Pilgrim,

You said, There cannot be "three Gods (but one)", -- I AGREE with you.

Pilgrim said:
Quote
It is not arrogance to "stick with the Word" but it is rather arrogant to think that you can stand above and/or apart from every other Christian and the Church to whom the Holy Spirit was given for the purpose of knowing all truth. Those who God has called by His Spirit are not only called to an individual faith in the Lord Christ unto salvation, but they are also adopted to be part of the family of God as "sons". (Rom 8:14; 2Cor 6:18; Gal 4:5; Heb 12:22) Within that family, the Church, God the Spirit has discriminately given gifts for the benefit of the whole; one being that of teacher. (Eph 4:11-14; 1Cor 12:4ff) A rejection of God's appointed means of teaching is what Paul warned about. (1Tim 4:3) And it is also true that there was, is and will be false teachers who are called heretics. (1Cor 11:19; 2Pet 2:1) Thus is imperative that every teaching be scrutinized against the Scriptures. (1Jh 4:1)

Here is where I’m at. I’m looking for the Church... God’s appointed. I’m upset. I’m finding people who are walking out and fellowshipping with each other.... and so far, I am learning a lot from them. I’m not sure if this is yet the “come out of her my people.” But I am finding a lot of heresy and disappointment. I see things very different than many here concerning eschatological events. I believe it is very skewed, everywhere -- I cannot say more. And I won’t. But, That’s a big one. The bible says that the Lord would send a delusion so strong to deceive, if possible, the elect. I have to wonder, in my own conviction, faith and understanding, if on a spiritual level... it isn’t a case of spiritual warfare vs. theological debate and head knowledge. “It’s not in my rule book from the elders” That is not meant as insulting... it is an honest statement. I certainly do not hold degrees... nor am I claiming to stand above and distinct from the body of Christ. I don’t want to be distinct... but I am feeling estranged... and I don’t want to be that, either.

Getting back to our need to explain... You are right. I don’t want to end this as silly as Gilda Radner saying ‘nevermind.’ I said what I did... thinking the topic outloud... here. In retrospect? I’m still considering a lot of what you wrote, as well as others, here and elsewhere. On a side note, I read your article ‘By Grace Alone’ – and I appreciated the insights that you conveyed very much.

-Kathy