Christian wrote:I think we desperately need a place for us new guys to go to and exchange ideas and receive guidance.
That's what the whole forum is for.
Christian wrote:I saw a couple posts I would like to address. First of all I have to be grateful to the net for pointing out CI to me. But and these are someone else's words is there not any danger in being a "net only" CI ? It can be as confusing as anything due to conflicts in doctrine, etc. If we rely on someone else's post for our edification are we not in the same category as relying on an author when we buy his book ?(Hoping for the pill form one day)
"Net only CI" as opposed to what? Most of us use the internet to communicate with each other because we are normally quite far apart. There are some of us who are fortunate enough to be able to fellowship with other CI in person, and there are those who are fortunate enough to even be able to attend weekly gatherings in God's name and receive teachings.
Just because you read someone's work, doesn't mean you have to accept what they say. I quoted Hitler on this topic to you in another post, but here we go again:
On the other hand, a man who possesses the art of correct reading will, in studying any book, magazine, or pamphlet, instinctively and immediately perceive everything which in his opinion is worth permanently remembering, either because it is suited to his purpose or generally worth knowing. Once the knowledge he has achieved in this fashion is correctly coordinated within the somehow existing picture of this or that subject created by the imaginations it will function either as a corrective or a complement, thus enhancing either the correctness or the clarity of the picture. Then, if life suddenly sets some question before us for examination or answer, the memory, if this method of reading is observed, will immediately take the existing picture as a norm, and from it will derive all the individual items regarding these questions, assembled in the course of decades, submit them to the mind for examination and reconsideration, until the question is clarified or answered.Christian wrote:I still believe in turning the other cheek when it is appropriate.
If only it were that simple. Unfortunately this is not a situation where turning the other cheek applies. The other pastors are attacking Christianity itself and someone needs to be there in defense of proper doctrine.
Something I often do when I'm sending material to other non-CI in the hope that they see the truth, is I will first read the material or listen to the podcast to make sure it is edifying for the audience. If there are things which are not edifying, I'll include a short backstory on it or exclude that material from what I send them. There is a time to teach and to extol and there is a time to fight and to defend. You need to pick and choose what you send to people that our message is best brought across.
Christian you're obviously a very curious person and your heart is in the right place, but don't think that just because you're not getting the answers you want doesn't mean that you're not getting taught the right thing. Take some time to listen to the grey haired old farts on this forum. Stop worrying about what to read and the fighting between certain members of CI. You've found a wonderful treasure in the teachings of Bill and Mark here. You are so young and have many years of learning to come in CI. Try not to rush and jump to conclusions. Let your curiosity guide you in learning as you build up your knowledge base in your head as Hitler described in my quote above. If you have a question, do your best to study and find out for yourself first before starting a new thread on the forum. If you're unsure, feel free to pop me a PM on the forum.
I'll say it again though: Don't be disheartened when you don't get the answers you are looking for. This is typical of our walk with God who knows what is best for us. Often we are looking in the wrong places all the while God is teaching us. In a much smaller way it is similar here. There is tons to learn from the members here and especially the wealth of material that the teachers here have created. They want to teach you, but you have to want to listen. Get stuck in with all the learning material available to you on this very site.