Josheb
Senior Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2023
- Messages
- 6,772
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- 3,727
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- 113
- Location
- VA, south of DC
- Faith
- Yes
- Marital status
- Married with adult children
- Politics
- Conservative
Forgive me for not making myself clear. Since I've been repeatedly personally criticized and, despite the repetition, the facts in evidence haven't been acknowledge and addressed relevant to the op, and a growing disinterest in discussing these matters with me was expressed, I'm taking you at your word and deciding not to trade posts further with you. Any further comments I make about the op will be for the benefit of others and discussion with those who can stick to the topic without making things personal. I won't be engaging with you in the dialogue of this op further. I will, however, look forward to trading posts with you in the next op, where I hope there will be less ad hominem.
Make note of my handle. Everyone here has challenges with the way I post at one time or another. I take a presuppositional approach to topics, typically using a Socratic method of what I always hope will be collaborative inquiry, and I use scripture rather than doctrinal or denominational sources and perspectives. I always endeavor to affirm that which bears consistency with whole scripture (as I have done here in this thread), ask questions about what I either don't adequately understand or that which is not clear (as I have done in this thread), and refute that which does not bear consistency with whole scripture (as I have done in this thread). I prefer to build incrementally from consensus (as I've attempted to do here in this thread) but that's often challenging given the diversity of thought, doctrine, sectarian affiliation, and practice in any internet forum. You'll get used to my "style." I will also add there are multiple intelligent, well-reasoning, experienced, well-read, and/or educated members in this forum. It's a great place for the teachable to learn, so never think you know something the other person also doesn't already know (and on the occasion your brain says otherwise, never say that in a post). Most of us have been trading posts with one another in one forum or another for more than a decade. We're like married people who both love and tolerate each other
..
Well, you're wrong.
I do not care.
Internet discussion is often vigorous, especially for those authoring an op and placing themselves on the defending end of multiple conversations, and vigor is often tiring and tiresome. I assume you were invited from another forum and have prior experience with discussion boards. If so, then you'll make the necessary adjustments to this forum, and we will all benefit. Personally, I think the Acts 10 account of God's work in Peter and God's work in Cornelius is fodder for a very rich and lengthy conversation, and that text covers matters other than the "in" and "on" of the Holy Spirit. The op isn't very well organized (despite evidence the attempt was made), but, given the depth of Acts 10's content that is understandable. Given your investment in this op I suspect the topic will come up in other threads. We'll all have plenty of opportunity to revisit this with you. I look forward to doing so.
Just not in this thread.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
The best threads bless everyone, even those holding different viewpoints. Method is just as important as content.
The op-relevant fact is the New Testament provides us with several examples of conversion to Christ and few of them look alike. This diversity becomes even more apparent when the examples of the Spirit's work among those of faith from the Old Testament are considered. Using one single example to define a matter as enormous as the Spirit's work in salvation was unlikely to work (that's why I asked about that at the beginning). It is my opinion, therefore, that at least a modicum of caution be applied to the premise of categorizing the work of the Holy Spirit into some kind of standardized operating procedure. I understand why certain denominations and cults assert fixed doctrines on these matters, but that rigidity is not defensible. This thread proved at least that much.
See you in the next op.
