I think we probably use different terms for this but I don't want to take the discussion too far off track...
The cause and purpose of the 'trinity' is explained to us for the purposes of communicating things we cannot literally see unless the Heavenly Father's purpose be served to further or finish His plan. No, I have not been literally visited by a messenger from Him, but I have no doubt that through this flesh age others have been.
Are you taught that when this flesh body dies, the soul sleeps until resurrection? Because if this off-shoot continues the teaching of soul sleep, that would explain the rejection of the sending and purpose of the 'Comforter' or Holy Spirit.
As I stated earlier, I do not consider myself gifted in the ability to communicate what I see in my mind's eye, the Trinity of the Heavenly Father. The Greek's and their Philosophy have little to no bearing upon the final outcome. Because it was Christ Himself that instructed the reason for and the purpose for why He was giving us the Holy Spirit.
This is yet to take place; Mark 13:11 But when thy shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that 'hour', that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit.
Now as far as Christ being our brother, I do not and cannot consider Him, as God with us in a flesh body as a brother... He is our kinsman redeemer, and no other entity either in spiritual or flesh form can or will replace Him. He is the 'tree of life' spoken of in Genesis and in Revelation... there is none other like Him.
I try to choose my words based on scripture (not always successfully). I use the term brother because of this scripture: Rom 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
What does predestined mean? Paul also instructs us as to the elect, chosen, election were all predestined. When did this specific act take place? Paul says it was before the overthrow - casting down .... Moses describes this overthrow - casting down in Genesis 1:2, and there are other places in the New Testament where in Christ uses the same 'time frame', as is translated the foundation which can be a noun or verb but means the overthrow or casting down.... of this world ... means 'age'. II Peter 3 whole chapter Peter gives an outline of the three different heaven/earth ages. And Peter even tells us how God keeps time.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise too part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
So the souls of the children existed before they were placed in these flesh going to return to dust bodies.
God never required of His children to do anything that He Himself would not likewise partake. We children however, seem to need to partake of all manner of ungodly acts, and then we appear to have a multitude of Lot's wife mindsets.
I do not have animosity toward you. That might be the impression some take when their traditions get rebuffed for getting in the way of having the meat of the Word served.
I hold no animosity toward you either. As your own experience shows holding an unpopular belief among those that believe differently is going to draw fire justified or not. Anyways thanks for sharing just your thoughts. I'm sorry about the experiences you had. I was at dinner with an older man last Saturday night. He was telling me about his experience in the old WWCG in particular where a minister treated him like a naughty school child...made me upset to know that people who call themselves ministers of the Lord could be so callous in their treatment of others. I know some of them have repented and are deeply sorry about getting caught up in that. Some probably never will. But this isn't a problem unique to the COG's...it exists throughout humanity.
While it most certainly was a pained outcome, I can now with no doubt understand Christ's instruction and warning of the tribulation of deception to come. It is very sobering to read His Words that all but the elect will be deceived. .... Many are called but few are chosen (elect).
Any question of there not being a 'trinity' should be answered by what we are told took place in Acts on Pentecost day, referring back to the holy prophet Joel... those days seemed to be nigh upon us. Personally speaking I would flee any and all who attempt to disclaim the Holy Spirit, given it is what will aide us in the last days.
We are in agreement on that my friend. If we don't have God's holy spirit we have no hope.