How Can We Help AllAboutGOD.net Grow?

[Greg, TheNET Coordinator]

I'm interested in finding out what we can do to help TheNET grow faster both in terms of numbers of members and the number of people interacting online at the same time.

On average we see 7 new members every day and about 8 online at once.

Is there something we should change or do that we aren't doing now?

Is there something we are doing that we should stop doing?

New members or visitors, what are your first impressions of TheNET?

[Greg, TheNET Coordinator]

Thanks for your good comments, Sylenda. I really like the idea of using a link in outgoing emails. I think I'm going to create a forum to show people how to do that. Yes, let's keep praying for the troops!

[Bob B]

First of all no one has a right to push their pet doctrines upon anyone and if we do then we are moving away from becoming a net. that will lift up people. I remember Paul communicated with people from where they were at. I love people and my heart is not to indoctrinate people in my beliefs. I have only tried to strengthen others. I know from experience that people are all growing at different rates, so I have to deal with them with care so I do not end up hurting them. It is kind of like gardening, especially when it is just starting out after it sprouts. You have to deal with it differently than you would if it was full grown. It is not compromising; it is being loving and wise.

If this network is going to be affective and continue to grow then we all have to learn how to become more Christ like in our on going relationships with one another. It isn’t about making sure we do every thing perfect that will make this thing better; it is about us all humbly loving and caring for one another. Most people won’t even listen to the words you say until they know you care. There is a Muslim lady that is a member of this net that has been really helped because of her ongoing relationship with loving Christians where she has really been impacted because of these loving, wise, believers.

If this network is to grow, we need to cultivate our personal relationships with the Lord.
As we do this we will have his heart for others.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
By this the love of God was manifested in us that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1John 4:7-11

Saying all this I have found some of the most wonderful examples of loving, Christ like people here on this net that make it a warm and inviting place to be.

Greg, I know a lot of people who come on the net who are not members all the time. It would be very encouraging if there was a guest book so you could see how many non members are gleaning from the net also.

[LT]

Several points here I would like to interject:

1) If this is a forum, then we are to encourage people to ask questions and we want people to respond. Otherwise, lets set up teachers and turn it into a classroom. Some of the one's responding are not as mature as some others. Their response may be in error, even if but only a slight error, still error. The key is for the more mature to help them see the error and thus helping the growth process. If we just discount all they said and condemn their thought, which will always be taken as a condemnation of self (Rebuke and condemnation are not the same), we lose the opportunity to instruct gently in love. There is a way to correct error without having to go to war, especially if you take into account that the one you are trying to correct is a brother. Everything we do is to be seasoned with grace. You will find that I am not easily persuaded, but that does not mean that I must be harsh with those who are genuinely seeking the truth. It is healthy for people to express their views, even if they are wrong. Again, this gives opportunity to teach more than the one here on the site. Remember, they will face these issues in the world, therefore, this is the place to deal with them in love and truth.

2) Doctrines are an interesting issue. There are absolute foundational doctrines that are non-negotiable. There are other areas that are not as clear in Scripture that man has turned into doctrine without great clarity and thus we have certain divisions within the church body. In some cases both or all may be wrong, even but only slightly wrong. Some of these are related to end times and the various views held regarding it. There are many other areas as well. What I find to be the case, though, when relating to doctrine is that many of the so called doctrines people hold to are actually preferences that man has elevated to being revered as a doctrine. This is no better than the Pharisees creating 3000+ laws to keep people from breaking the 10 Commandments. The intent was good in the beginning, but eventually man perverted their laws and viewed them to be equally as important as God's and sought to force people to adhere to their man made laws.

There are some areas that will never be embraced by all Christians together this side of heaven. That does not make any of them evil if their love and faith is in Christ with the desire to live for Him according to His Word. The question one must ask themself and substantiate with the Word of God is what are the "non-negotiables in Scripture?" If we break these (my non-negaotiables) on this site, then I must leave because I will not be a part of an eccumenical movement. But, I also must realize that there are areas regarding Scripture that I and fellow Christians will not agree on. In those areas we can agree to disagree. Teach your point, stand your ground, but understand that there are opposing views on those issues. Sometimes, after time, we find that we were on the wrong side of an issue and change because we now have a better understanding than previously.

The goal must be growth through love, encouragement and God's Word. That requires gentle instruction based on truth. Note also, that Paul was speaking to a church that should have been mature. Many here are new to the faith or even still seeking for salvation. They cannot understand the deeper truths at this time.

My input,
LT

[Jonathan McLatchie]

Well said, LT.

[Bob B]

Amen Lt!
Bob

[LT]

Addressing more mature Christians who are in clear error in deed needs to be done. The Bible is clear on this. Jesus and Paul set great examples regarding this. Even this was done in love.

Regarding Catholocism, I have many concerns relating to their deeper beliefs and even their marching orders regarding Protestants that most are unaware of. Even with that insight, limited as it may be, I am not ready to call Catholics evil. At the same time I cannot defend it. This is not fence sitting, though it appears that way. I have not come to a place of conviction regarding your issue with the Catholic church. My approach is to present Jesus to all who will hear. I then trust the Holy Spirit to call people out of false systems, for the truth will set them free.

If my unwillingness to condemn them is cause for you to separate from me, then that is a choice you will have to make. I hope not. I believe that we can agree to disagree on this, but I recognize that this is a core issue with you.

May i suggest one more thing. Not I, for I will not defend it, but when someone defends the Catholic church address the defense in love with Scripture to help the one you feel is confused to be set free.

Lastly, my view of the Catholic church will neither get me into heaven or keep me from it.

Blessing brother,
LT

[Greg, TheNET Coordinator]

LT,

Brother, you are right on the mark! You are full of grace and truth! I praise God for you!

[Greg, TheNET Coordinator]

Bob, thanks for the idea about the guestbook. I like it. What would that look like? How would it work?

[Mandy]

Dear Greg; If I am repeating what someone else has said, I haven't had the chance to read all the replies; but when I signed up I stumbled across the site through another site. At first when I signed up I did not know much and I stumbled around and learned as it went. I think what would be really great is to have a group of people as a welcoming committee so to speak. I can not always tell when someone is new. So if we had a select group of people who could monitor for new people and maybe take the time to read their info and hook them up with someone they might have in common, and give them info on what groups they might be interested in. I thought it was awseome when you came onto my page and welcomed me. It really kept me coming back. In Christian Love.

[Mandy]

I would like to add one other thing; When I have posted a question or looked for help. Often times I get scripture verses for an answer. Not that I don't want to learn the scripture, I do. However if those who want to post scriptures for their answers; I think it would be more effective to direct them to the areas of the Bible that deal with that. I say this because if just posting scripture, it takes the element of personal love for each other out of the picture. I believe the most powerful way to witness to the Lord is to share our Love of the Lord and our Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. I know this sounds simple; however these have been the kind of persons I have been drawn to, and have been an inspiration to me. They have given me scripture, but they also display true Christian Love.

[Nienie]

Indeed Mandy for through His love He conquers the world! And HE is love thus says the Word.
Scripture is so needed for in it is truth and victory! To use scripture you can resist the enemy and you can proclaim your victory and it has power for it is the living Word!
It is the only way to comfort people and to encourage them and give the one and only true Word!
How wonderful to share the love of Christ with others!

[Marysol Losada]

what about adding a chat room!?