[HarleyD]

First, what you call a word of God is one of the versions that has become a word of God after tradition of men.

I simply read what is written. I don't make something out of nothing.

Second, you select isolated verses you want to believe.

"Isolated" verses that you cannot explain. If I could I would post the entire scriptures and commentaries. However that would be a bit lengthy. So instead I post many of the verses that for years never made any sense to me. (I'd like to post the book of John and Romans but space is prohibited.) While I try to reconcile the verses I'm presented with (not alway to everyone's satisfaction), all I get in answer to my verses are "Yes, but..." or "It's a mystery..." or "I don't believe it". I personally don't think that is a very good way to understand God's word.

Third, you make up your own interpretations.

No, I simply tend to believe one church father over another; no different than you. You believe Cassian. I believe Augustine.

But, let me ask you: if God were to reveal that there is no salvation for us...and He now decided to cause another great flood, except without Noah, would you still glorify Him?

God said He is going to destroy the world with fire. I believe it. I still glorify Him.

It states in the scriptures that, in the end, EVERY KNEE will bow and everyone will be under subjection-including those in hell.

Would you still love Him?

The ONLY reason I can love God is because God has given me this gift.

1Jo 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

[kosta50]

I simply read what is written. I don't make something out of nothing

You believe in one of man's versions of the Scriptures. You form your beliefs based on what you read in the version and treat it as the truth.

"Isolated" verses that you cannot explain

Just about for every verse there is a verse that seems to counter it, HD. Our understanding of the faith is based on the totality of the oldest Scripture and Apostolic Tradition.

You ignore those verses that don't fit your agenda. But, more importantly, you form your beliefs on isolated verses.

all I get in answer to my verses are "Yes, but..." or "It's a mystery..." or "I don't believe it"

Well, God is a Mystery or else we would all understand Him the same way. We don't argue over gravity, HD. God, we don't know the same way: "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." {1 Cor 13:12)

Because we only know "in part" we do not claim to have all the answers (unlike some Protestants); we humbly accept our imperfect knowledge of God because it is not the knowledge of the Bible verses that is at the core of our faith, but love for God. If we love God, we fulfill the law. "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Gal 5:14)

But that's the "lovey-dovey" (your own words) part of Christianity that bothers you...which is why you don't go there.

No, I simply tend to believe one church father over another; no different than you. You believe Cassian. I believe Augustine

Wrong, HD. I believe in consensus patrum; I believe that it reflects, to the best of human ability to comprehend, our collective understanding of the Scripture and the Faith revealed to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.

The ONLY reason I can love God is because..."He first loved us."

Given, but that applies to all people, not just the "elect." It is also easier said that done. You must think yourself better than Apostle Peter who disowned Christ three times in dire situation. Lip service is everyone's specialty. I tell you that if God were to decide to drown the world for the second time, the churches would empty and no one would glorify Him.

Take the salvation out of the faith and watch churches become empty buildings!