You're right, Redwood. Too many of us look to fellow church members and the church itself for proof as to whether what God says is true. Having gone through a bit of emotional persecution by pastors and their misled church members myself, I can say that the experience was not in vain; I learned that I cannot depend on my church or on persons wearing a cloak of human righteousness - that Jesus is my only true Rock. Unfortunately, not everyone who goes through such an experience can claim any kind of positive result.

Learning to look to God instead of people or institutions - that is truly a vital lesson.

LynnDel

We can look unto this:

But as I read about the pioneers. They lived like Jesus was coming back soon. They believed Jesus was coming back soon and structured their life accordingly.

Oh how I wish the our people behaved this way. Because its our behavior that is driving the youth away.

Good comments!

I agree that the message without corresponding growth and godliness- what is that?'

Right on about the youth and hypocrisy!