I have always been of a mind to be convinced from scripture my beliefs are in error. So, yes, truth really does matter to me.
Truth exists apart from me and apart from you. My beliefs may be wrong or your beliefs may be wrong. Additionally, we cannot both be correct but we can both be wrong.
The Lord’s supper was initially a fellowship meal of believers to proclaim the death of Christ, reminding them of His sacrifice. Paul warns that if taken in an unworthy manner it could lead to sickness and death.
I would allow any who desired to fellowship with us through the supper to do so, but always admonished everyone that examine themselves beforehand, to seek forgiveness from God and to be focused upon our Lord.
I do hope that pleased God, as that was my intent.
I don’t think I’d reduce God to 1 + 1 = 2. There is more to consider.
Scripture tells us the truth of God’s existence should be obvious from His creation. We also know from scripture the effect of sin in the lives of humans has caused them, everyone, to reject this revelation of God found in creation.
Additionally, God is Spirit and we are flesh. He exists in a place we cannot access in this life, with the very rare exception of God’s supernatural intervention as in the case of Paul and John
being taken to the third heaven.
Right, I think it’s important to know what others believe. Not only that, but to accurately repeat what they believe.
I find most of the time we aren’t debating what others believe, but a caricature of what they believe or of what we believe.
I remember a few years back someone started posting on BB that John MacArthur was teaching a works based salvation. Of course, JMac explicitly states what he believes (Lordship Salvation) is not a works based merited salvation.
So we spend all our time saying “you believe works based salvation” “No I don’t”
“yes you do” no I don’t” yes you do”, instead of actually debating what Lordship Salvation really means.
We are currently having similar discussions about whether “faith” is a work.
Man. That's true.
I thought the world of JMac and his writings on Lordship Salvation had a big part in convincing me that there was something to this Calvinism stuff.
I was blown away when I read a book on God's sovereignty written by top Calvinist academics of today that completely dismissed JMac's views.
I also have actually read a lot of Puritans and what they said was not even close to what the internet Calvinist warriors are saying.
And if you really want a shocker, read Augustine himself.
I'm not saying he's Catholic.
But he wouldn't last a second in most Reformed churches today either.
Also, I have found that there is more diverse opinion among Calvinists than between a lot of moderate Calvinists and regular Baptists.
And the most helpful thing I have discovered is that most people's opinions are much more affected by the group that they perceive as being important to be member in good standing of than any real evaluation of the truth of the positions.
So are you saying 1 + 1 equaling 2 does not need God to be true?
In which case, there
never needs to be any kind of god, let alone God. Whom we who are genuine Christians should know.
John 17:3.
I agree.
Speaking only for myself, the times when I will speak up and strongly disagree is when I perceive that the glory of God is being diminished via the other person's assertion. I will speak up and hold my ground on the full Supremacy of God in all things. I will not waver in this because any wavering takes away from the glory God is due.
Matthew 7:21-23, ". . . Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. . . ."
Yes Ky.
But I have not yet developed sufficient self esteem to get on a forum and spout my own unique interpretation.
But some have.
And everyone can tell.