House Church Talk - The Doctrines of Grace

[Dan Beaty]

Bruce,

You wrote:
<<<
If I have communicated a spirit of animosity toward those of a different
perspective, I would ask my brothers and  sisters, Would you please forgive
me?   That was not at all my motive or attitude of heart. A great deal of
what I've learned over the years has been the direct result of other people
caring enough to differ with me! Those who agree with me or believe the same
things as I do have never taught me anything! But they have often reinforced
things I believed which were wrong! I trust that for that reason alone we
might welcome anyone here regardless of their position on any doctrine and
test all things by scripture as the Bereans of old. (Acts 17:11)

In Christ,
Bruce>>

I appreciate your spirit in this very much. Maybe my reaction was more from
past experiences where discussions on these subjects have gotten out of hand
and became a distraction rather than a help.

Surprisingly I have too been found to be wrong on a number of occassions! I
also appreciate hearing another perspective that can bring me into a
balance.

This week I was having an encouraging visit with some brothers who work with
the homeless. Together we remembered a quote, but could not remember the
author. It might be an antidote to some extreme viewpoints.

"Pray as if everything dependend upon God. But live as if everything
depended upon you."

Dan Beaty
Columbus, Ohio USA
www.livingtruth.com