Posted by SB on 12/29/2001, 11:19 pm

I can live with that... Posted by Steve B. on 11/8/2001, 7:50 am , in reply to "Re: Quote by Warnock....Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in the middle" Matt, I think I pretty much agree with your view. My position shouldn't be understood as saying people don't need the Spirit's help to understand the Word. It's just that I think this is a lot more common than what I hear others saying who have been influenced by "latter rain" teaching. The Spirit is willing and eager to help men understand the Word when they read it, and will do so unless they have deliberately hardened themselves in some way. But many times when I read the statements of the Latter Rain people, and of others influenced by Latter Rain teaching, I get the impression that they think even most Christians cannot understand the scriptures without special spiritual experiences of the kind they themselves like, and that only a relatively small group of Christian leaders have the true revelation of what the scriptures really mean. That is the position I specifically have had in mind when I have written things like the above postings. I also like your distinction between "illumination" and "revelation." I think that's an excellent way to think of things. Sincerely, Steve ---------- Something else I wanted to say Posted by Steve B. on 11/8/2001, 10:18 am , in reply to "I can live with that..." Another thing that is wrong with the "latter rain" teachers (among whom I include Don) is that when it comes to their key doctrines they attribute the "errors" of Christians who do not accept them to "not having the revelation." In other words, they turn all questions of scriptural interpretation into a question of who is really spiritual. Such men tend to picture their opponents as men who have interpreted the scripture "carnally" (i.e., using only their intellect), while their own position has been arrived at purely by spiritual revelation. This is gnosticism, pure and simple. It's also prideful. It sets up a division within the church between those to whom the truth has been spiritually revealed, and those poor souls who have a limited, carnal understanding. I claim this is a false characterization of the reasons for doctrinal differences in the church. This doesn't mean that I reject the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing truth to men through the scriptures but that, as I said above, I see the action of the Holy Spirit in regard to the scriptures in the opening and direction of man's intellect, rather than in the replacing of that intellect with special emotional experiences that reveal the truth. Sincerely, Steve ---------- Posted by BB on 11/15/2001, 6:13 am , in reply to "Quote by Warnock" Dear Lanny, Truly inspiring. Thank you. It is a beautiful thing to look back and see the faithfulness of God as he walks with us and matures us. What a beautiful Savior and friend who shows what a majestic God He is in His steadfast commitment to our growing with Him. Words fail..., but yours were good. Your friend, BB PS A couple weeks ago Pam and I watched our wedding video- Some of your finest work! ---------- Hello Posted by lanny on 11/17/2001, 5:21 pm , in reply to "Re: Quote by Warnock" Hey, great to hear from you. Trust you are well. Say hello to Pam. lanny