/scriptures are "Lore"...no need to keep repeating them. Many know the Bible as well as you do."
My thoughts, my writings, carry no authority. The Bible carries authority. So, if I defend a Biblical doctrine -- I must support that with Scriptural references. Otherwise, it would just be Bill Gray saying it. No, I will never write without giving my Scriptural support.
Finally, you tell me, "A 32,000 word post does NOT get read. After about 50 words, if you are not telling people how to get rich quick, or you know where Elvis is...the "Return" icon gets clicked. All you are doing is: wearing out your keyboard. Cluttering up your hard drive. Setting yourself up for "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" So, as one who has NOT attacked, and respects your right to post...please take this post as a 'suggestion'."
First, let me say that I do appreciate the fact that you have not been one of the "attackers." And, your comment regarding the length of my posts brought a smile to me face -- not laughing at your suggestions; but, relishing memories.
In the early 1990, I felt called to write, publish, and mail, via snail mail, a Christian Newsletter. When I first began, the only names and addresses I had were our local church. My wife told me, "Don't mail it to them. They will think that you think they are not Christian." I told her, "But, the Newsletter is not preaching. It is only for encouragement and edification." And, that week I mailed the first edition of my Good News Newsletter.
Friday evening we went to Bible study. When we walked in, the hostess, Jean, was sitting at the table with a group of ladies. When she saw us, right away she told me, "Bill, I got your Newsletter. It is great. I made copies to distribute to the nurses at work."
About eight years later, a family came to our church -- and, at our church, the whole family became Christian believers. Later, I learned that the mother, Rachel, worked at the hospital with my Friend, Jean. I asked if Jean had ever given her newsletters and articles -- and she told me, "Yes, Jean is always sharing such things with us."
While I do not know for sure; I still smile when I think that, just maybe, this lady was being given my newsletters -- years before I met her, and before she and her family became believers. Yes, such incidents are what keep me writing -- just the thought that something I wrote may have been a tiny, tiny seed that was planted -- and years later harvested by the Holy Spirit -- for that whole family.
For the past 10 to 12 years, I have been sending e-mail messages to people all over the world who are in my Friends Ministry mail list. But, I have one Friend who always complains they are too long. Not to be nasty; but, this Friend hates to read -- and anything over two sentences is too long for him.
Over the years, just to test the water and make sure that what I write is relevant -- I have occasionally sent an e-mail asking Friends to honestly and sincerely tell me what changes I should make in the articles, including length. While not everyone replies -- those who have tell me unanimously, "Don't change a thing."
Cage, like I tell my Two Sentence Friend, when I write a post, or an e-mail, I want to be thorough, realizing that most people will not read all of it -- but, with the hopes that each person will find some "golden nugget" which will benefit him or her; which might meet a special need that person has today.
I avoided forums and chat rooms for many years; for most of them are only "spitting contests." When I found the TimesDaily Forums; I saw a need for someone to refute the false religions of the atheists and secularist on the TD Forums.
Am I trying to be, or believe myself to be, superior to anyone? No. But, God has given me the gift of writing -- and through 23 years of studying the Bible, I do have a fairly good knowledge of God's Word. I believe I am following the Great Commission Jesus Christ gave to all believers by combining these two -- and using them in apologetic writing on the Religion Forum, in my Friends Ministry e-mails, and on all other venues God will bring to me.
Cage, I respect you words, your thoughts -- but, I do answer to a higher voice. Thank you, my Friend.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
