Hi Joey,
Thanks for your reply! I hear what you are saying. The scriptures say: But the Comforter, [even] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. John 14:26
I no longer believe we need to go to church to get spoon fed. It has taken me a long time to overcome my indoctrination and see the truth. I wanted to see but old ideas kept clouding my vision. Maybe that's why Jesus said "unless you become like a little child...". A child is like teachable and moldable like clay. They don't have preconcieved ideas and notions. I want to be a pliable clay in my Lord's hand's so he can shape me into His image. I want God to guide me into all truth.
I have come to despise Orthodox teaching. I see it as a trap like a cult- you can't question the teaching or you are considered a heretic. This keeps people in fear and bondage. In church today the pastor said that God would NEVER intrude on people's free will. Ha! What about Saul/ Paul- of course he is an extreme example but the pastor said "NEVER". I hate the message of Freewill! It is a lie! It is God who draws and works in you to do and to will for His good purpose. It reminds me of a song by Caedom's call it says "I am thankful that I'm incapable of doing any good on my own"
I just had to look it up for you all.
I wish you could hear it too!
Here it is:
Thankful by Caedom's Call
You know I ran across an old box of letters
While I was bagging up some clothes for Goodwill
But you Know I had to laugh at the same old struggles
That plagued me then are plaguing me still
I know the road is long from the ground to glory
But a boy can hope he's getting some place
But you see, I'm running from the very clothes I'm wearing
And dressed like this I'm fit for the chase
'Cause no, there is none righteous
Not one who understands
There is none who seek God
No not one, I said no not one
So I am thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own
'Cause we're all stillborn and dead in our transgressions
We're shackled up to the sin we hold so dear
So what part can I play in the work of redemption
I can't refuse, I cannot add a thing
'Cause I am just like Lazarus and I can hear your voice
I stand and rub my eyes and walk to You
Because I have no choice
I am thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own
I'm so thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own
'Cause by grace I have been saved
Through faith that's not my own
It is a gift of God and not by works
Lest anyone should boast
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Blessings, Paula