I have been Spirit-Filled since 1975, age 17. I have pastored for over twenty years. I was a Police Chaplain for about six years. I am presently serving as an Army Chaplain in Iraq. I have a B.Th., M.Div., and pursuing a few doctorates at this time. I have three sons and six grandchildren. I am not a typical Pentecostal. I believe in questioning everything, thinking out of the box, studying hard, and allowing the Word of God to be my final authority. Some of my theological conclusions have changed from my younger years, while some beliefs are being revamped. I have noticed over the years that sometimes we have a tendency to think that if we challenge what we were taught by studying God's Word, we will miss God, because what we were originally taught is deeply connected to what others expect out of us. However, my core value is it isn't about what I hold dear, it is about what the Word truly says. I am not the final authority, the Word is, so I can be secure in knowing that although the Word never changes, what I believe about the Word should always be in a state of growth. Anyway, enough with my "preaching". God bless you!
Did you know that all heresies worth their salt have a Biblical basis? What do you think prevents us from going off the deep end of scripture into false doctrines?
__________________
His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
I have been Spirit-Filled since 1975, age 17. I have pastored for over twenty years. I was a Police Chaplain for about six years. I am presently serving as an Army Chaplain in Iraq. I have a B.Th., M.Div., and pursuing a few doctorates at this time. I have three sons and six grandchildren. I am not a typical Pentecostal. I believe in questioning everything, thinking out of the box, studying hard, and allowing the Word of God to be my final authority. Some of my theological conclusions have changed from my younger years, while some beliefs are being revamped. I have noticed over the years that sometimes we have a tendency to think that if we challenge what we were taught by studying God's Word, we will miss God, because what we were originally taught is deeply connected to what others expect out of us. However, my core value is it isn't about what I hold dear, it is about what the Word truly says. I am not the final authority, the Word is, so I can be secure in knowing that although the Word never changes, what I believe about the Word should always be in a state of growth. Anyway, enough with my "preaching". God bless you!
Welcome rwdeese!
Great opening (especially the bolded), and interesting life/background! I look forward to reading more of your scriptural views in threads ahead, as I'm sure you will bring good stuff to the table.
__________________ As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.- Gal. 6:14
Did you know that all heresies worth their salt have a Biblical basis? What do you think prevents us from going off the deep end of scripture into false doctrines?
I think there are a few things that can help us.
1. Do your best not to make a doctrine out of a single verse.
2. Emphasize what God emphasizes (i.e. besides God, praise and worship is mentioned more in Scripture then any other teaching. So, we should make that our emphasis.
3. When formulating your doctrinal position, make sure that you look at every verse in the Bible concerning the doctrine before coming to your conclusion. This is very time consuming, but well worth it.
Great opening remarks(especially the bolded)! I look forward to reading more of your scriptural views in threads ahead, as I'm sure you will bring good stuff to the table.
1. Do your best not to make a doctrine out of a single verse.
2. Emphasize what God emphasizes (i.e. besides God, praise and worship is mentioned more in Scripture then any other teaching. So, we should make that our emphasis.
3. When formulating your doctrinal position, make sure that you look at every verse in the Bible concerning the doctrine before coming to your conclusion. This is very time consuming, but well worth it.
Blessings
Truth is always worth the time and effort.
__________________
His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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