Rules and Guidelines For Forum Posting

[Stan]

So who is going to change their posting habits now that there is rules?

[Neil D]

I am planning to not make any more public posting....

I intend to PM everyone from here on out.....

BTW, I am not planning on giving up my moderator priviledges either....

Muhahahahahahahahha!!!!!!

[Woody]

I am planning to not make any more public posting....

I intend to PM everyone from here on out.....

BTW, I am not planning on giving up my moderator priviledges either....

Muhahahahahahahahha!!!!!!

No more public posting ... now that there is the best idea I've heard yet.

[Stan]

What's that about Neil?

[Woody]

What's that about Neil?

I suspect it is Neil trying to be 'safe' from all the rules.

[messenger]

Just want to update my last reply, not that it matters, but a friend in the other forum was concerned that the admin. banned me without just cause and sent him a PM email. And the admin. replied and said that I was not banned from their site, that my account was temporary frozen until I have a private discussion with him... To me it is the same thing and it was not necessary and I have decided not to go back to that forum. I forgive the admin. but not interested in a forum with that kind of treatment of its members. I am not perfect but the temporary freezing of my account was not justified frozen for two weeks now. Anyway, I do not want to be accuse of exaggeration so thought I would make this up date that I was not really banned!

[John317]

Thanks for that, Messenger.

Actually I restudied the posts involved and didn't see anything there that would have resulted in banning in most of the forums.

Glad to hear that at least if you wanted to, you could go back.

[messenger]

Thanks for that, Messenger.

Actually I restudied the posts involved and didn't see anything there that would have resulted in banning in most of the forums.

Glad to hear that at least if you wanted to, you could go back.

Thanks for your support brother John317. No there really was no justification for even just the temporary freeze either. I felt it really was a form of persecution, some things I said that he disagreed with, and I was not given any appeal or of his decision or anything. So, what could I do? If persecuted in one place go to another and rejoice that you are counted worthy to suffer persecution for Christ sake etc. I am not perfect but was not deserving of his conduct, I forgive, I have moved on, not thinking about going back there? Unless, I have some kind of revelation from the Lord to do so!

blessings in Christ, messenger

[Woody]

Quote:

Unless, I have some kind of revelation from the Lord to do so!

blessings in Christ, messenger

Speaking of revelations ...

I am curious about your name (messenger). How did you happen to choose the title that Ellen White chose for herself. And what revelations or messages do you feel you have for us?

[John317]

Quote:

Unless, I have some kind of revelation from the Lord to do so!

blessings in Christ, messenger

Speaking of revelations ...

I am curious about your name (messenger). How did you happen to choose the title that Ellen White chose for herself. And what revelations or messages do you feel you have for us?

I'll post what Messenger answered the first time you asked him the same question:

Quote:

Greetings Redwood, thanks for your comments. As to the nick name I use (messenger) I do not mean to imply that I am anybody special or anything, I got accused of that in another forum. It is just the same to me as saying I am a Christian, a disciple or servant of Christ and because we SDA's are told that the most important message for us to share is the three angels messages and I try to do that with the message of Righteousness By Faith and it is just a name that I thought represents those things.

When I have more time I will complete more on my profile. But not much to tell about myself, I have been an SDA for about 30 yrs. I am a former Ordained Literature Evangelist Minister, Ordained Elder, Lay Pastor, Bible Worker and Personal Ministries Director. But now in my older age I am not as active as I use to be. Glad to be able to get to know you through this forum and share God's love and truth.

[messenger]

Brother John317, Thanks for replying to the question about why I use the name (messenger) with my previous answer to his same question before.

I would ad that Ellen White also says that we are all messengers if we are giving the three angels messages and doing the work God considers the most important.

Also I was ordained by the Local Conference and Union Presidents, Publishing leaders and Pastors, as a sucessfull full-time Literature Evangelist for selling thousands and thousands of truth filled books giving the three angels messages and gave out thousands and thousands of free literature as well and gave 7 years of my life to doing that full-time and we were called messengers!

