Subject: I NEED A TRUE FRIEND THAT IS A CHRISTIAN |
Bible Note: Hello brother Mark, No problem with the delay, it was actually right on time. My participation on the forum has been very light in recent weeks as I too have been busy with personal stuff. I can certainly appreciate and agree with much of what you have said in this recent post. I also believe that we are closer to agreement the more we come to understand each other. As I believe I have said, some things that might be appropriately said and further explained and explored face to face are not as convenient in the forum setting. Things such as "this is an indication of..." just hang out there on the screen and where there is not scripture supporting the statement it begs to be addressed and clarified. I believe that it is often that the author being called to account didn't mean, or even intend to imply the point that is being debunked. Still, for the sake of integrity, clarification should be required. As forum members, we have agreed to uphold that. As Christians, we have a responsibility to the same. Some quick points regarding your recent statements. You wrote: "If an expositer, standing at the podium preaching the Sermon, is being true to his/her calling then the words being spoken are true and are intermingled with scripture from the bible. " I see your point but still emphasis; the only "words being spoken" by the preacher that can be qualified as teaching the truth are those that are consistent with the truth of Scripture. I take from your statement that you believe that. The important thing is though, that we have absolutely no way of knowing for sure that, as you put it, the expositor "standing at the podium preaching the Sermon, is being true to his/her calling..." And yes brother, Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ was a very touching and emotional. I've seen it through three times and been teared up each time. While appreciating it for what it was/is, I still have to be careful not to base my doctrine on it and recognize the liberties the movie takes in presenting the gospel. This was especially important in the discussions I have had with my family about the film. So our task continues to be the study of God's word and to teach the truth found therein. God bless, Jeff |