Updated as of 01-29-07
Welcome!
This message board is for all those who love the Lord and have a hope of Zion. Welcome all Restorationists, RLDS, LDS, Temple Lot, Community of Christ, Elijah Message, and all other Latter Day Saints. Welcome all Christians! This message board is for anyone who loves truth. Ultimately, that truth can be summed up in Jesus our Lord and Savior and the words He spoke.
Our purpose is to be a place of fellowship for all those who seek Him.
This board isn't really designed as a place for hard core atheists, agnostics, or people of other religious beliefs. However, please understand that all are welcome here no matter their belief - if they can be respectful, and desire to enter into constructive dialog. It is my hope that no one participating here would be afraid to hear opinions different than their own. Differing ideas and beliefs are allowed.
Principally though, this place is for all those who believe in Zion - the Kingdom of God coming on earth as it is in Heaven. It is for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is for those who desire to establish the cause of Zion, and who mourn for Zion and await the day when Enoch's city will come down again.
No matter your religion, or lack of, you are certainly welcome to read through the posts, ask questions, and enter into discussions IF you do so in a respectful manner - obey the board rules, and participate with the intention of honestly seeking the truth in all humility and trying to come to greater understanding, rather than to simply contend with people or bash their beliefs.
This board is not a place to attack other participants because of their beliefs. However, if you want to enter into a discussion with someone who's opinion differs from your own, and seek to persuade or enlighten them, you should do so with all humility, being willing to consider the fact that you may be the one who is wrong, or perhaps you're both right and wrong to some extent. As a rule of thumb, both parties should enter into discussion in hopes of both gaining further understanding.
This place is a sanctuary for those who love God.
It is my desire that it would be a a place of healing.
And a place of enlightenment.
Participation here should be viewed almost as a kind of church service, if you will; a place of fellowship. A safe place. So if you are visiting - but are not of the same faith as others participating here, please keep this in mind, and act as you would if you were visiting a church during one of their services. Don't be rude, crude, or argumentative. Contention is not of the Spirit of God.
This is NOT a debate forum.
Probably one of the most important things to remember about this message board. It is meant for intelligent discussions, not contentious arguments.
This is a discussion forum.
Please discuss topics peacefully and with great RESPECT and LOVE for one another. The object is to understand one another better so that we may grow from the exchange. It is NOT a place for one person to beat down another, or convince someone that they are wrong. Share with them, and let the Spirit bear witness.
This just about sums up my feeling towards the purpose of this message board and how users should conduct themselves. But I do have a set of easy to follow rules listed below that I want you to review before posting here.
I ran a Bulletin Board System, with over 400 users connecting to my personal computer via modem, back in the late 80's and early 90's. And I gained a lot of experience from it. One of the things I learned was that when we do not have to look someone in the face, and can hide behind our computer screens and keyboards, it becomes a lot easier to blast someone or to treat them poorly. Please be gentle in your treatment of one another on here. If you profess to be a follower of Messiah, then act it. Jesus said "love your enemy" and "bless those who persecute you", and yet many believers find it nearly impossible to be civil with a brother or sister of the faith who simply believes differently regarding some bit of doctrine.
Another thing I learned is that typed words don't necessarily carry with them your intended tone of voice, and that those who read them tend to imagine a tone of voice with those words, and quite often when in disagreement over a matter, the tone they imagine in your words are quite different than what you may have intended. Please carefully choose your words, so as not to cause misunderstanding. And for those who are reading the words, please give the author the benefit of the doubt, and be careful not to jump to any conclusions about the tone or intention of the writer. Give each other plenty of opportunity to clarify something they wrote, or to apologize if something they wrote offended you.
And now, the...
