I understand that you do not want to be known by these things but if you don't, then don't communicate to others in that manner. The way that you have defended yourself comes from insecurity. If you want to defend the faith then explain from the scriptures why it is the will of God for believers to esteem and be a joint participant of the local church. If you do that, then others will believe that you have convictions that come from the truth of the scriptures and not from personal preference that came through some family negative experience. Don't worry what VW might think, because like you said, we will all have to face God with the truth that abides in the heart.
BTW - Did God call you to any of those local churches and were you edified and built up in any of those churches through the word that was preached? Or were they just some kind of stepping stone for you to go in your independant walk with God that you have now?
BTW - Did God call you to any of those local churches and were you edified and built up in any of those churches through the word that was preached? Or were they just some kind of stepping stone for you to go in your independant walk with God that you have now?
They continuously preached as to how righteous lives we should live, but lacked true love, mercy and compassion, I am sure in your experiance of churches you have come accrposs some with the same atttitude
But many had Phariuseeical attitudes. I guess you woud feel at home in such churches as when I continuously point out to you according to scripture how such practices are wrong you say nothing in reply.
Why do you not explain why your church lacks REAL power and does not see the signs, wonders and miracles that CONFIRM the true message ids being preached?
Most churches are so far removed from the NT church these days it is not suprising there is seldom seen the power
A Christianity reliasnt on the literal word and human, logical understanding pof that word has left those who follow such an approach virtually impotent where true power is concerned that comes from the TRUE Gospel of grace.
Instead of fault finding at others Red, look inward ask yourself the questions I am posing here if you can, otherwise you will have to settle for a weak Christianity devoid of power, God wants more than that for his followers.
But maybe you feel you are fine just the way you are