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Thanks. Yes, the tagline came from the Reasons to Believe group (old-earth creationist group started by Hugh Ross) often quoted that verse in their podcasts and such. Of course, the context of that verse is about testing teachings from people who claim it's prophetic. But RTB liked to use it to test just about any theory or "science" someone says.

I can't remember the name of another concept, but it has to do with how to interpret eschatology. It basically goes like this: when it comes to practical application of what we learn from eschatology, it doesn't matter the exact what's that will happen or the exact when's that will happen as long as we keep on trusting the Lord because He wins in the end.

For example, when it comes to handling Christian persecution: if it's relatively mild persecution like we have in the U.S. -- keep the faith and live it like ya mean it. If it's like has been going on in the Middle East for a while -- keep the faith and live it like ya mean it. If what we're seeing is the true end times -- keep the faith and live it like ya mean it. If what we're seeing are just baby steps in the end times and the large events will happen later -- keep the faith and live it like ya mean it.

So I'm all up for friendly discussions and debates among fellow Christians as long as at the end of the day we still -- keep the faith and live it like ya mean it.

We had a sermon series on “Church Doctrine”. Not getting into the details of it all, but the hierarchy of the various doctrines. I can't remember them all, but at our church there were 4 or 5 things you HAD to believe in order to be a member (God is the creator, the Trinity, Jesus as Savior, etc.)

Then there were 3 or four other “levels” of doctrine, and varied in importance on helping your faith. But that you should have an understanding of it and be able to use it in your own life and witnessing to others.

Then later on we had a series on these lesser doctrines including creation, end times, when does life begin, etc. The various pastors differed on many of them (although when life begins they all agreed), and they can discuss them reasonably. And they have come to see the other points of few, and often it is “Well, I used to be young-earth, but now I can see where it might be old-earth, so....”

The pastor did mention topics like “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin” don't meet any sort of doctrine level - but perhaps might make for a good opening party question.