Official Rules for Posting
1. Do not post personal attacks on individuals
2. Do not post gossip and unsubstantiated rumors
3. Avoid attacking other's personal beliefs or religion.(That is NOT to say that we cannot share our view of any particular belief, or that we cannot intelligently and respectfully discuss the merits of particular doctrines, or issues that you may differ with someone on, but do not be harsh and judgmental in your comments. Bottom line: Let the Spirit guide what you say. Hint: If you are feel contentious, upset, or impatient when you post, you do not have the Spirit)
4. Absolutely no profanity or obscenity allowed
5. Avoid Contention. Rather than debate, please "discuss" the issues in love with the idea in mind that we are sharing so that both sides might gain greater understanding of one another, rather than with the idea that we will change the other person, or prove them wrong.
6. No spamming! Spamming is simply showing up to advertise something when you have no intention in contributing to this board in the future. This is a discussion board, so if you are going to post, stick around a bit and be willing discuss what you posted.
Additional "Guidelines" for Posting
These are not considered rules, with serious consequences for violating. But they are simply guidelines I would please have you consider when posting. Admins or Moderators may give you a gentle reminder if you have a habit of not following these guidelines.
1. Be mindful of the thread topic and try to stick to it as much as possible.
2. Please be mindful of the various Forums and Threads already in existence before starting a new one. (For example: Avoid starting a thread on the Book of Mormon in the middle of the Bible Forum, or the Common Hall Forum when there is already a separate Book of Mormon Forum created for such discussions.)
3. As this is a discussion board, the main objective is to discuss things, so try to avoid posting messages that do nothing but quote from Bible passages, or other "authoratative" text. (This is a discussion board. Quoting from books is not discussing the issue. It may be used to help make a point, or enhance the discussion or bring enlightenment, but you should also bring with them your comments about what those quotes mean to you, and how they apply to the discussion. If you have a lot of passages you would like someone to read, you might consider simply giving the references instead of quoting pages of it. This helps keep the length of posts down.)
4. Avoid picking apart what others having written or expressed (Try to understand what they intended to convey in their post, and avoid nitpicking or twisting their words, or arguing over semantics)
If you have a problem with the ezOP (the System Administrator) of this board, or with any administrative action he has taken, or with the policies of this site, rather than posting your gripes publically on the message board, email those complaints directly to me at: hopeofzion@hotmail. If you have questions, or helpful suggestions, you can post them in the "Questions to the ezOP" Forum.
Anyone who breaks the Rules of this message board may be issued a warning or banned. Generally, people will be issued a warning first and given an opportunity to become compliant. Depending on the severity of the case, a user may simply be banned outright without warning.
Bottom line in posting... let LOVE dictate your words and actions. Be respectful towards others who post. If you are feeling uptight, frustrated, or there is contention in your heart regarding a discussion in one of the Forums, take some time out to pray and carefully think about what your response should be before you post.
A warning to those who would abuse posting privileges
If you post a message that is threatening in nature Law Enforcement will be contacted, and your IP will be given to them. With this IP and the time stamp next to your post, Law Enforcement agencies can go directly to your service provider, and obtain records on exactly which of their users were given that particular IP address on any given date and time, and thereby track the post right to the PC in your own home.
The Internet is no longer as anonymous as it once was. These are the facts, and I would not hesitate to take necessary measures if I am forced to. I hope that it never comes to that.
In closing...
Differing opinions are welcome here, and you may express them freely, so long as you keep your comments to the issues and topics being discussed within the framework of the various forums. Those defined topics are to be discussed with respect for one another.
There is no forum, nor is there one allowed, for discussing your dislike of individuals, other message board users, other church organizations, or the policies of this message board. Do not post gossip or unsubstantiated rumors against anyone.
For those who dislike this message board, the people who post here, or the things they say, I have a simple solution: Don't visit here. Please don't bother posting your personal grudges or personal attacks against me or this message board, as it will simply be deleted, and if it continues, you will be banned. If harassment continues or threats are made, legal action can and will be taken.
For the rest of you, good decent folks... I believe the golden rule, and other civilized ideas about how to treat others is sufficient for you. Thank you for visiting, and I hope you will join us in discussing the things that really matter.
I look forward to many beneficial and fruitful discussions with you all.
God bless!!!
HopeOfZion ezOP, - Douglas Hatten
Welcome!
