Doctrine

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Inkscript@aol.com wrote:
> 
>  Bro Tyler, points taken and well made, however, this does not answer my
> first question. Why did God choose the way He did? Why was doctrine left open
> to interpretation at all? Why didn't He make it so clear that *everyone*
> would agree? Dede

Sis. Dede,
 When Jesus spoke to the masses of people, he spoke only by parables, or
stories. He did this to give just enough of a taste. The hungry would
come back for more. Those who were satisfied with the world, would go
their way, and do their own thing.
 The apostles were the only people on earth that he spoke plainly to.
The only ones whose understanding *HE* opened. The only ones who had the
mysteries explained to them.
 That is why we call ourselves "Apostolic". That is why we follow the
teachings of the Apostles. If you want to know what Jesus really meant,
the closest you'll ever come, is to follow the actions and teachings of
those who learned directly from him.
 You could ask the question, "why didn't the angel who came to 
Cornelius tell him the plan of salvation"? The angel told him to send
for Peter. God has chosen in his wisdom to use the "foolishness of
preaching" to *save* believers. 
 Yes, he could have made it plain enough so that we didn't need the Book
of Acts, but he chose to demonstrate *HIS* plan through *HIS* chosen
messengers. And yes, the Baptists, Methodists, JW's, Mormons, and
Orthodox Jews alond with Apostolics claim a corner on the market on
*truth*. The dividing line is, which lines up most closely with the
original teachings of those original "chosen messengers"; the Apostles. 
 Peter, Paul, and Barnabas didn't see eye-to-eye on every matter, but I
guarantee if you asked them what it took to make it to heaven, they
could answer in unison; Believe God, repent and turn from sin, be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and be
filled with God's spirit, evidenced by speaking in an unknown language
that, in fact God will speak through you.
 *THAT* is truth.