Hi, I'm glad to see that this site is not as doctrinally restrictive as some of the other Christian forums. I'm doctrinally complex, but not in a schooled sort of way, rather as a result of reading scripture extensively, and understanding it in a comprehensive manner, as a unified inspired text. I have found throughout my life that I have not found much fellowship with people who have an interest in an in-depth understanding of the Bible, and the reality of the new life of the spirit in the kingdom of God. This has led me to move on from a number of churches. It seems that the attitude of many is that doctrine divides, and so most people beat around the burning bush. Without doctrine, however, the leaven of Herodianism prevails; so goes the world. A true church must have doctrinal standards, without being overly restrictive about the discussion of speculative perspectives. That is a balanced view of orthodoxy; which allows members to be lively stones, and does not quench the Spirit, and provides for the continual opportunity for growth in the understanding of the Spirit of Truth. Orthopraxy is, of course, not as easy to deal with. Temporal government always proscribes religious practice, and tries to influence Churches towards obeying the image of the Beast, which even speaks. Such is establishment, which at best proscribes any legislation regarding the establishment of religion, which is tautilogical. However, the First Beast, and the Second Beast which exercises it's authority in it's presence, shall not always overrule the Church. The Second Beast is the last Beast, as there are four in the Old Testament, and two in the New Testament. The investiture controversy of 1122 AD was one prophetic milestone. The Lord is coming; maranatha! As Martin Luther said, "The Devil hates goose quills"; but he hates keyboards even more. Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda. The church reformed, is always reforming: until "It is done" resounds from heaven. Amen, and hallelujah!