This message board is for all those who love the Lord and have a hope of Zion. Welcome all Restorationists, RLDS, LDS, Temple Lot, Community of Christ, Elijah Message, and all other Latter Day Saints. Welcome all Christians! This message board is for anyone who loves truth. Ultimately, that truth can be summed up in Jesus our Lord and Savior and the words He spoke.
Our purpose is to be a place of fellowship for all those who seek Him.
This board isn't really designed as a place for hard core atheists, agnostics, or people of other religious beliefs. However, please understand that all are welcome here no matter their belief - if they can be respectful, and desire to enter into constructive dialog. It is my hope that no one participating here would be afraid to hear opinions different than their own. Differing ideas and beliefs are allowed.
Principally though, this place is for all those who believe in Zion - the Kingdom of God coming on earth as it is in Heaven. It is for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is for those who desire to establish the cause of Zion, and who mourn for Zion and await the day when Enoch's city will come down again.
No matter your religion, or lack of, you are certainly welcome to read through the posts, ask questions, and enter into discussions IF you do so in a respectful manner - obey the board rules, and participate with the intention of honestly seeking the truth in all humility and trying to come to greater understanding, rather than to simply contend with people or bash their beliefs.
This board is not a place to attack other participants because of their beliefs. However, if you want to enter into a discussion with someone who's opinion differs from your own, and seek to persuade or enlighten them, you should do so with all humility, being willing to consider the fact that you may be the one who is wrong, or perhaps you're both right and wrong to some extent. As a rule of thumb, both parties should enter into discussion in hopes of both gaining further understanding.
This place is a sanctuary for those who love God.
It is my desire that it would be a a place of healing.
And a place of enlightenment.
Participation here should be viewed almost as a kind of church service, if you will; a place of fellowship. A safe place. So if you are visiting - but are not of the same faith as others participating here, please keep this in mind, and act as you would if you were visiting a church during one of their services. Don't be rude, crude, or argumentative. Contention is not of the Spirit of God.
This is NOT a debate forum.
Probably one of the most important things to remember about this message board. It is meant for intelligent discussions, not contentious arguments.
This is a discussion forum.
Please discuss topics peacefully and with great RESPECT and LOVE for one another. The object is to understand one another better so that we may grow from the exchange. It is NOT a place for one person to beat down another, or convince someone that they are wrong. Share with them, and let the Spirit bear witness.
This just about sums up my feeling towards the purpose of this message board and how users should conduct themselves. But I do have a set of easy to follow rules listed below that I want you to review before posting here.
I ran a Bulletin Board System, with over 400 users connecting to my personal computer via modem, back in the late 80's and early 90's. And I gained a lot of experience from it. One of the things I learned was that when we do not have to look someone in the face, and can hide behind our computer screens and keyboards, it becomes a lot easier to blast someone or to treat them poorly. Please be gentle in your treatment of one another on here. If you profess to be a follower of Messiah, then act it. Jesus said "love your enemy" and "bless those who persecute you", and yet many believers find it nearly impossible to be civil with a brother or sister of the faith who simply believes differently regarding some bit of doctrine.
Another thing I learned is that typed words don't necessarily carry with them your intended tone of voice, and that those who read them tend to imagine a tone of voice with those words, and quite often when in disagreement over a matter, the tone they imagine in your words are quite different than what you may have intended. Please carefully choose your words, so as not to cause misunderstanding. And for those who are reading the words, please give the author the benefit of the doubt, and be careful not to jump to any conclusions about the tone or intention of the writer. Give each other plenty of opportunity to clarify something they wrote, or to apologize if something they wrote offended you.
And now, the...