But even with that done and said, I do not feel as though I am worthy of the name messenger, it is just a online user name. Many members have one that may have meaning to them or not!

thanks, blessings in Christ, messenger

[messenger]

Ellen White on Messengers:

Lest we should think only of great and gifted men, to the neglect of the poorer classes, those who are in humble circumstances, Christ in the parable of the great supper instructs his messengers to go also to those in the byways and hedges, to the poor and lowly of this earth. Go to those in gross darkness, and as many as you shall find, bid to the feast. This is the work we are to do. Labor is to be put forth for all classes. {RH, May 8, 1900 par. 12}

I saw the necessity of the messengers, especially, watching, and checking all fanaticism wherever they might see it arise. Satan is pressing in on every side, and unless we watch for him, and have our eyes open to his devises and snares, and have on the whole armor of God, the fiery darts of the wicked will hit us. There are many precious truths, contained in the word of God, but it is "present truth" that the flock needs now. I have seen the danger of the messengers running off from the important points of present truth, to dwell upon subjects that are not calculated to unite the flock, and sanctify the soul. Satan will here take every possible advantage to injure the cause. {ExV 51.1}

But such subjects as the Sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement, show what is our present position, and establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell. {ExV 51.2}

I saw that the quick work that God was doing on earth would soon be cut short in righteousness, and that the swift messengers must speed on their way to search out the scattered flock. An angel said, "Are all messengers? No, no, God's messengers have a message." {RH, April 1, 1850 par. 6}

I saw that the messengers and the church must have compassion with some, making a difference. Now the messengers of God must seek wisdom and know how to treat each individual case. Not all must be treated alike. By close examination it will be seen that individual cases differ. Some are to be borne with longer than others, but if one is living in disobedience to the commandments of God, the church must act and must separate them from them. And for other sins it will often be necessary to disfellowship souls if they continue in their sins; yet great care should be used and great patience and forbearance exercised. {9MR 196.4}

I saw that Brother_____had tried to do right and just as well as he knew how, yet he has failed at times. I saw that judgment and caution must be used. The messengers must all move out unitedly and with decision and energy, yet they must have meekness and patience, and in love for souls fulfill their duty. They must all go among the people with the power and Spirit of God with them, and must have energy that will arouse the stupid and those who are off their watch and cause them to awake and get ready. {9MR 197.1}

Prepare! Prepare! should be sounded in the ears of the people. For the great day of God's wrath is coming, and who shall be able to stand; and while messengers cry to God to prepare and get ready, they must be awake and have energy themselves and let it tell to all that hear them that they are standing between the living and the dead. Preachers and people who believe the third angel's message should set a holy, lively example. Their conversation and actions should show that they are looking for the appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.--Manuscript 1, 1855, pp. 1,2. (Untitled, undated.)White Estate Washington, D. C. April 6, 1979 {9MR 197.2}

At Oswego, (N.Y.), the Lord shewed me that there must be a great work done for his people before they could stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. I was pointed to those who claim to be Adventists, but reject the present truth, and saw that they were crumbling, and that the hand of the Lord was in their midst to divide and scatter them now in the gathering time, so that the precious jewels among them, that have formerly been deceived, may have their eyes opened to see their true state. And now when the truth is presented to them by the Lord's messengers, they will be prepared to listen, and see its beauty and harmony, and leave their former associates, and errors, and embrace the precious truth, and stand where they can define their position. {ExV 57.1}

The Lord seeks to save, not to destroy. He delights in the rescue of sinners. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked" (Eze. 33:11). By warnings and entreaties He calls the wayward to cease from their evil-doing and to turn to Him and live. He gives His chosen messengers a holy boldness, that those who hear may fear and be brought to repentance. How firmly the man of God rebuked the king! And this firmness was essential; in no other way could the existing evils have been rebuked. The Lord gave His servant boldness, that an abiding impression might be made on those who heard. The messengers of the Lord are never to fear the face of man, but are to stand unflinchingly for the right. So long as they put their trust in God, they need not fear; for He who gives them their commission gives them also the assurance of His protecting care. {CC 202.5}

blessings in Christ, messenger

[John317]

I was ordained by the Local Conference and Union Presidents, Publishing leaders and Pastors, as a sucessfull full-time Literature Evangelist for selling thousands and thousands of truth filled books giving the three angels messages and gave out thousands and thousands of free literature as well and gave 7 years of my life to doing that full-time and we were called messengers!

