Right on Izzy. To imagine that God cannot use the denominational world to accomplish His will for the individual believer is to arguer that our God is too small. We need to keep reminding each other of this message, especially in a forum such as this which draws from such divergent points of view.
John
In a message dated 7/24/2004 8:23:17 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
And regarding the many and diverse denominations going on, I believe that God uses them for good wherever we allow Him to. I look at them as stepping stones for those hungering after a deeper walk with God. Anyone can find a church where they feel comfortable at the moment, where they can learn and grow. Then they get the urge to move on to another group/denomination/fellowship and start learning even more. In my own life I started out in a RCC family. The first thing I did as a young married woman was start attending a Lutheran church nearby, which was very similar, but different in many good ways. From there I attended Presbyterian for many years, and then a couple of charismatic churches, and now I have been attending a non-charismatic, evangelical, âseeker-friendlyâ, non-denominational church for some time. I would be happy to attend any church my husband wants for us, as it is such a joy to worship alongside oneâs spouse wherever it is. Iâm sure I could get something (and give something) at most any true fellowship of Believers. Folks arenât necessarily limited by their churchâs denominational doctrines if they donât want to be. Some folks even find Jesus (below all the man-made hubris) in the RCC! Amazing, the power of the Holy Spirit. I say diffârent strokes for diffârent folks. Itâs not the denomination that matters (although most of them turn ME off!), but the Christ we are seeking there. Izzy
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2004 9:06 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Why the listen to voices from the past?
I really should already be gone but I wanted to add a comment -- my ego constrains me!!
The reason why we include the 400 (or more) in our search for truth is rather obvious to me and Judy knows this scripture before I am able to finish the text:
Eph 4:11ff " And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints [in] their work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ [and will do so] until we attain to the unity of The Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man [or woman], to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ."
As I see it, Bill and others quote whoever for the same reason we have preachers and teachers. There is a progressive logic that presents Bill with his theological conclusions, more so than a Bible thumper such as myself, but, and it is clear to me, in the final analysis, brother Taylor insists that his conclusion measure up to the biblical message as he understands that message. In other words, he is as Bible based as any one. However, the observation still applies that when we think we know something, we do not yet know it as we ought.
Gotta go
John
In a message dated 7/24/2004 7:43:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
jt: These are who you quote Bill and no I didn't just want to insult you; I am sharing my thoughts here, have never been into ad hominem attacks on TT. We are discussing Truth here, right?. Could we just stay with the issues and leave off the personal offenses? (that is taking or giving personal offense) If you are a sincere seeker after Truth you should not be offended to have some of these ideas challenged.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I do not look to the Scribes for wisdom, Judy; neither do I look to Charles Ryrie. On this occasion I agree with the Scribes over Ryrie. How did you miss that from what I wrote? Oh, I get it: you just wanted to insult me.
Bill
