<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>[color:"blue"]If you know howard personally like I do then you will understand where he is coming from and is acting out of the convictions of his heart and with all sincerity.</font><hr></blockquote><p> Though I do not know Howard personally his posts do sound the trumpet call that he earnestly believes what he posts--as I think most here believe what they are posting or else they would not be posting it (of course, there are a few exceptions, et. al.). But, all of us need re-teaching from time to time--I am a former Baptist who is now a Presby, etc. Where this may be viewed as a major transition it took place by many smaller steps that others assisted me in taking.<br><br>What one needs to do is try what he believes (1) by Scripture, and (2) by history (community, church, confessions, et. al.). First, one would look at Scripture and see if his convictions match with what he asserts is true. Second, he needs to go to history (and I am speaking of good histories and theologians of the past/present) and see if others, who have probably studied the issues out in even more detail, agree with your exegesis. Then study opposing views and examine their exegesis and where it may fall short and even where it may appear to have some substance (all subjects are not always black and white). Then one also needs to look how the Reformers of the past conducted themselves and presented their material. Theology is more than what one knows, it is what one lives. <br><br>Thus, we may be very earnest about something and be very wrong. Correction needs to be viewed as positive, but in many cases, especially in myself, we find this VERY difficult. We need to be humbled and re-trained. The Holy Spirit uses many means--this forum being one of them. And, when we are corrected the Scripture advises how we are to take it.<br><br><blockquote>1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.</blockquote>

Reformed and Always Reforming,