Official Rules for Posting
1. Do not post personal attacks on individuals
2. Do not post gossip and unsubstantiated rumors
3. Avoid attacking other's personal beliefs or religion.(That is NOT to say that we cannot share our view of any particular belief, or that we cannot intelligently and respectfully discuss the merits of particular doctrines, or issues that you may differ with someone on, but do not be harsh and judgmental in your comments. Bottom line: Let the Spirit guide what you say. Hint: If you are feel contentious, upset, or impatient when you post, you do not have the Spirit)
4. Absolutely no profanity or obscenity allowed
5. Avoid Contention. Rather than debate, please "discuss" the issues in love with the idea in mind that we are sharing so that both sides might gain greater understanding of one another, rather than with the idea that we will change the other person, or prove them wrong.
6. No spamming! Spamming is simply showing up to advertise something when you have no intention in contributing to this board in the future. This is a discussion board, so if you are going to post, stick around a bit and be willing discuss what you posted.
Additional "Guidelines" for Posting
These are not considered rules, with serious consequences for violating. But they are simply guidelines I would please have you consider when posting. Admins or Moderators may give you a gentle reminder if you have a habit of not following these guidelines.
1. Be mindful of the thread topic and try to stick to it as much as possible.
2. Please be mindful of the various Forums and Threads already in existence before starting a new one. (For example: Avoid starting a thread on the Book of Mormon in the middle of the Bible Forum, or the Common Hall Forum when there is already a separate Book of Mormon Forum created for such discussions.)
3. As this is a discussion board, the main objective is to discuss things, so try to avoid posting messages that do nothing but quote from Bible passages, or other "authoratative" text. (This is a discussion board. Quoting from books is not discussing the issue. It may be used to help make a point, or enhance the discussion or bring enlightenment, but you should also bring with them your comments about what those quotes mean to you, and how they apply to the discussion. If you have a lot of passages you would like someone to read, you might consider simply giving the references instead of quoting pages of it. This helps keep the length of posts down.)
4. Avoid picking apart what others having written or expressed (Try to understand what they intended to convey in their post, and avoid nitpicking or twisting their words, or arguing over semantics)
If you have a problem with the ezOP (the System Administrator) of this board, or with any administrative action he has taken, or with the policies of this site, rather than posting your gripes publically on the message board, email those complaints directly to me at: hopeofzion@hotmail. If you have questions, or helpful suggestions, you can post them in the "Questions to the ezOP" Forum.
Anyone who breaks the Rules of this message board may be issued a warning or banned. Generally, people will be issued a warning first and given an opportunity to become compliant. Depending on the severity of the case, a user may simply be banned outright without warning.
Bottom line in posting... let LOVE dictate your words and actions. Be respectful towards others who post. If you are feeling uptight, frustrated, or there is contention in your heart regarding a discussion in one of the Forums, take some time out to pray and carefully think about what your response should be before you post.
A warning to those who would abuse posting privileges
If you post a message that is threatening in nature Law Enforcement will be contacted, and your IP will be given to them. With this IP and the time stamp next to your post, Law Enforcement agencies can go directly to your service provider, and obtain records on exactly which of their users were given that particular IP address on any given date and time, and thereby track the post right to the PC in your own home.
The Internet is no longer as anonymous as it once was. These are the facts, and I would not hesitate to take necessary measures if I am forced to. I hope that it never comes to that.
In closing...
Differing opinions are welcome here, and you may express them freely, so long as you keep your comments to the issues and topics being discussed within the framework of the various forums. Those defined topics are to be discussed with respect for one another.
There is no forum, nor is there one allowed, for discussing your dislike of individuals, other message board users, other church organizations, or the policies of this message board. Do not post gossip or unsubstantiated rumors against anyone.
For those who dislike this message board, the people who post here, or the things they say, I have a simple solution: Don't visit here. Please don't bother posting your personal grudges or personal attacks against me or this message board, as it will simply be deleted, and if it continues, you will be banned. If harassment continues or threats are made, legal action can and will be taken.
For the rest of you, good decent folks... I believe the golden rule, and other civilized ideas about how to treat others is sufficient for you. Thank you for visiting, and I hope you will join us in discussing the things that really matter.
I look forward to many beneficial and fruitful discussions with you all.
God bless!!!
HopeOfZion ezOP, - Douglas Hatten