But even with that done and said, I do not feel as though I am worthy of the name messenger, it is just a online user name. Many members have one that may have meaning to them or not!

Literature Evangelists do a wonderful and important work. They reach people that no one else will, and the books they leave in the people's homes often result in their making decisions for Christ.

[Woody]

Yea... That's cool. 'I' am a "literature Evangelist" also. So, I can relate. But for sure ... I don't have all the qualifications as you do Messenger.

[Bravus]

I propose a new rule: if any thread has more than 10 consecutive posts with only two posters, it gets locked. How many multipage threads do we see with just two people with intractable positions restating and restating those positions? (the 'Sources of Ethics and Morality' thread is one current example)

[Woody]

We could also add rules for those thread that get off topic or are in the wrong forum. The potential for rules is unlimited.

[Liz]

I propose a new rule: if any thread has more than 10 consecutive posts with only two posters, it gets locked. How many multipage threads do we see with just two people with intractable positions restating and restating those positions? (the 'Sources of Ethics and Morality' thread is one current example)

But then you will have people arguing about who got the last word. I'm just saying....

[Bravus]

Both of you are right: I guess once again we're thrown back on people showing some self-control and realising when arguments have stopped being productive.

More and more I'm seeing the wisdom of Stan's original stance that 'there is no rule but common sense'. All rules ought to be common sense anyway, and we can proliferate rules forever, but without common sense we'll put all our energy into enforcement instead of enjoying the forum.

I hereby pledge myself to always aim to post with common sense, and to respond to any suggestions or corrections from a moderator with common sense (and respect).

[cricket]

I propose a new rule: if any thread has more than 10 consecutive posts with only two posters, it gets locked. How many multipage threads do we see with just two people with intractable positions restating and restating those positions? (the 'Sources of Ethics and Morality' thread is one current example)

Mightn't it be better to simply move the thread to a private setting where these two could continue their conversation?

[Bravus]

Maybe. I dunno - as I said above, there's no real substitute for common sense.

And I could be totally wrong in this proposal - maybe there are half a dozen or half a hundred lurkers who are following the debate about the meaning of 'hastening' and the Mark of the Beast with rapt attention...

[Robert]

I propose a new rule: if any thread has more than 10 consecutive posts with only two posters, it gets locked.

Since John317 and I go at it quite often I guess you would have a lot of locked posts!

[Woody]

Yeah that's right Rob and now you can add that Great Lakes Gramma.

[Tom Wetmore]

Both of you are right: I guess once again we're thrown back on people showing some self-control and realising when arguments have stopped being productive.

More and more I'm seeing the wisdom of Stan's original stance that 'there is no rule but common sense'. All rules ought to be common sense anyway, and we can proliferate rules forever, but without common sense we'll put all our energy into enforcement instead of enjoying the forum.

I hereby pledge myself to always aim to post with common sense, and to respond to any suggestions or corrections from a moderator with common sense (and respect).

How uncommonly sensibly!

[Woody]

Okay then. Back to the common sense rule. Makes sense to me.

[David Koot]

Been pretty busy this week, but thought I'd take a look at how this discussion is coming along. I also noticed a set of rules posted, apparently, on Jan. 3 by John317. If those are the rules which will govern participation on this forum, then that sounds good. Such a set of rules surely is an important part of the picture. Of equally importance, one would think, is the enforcement of such rules. Rules are only as good as what is done with them. Ideally, we might hope that individuals would try to follow them. If not, then they need to be enforced consistently. Otherwise, their value is questionable. Consistently includes even-handedly, across the board, same application to everyone and anyone. Forums may have separate sections or boards, one for regular discussion, another section for those with special needs, be they spiritual, emotional and so forth. The discussion boards are handled by moderators even-handedly. On the ministry or recovery boards, special needs of individuals are more the focus. No doubt, there is a need for both types of approaches, each having its place. And, once again, the cardinal rule that if a moderator is active in a discussion, he or she MUST recuse himself/herself from moderating THAT discussion!

Dave