At this juncture I feel it is prudent to once again emphasize us being Bereans and reading scripture as a priority. On this forum I have tried to be fairly detailed and comprehensive with scripture references; at times lately I ask people to look things up to avoid sounding redundant. If one is to go beyond an opinion and discuss an opposing point of view then scriptures need to be referenced in order to debate an issue with any substance. I certainly am not going to state that I have all understanding of all implications of verses which upon interpretation could justify one or another point of view.
There are clear overarching themes and truths that can be verified in multiple references that render apparent contradictions as a sort of red herring.
There are some things that have cost me dearly in regard to friendships; especially lately in regard to a particular subject in scripture. I will refrain from mentioning it again although you are no doubt familiar with what I am talking about. Many things related to eschatology aren't necessarily as important; for instance. In general I think I can state that anyone even and especially within the professing church as a whole who holds out to the traditional understanding of scripture will have resistance even persecution. We need to ask ourseleves several questions here.
1. In regard to a matter is it edification; proper rebuke and in general concern for a brother or a number of people in a congregation that is our main goal or simply trying to prove a point or cause a controversy?
2. Is jealousy for His Word; His sanctuary and His presence overriding our decisions over majority consensus among men; whether believers or not?
3. Are we living righteously ourselves and not hypocritically?
4. Are we listening to all points of view with an open mind and heart?
5. Are we willing to count the cost and uphold truth
At this juncture I feel it is prudent to once again emphasize us being Bereans and reading scripture as a priority. On this forum I have tried to be fairly detailed and comprehensive with scripture references; at times lately I ask people to look things up to avoid sounding redundant. If one is to go beyond an opinion and discuss an opposing point of view then scriptures need to be referenced in order to debate an issue with any substance. I certainly am not going to state that I have all understanding of all implications of verses which upon interpretation could justify one or another point of view.
There are clear overarching themes and truths that can be verified in multiple references that render apparent contradictions as a sort of red herring.
There are some things that have cost me dearly in regard to friendships; especially lately in regard to a particular subject in scripture. I will refrain from mentioning it again although you are no doubt familiar with what I am talking about. Many things related to eschatology aren't necessarily as important; for instance. In general I think I can state that anyone even and especially within the professing church as a whole who holds out to the traditional understanding of scripture will have resistance even persecution. We need to ask ourseleves several questions here.
1. In regard to a matter is it edification; proper rebuke and in general concern for a brother or a number of people in a congregation that is our main goal or simply trying to prove a point or cause a controversy?
2. Is jealousy for His Word; His sanctuary and His presence overriding our decisions over majority consensus among men; whether believers or not?
3. Are we living righteously ourselves and not hypocritically?
4. Are we listening to all points of view with an open mind and heart?
5. Are we willing to count the cost and uphold truth
6. Will we harbor bitterness in our hearts?
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