Albion wrote:Well, Jo, I am sorry that I don't have the superior spiritual understanding that you claim for yourself...after all I boast not in anything of myself but only in Christ who saves me. I am impressed though that you would presume to know so much about me from just a few posts on this message board but when you look down on others from such a lofty position I suppose that ability is a natural byproduct of the superior viewpoint....but then, too, personal attacks do appear to fit Mormon apologetics as I have seen them on this board. Interesting that you would accuse me of sharing "from what man has taught"...especially since you place so much trust in the words of Joseph Smith and his introduced theologies rather than the holy spirit who talks through actual scripture. You appear to claim a sincerity for yourself that you deny to others. Don't you think that a little presumptuous?
I regret that you appear to think I have not answered your questions...but from my perspective I think I have done so. In defense, if I haven't, it's because I prefer to study the original to weigh the counterfeit against it rather than to use counterfeit philosophies and theologies to verify the original. At the end of the day, I can only be true to the whispering of the HS as I hear him and by extension I can only be accountable to God rather than your presumed opinion of me. I can live with that because I know where my trust is placed.
Albion,
You still cling so tightly to anti-LDS rhetoric you cannot see my words. I have not taken any personal credit - nor do I boast of myself. This is what I have said over and over again: What I have shared comes from the Truth which the Holy Spirit has revealed to me. Also, whatever I have written about spiritual Truth just so happens to agree with what Paul taught about spiritual Truth. Go figure. Likewise, he taught that those who DO understand spiritually will not be understood by those who only understand temporally. I can see that you believe in Christ. But that does not mean that you "know" Him. Knowing Him (because He IS Truth) is a journey which the Holy Spirit leads you on so that you CAN know All Truth. I don't "know" Him yet either. I do recognize that God has revealed more parts of the Truth than He has to you. Paul was able to make the same distinctions; but he knew much more than I currently know. Even though Jesus was here in the flesh when He taught the ancient Apostles, they did not "know" Him either. The evidence for this is found in Jesus' own words, "I have not taught you everything I know; but what the Father has told me to teach you"; "The Comforter will lead you to All Truth". Jesus in the flesh was NOT all that Jesus IS; Jesus was not allowed to reveal all that He is. This is not a personal attack. It is not surprizing that much of the anti-LDS rhetoric concerns the Holy Spirit. This was also taught by Paul - and you are manifesting his teachings by the way you respond to the Truth which the Holy Spirit has revealed to me.
When we are able to recognize Truth (and Truth is everywhere!), we will recognize it because the Holy Spirit will reveal it to us. When we hear Truth spoken it will edify us, regardless of WHO spoke it, or where we are when it is spoken. This is also how we are able to recognize when others are walking in the Spirit. It doesn't matter what religious institution your are a member of. It doesn't matter if you are not a member of any religious institution. Truth is Truth. When we are spiritually in-tuned, actively and sincerely seeking Truth, we will recognize it and be drawn to it no matter where it is that we come across it.
My opinion of you is that you are at the beginning of your journey of being taught All Truth. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. Your desire to believe in Christ and to accept Him as your Savior is a wonderful thing!! You have just begun your journey. You will find that it is an awesome journey!! In my journey, I have come to be able to experience more and more of the Holy Spirit as Father has deemed me able to receive it. I don't receive it unless I continue to diligently seek more and more Truth; Praise God that He is faithful to His promise to mankind! Even though I still sin and still seek forgiveness, it is because I am still seeking Truth that the Holy Spirit will reveal more Truth to my spirit. By keeping Jesus' ways, the things the Apostles taught are taking place in my journey. It is the Holy Spirit who reveals Truth just like Jesus promised; just like the Apostles taught.
Now, just because they DID speak the Truth about HOW to acquire Truth, when I share what has been revealed, you are calling me boastful; even though I give credit to God. Never have I said you are accountable to me OR to what I have shared. It is when you able to receive Truth when you hear it, THAT is when you will hear it. THAT is when you will have the eyes to see. This is not my teaching. It is God's teaching. You are accountable only to God - no other. When our spirit is able to see the Kingdom of God, it will because our spirit has been Born of the Spirit; and NOT before that time. As such, it is clear to me that neither of us has yet completed the journey of receiving All Truth. Why do you begrudge me what has been revealed to me? There will a point where you will be saying the very same things to others, and they will claim that you are being boastful. Neither you or I created the Plan of Salvation (and thank Heavens for that!!!); however, ALL of us must make the journey in order to return to God and become One with Him.
Blessings,
jo