Replies

>>As I said, you have become your own Pope.<<

You nailed it! Although I wouldn't use that word since it really has no meaning to me regarding my relationship with Christ. You see, my relationship is with Christ himself - nobody in between.

>>So are you saying doctrine is not important?<<

The doctrine of the particular group I worship with is important, otherwise I'd just be unitarian. But only to a point, since I will not agree with any particular church organization 100%. I look for key doctrine such as the deity of Christ and baptism by immersion and some other basic Christian tenets (that's why I'm not mormon - they're not even Christian).

After that it comes down to convenience, personalities, teaching opportunities and learning opportunities.

>>It’s a shame you don’t have more faith in Christ when he said he would built his Church upon the Rock, promised the gates of hell would not prevail against it and would be with it until the end of time.<<

I prefer to believe we interpret that scripture differently. Greater minds than ours come down on both sides of this issue. I do have a question, though. What do you think it means when it says the gades of hell will not prevail against it?

>>I pray you will continue to seek the truth which will eventually lead you to the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. <<

I would prefer it said, "I pray you will continue to seek the truth which will lead you to a closer relationship and understanding of the one true God."

It's less one sided and more sincere. Let's face it, neither one of us can be ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that he/she is right. That's why it's called faith.

BTW, my wife was Irish Catholic for over 40 years. Strong believer too. We both have come to the position that we no longer put our faith in what church organization we belong to, but rather, God Himself as he chooses to reveal himself to us through His Word and prayer as well as through the teaching of others. Sometimes they're right. Sometimes they're wrong. I like to think of it as iron sharpening iron

You nailed it! Although I wouldn't use that word since it really has no meaning to me regarding my relationship with Christ. You see, my relationship is with Christ himself - nobody in between.

That’s wonderful since we are called to be imitators of Christ. What is your understanding of the Communion of the Saints?

I will not agree with any particular church organization 100%. I look for key doctrine such as the deity of Christ and baptism by immersion and some other basic Christian tenets

If you don’t agree with any Church organization 100% It would seem you consider the promise of Christ to his Church to be worthless and Timothy referring to the Church as the pillar/foundation of truth to be a lie.

What do you think it means when it says the gades of hell will not prevail against it?

The Church will not teach error. Since Christ is the way, the truth and the life, his Church will only teach truth.

Let's face it, neither one of us can be ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that he/she is right. That's why it's called faith.

No, I am ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE I am right. It’s called faith in Christ and his word.

We both have come to the position that we no longer put our faith in what church organization we belong to, but rather, God Himself as he chooses to reveal himself to us through His Word and prayer as well as through the teaching of others.

You seem sincere and I hope and pray this will lead you to the truth.