There is one thing we are both sure of and that is that Christ is our Savior. Differences in doctrine and arguments over what amounts to punctuation between fellow Christians are really silly when all Christians face true evil in this world.
I know how the Holy Spirit has spoken and continues to speak to me. I am not going to be so bold or sure of myself to state that the Holy Spirit speaks to everyone else exactly the same way. I can accept that the God may tailor His message to the billions of Christians and lost souls around the world separated by distance, culture, language and by thousands of years.
These debates are fun but not definitive. Nothing is settled by them except that we can all testify what we believe. It is far more important that we testify THAT be believe in Jesus and His saving powers than HOW we claim it is accomplished. God Bless you.
How true.
You speak for me as well.
I am not sure we have the same definition of the words
To Catholics Jesus died to make open the gates of heaven so men could save themselves..
To those of us that would say we are born again, we literally mean Christ is our Savior. There is not one thing we could or can do to be saved.. it is all Mercy and Grace
So although we say the same words we do not mean the same thing
I know how the Holy Spirit has spoken and continues to speak to me. I am not going to be so bold or sure of myself to state that the Holy Spirit speaks to everyone else exactly the same way. I can accept that the God may tailor His message to the billions of Christians and lost souls around the world separated by distance, culture, language and by thousands of years.
I am always distrustful of anyone that says "God told me"..I hear that from both sides.. What I know is God speaks through His Spirit in His word.. That word convicts us of our sin, it comforts us in tribulation, it gives us peace and joy when we are sad or troubled..
God reveals Himself, His nature, His attributes, His immutability and His plan for salvation in what we would both agree is His word.
The Holy Spirit does not need to whisper in our ear.. His inspiration is always at hand in the scriptures.. anything that differers from what is written, anything that adds to it or contradicts it is not from God.. He is the same yesterday , today and tomorrow.. he will never contradict Himself or act in a way that is not consistent with what He has revealed about Himself in the Bible..
These discussion cause all present to examine what they believe, and how it lines up with Gods word.. So I, like you, have had the Holy Spirit speak to me.. in His word..
BTW it was a Catholic Priest that first advised a group I was with, to pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit when we read His word.. excellent advise :)
Have a blessed Sunday
Please sit down and grab the arms of your chair.
Take a deep breath or two.
I agree with your whole post.
And I’m not even suffering from apoplexy, delusions or anything.
The world will now return to spinning at its normal rate.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled exchange of brick bats and finger flingings of whatever robust nature and degree.