Pilgrim
Actually, I probably should not call him a Christian, because I definitely have my doubts. You are definitely correct that a person’s Pneumatology is secondary to the whether or not the person is regenerate. He is able to articulate quite well how a person is saved. However, I suspect that is because of his exposure to the Gospel.

I have chosen this avenue because it is an area that I definitely see a huge problem with. His own friends have actually talked a fair amount with him on this. A while back, I thought it might be helpful to involve his pastor. So I went to him and I was quite disappointed in his reaction. He said that (name) is a sinner just like me. I got the feeling that he wasn’t going to talk to him.

The issue seems to revolve around this particular issue and he has brought up Hebrews 8, particularly verses 10-11, into the discussion, which leads to his understanding of Scripture. Though he is a little hard to understand, it sounds like he evaluates truth by a peace he feels that he believes the Holy Spirit gives him. (Sounds a little bit like Mormonism and what they call “burning in their bosom”)

Yes that is Rob Bells understanding of why Peter sank. Sorry I wasn’t clear on that.
I brought the issue of Rob Bell’s understanding (without naming Rob Bell) to him to mainly see what kind of answer he gives using his measure of evaluating truth. Not sure it is the best way to flesh the issue out, but that is what came to my mind when I saw what he said to me.

I have no illusions that I can convince him of anything, however seeing how he is remaining open and cordial; I am going to try to proclaim the truth to him. If I think it is a fruitless endeavor, I am going to drop the matter and just keep him in my prayers.

I am however aware of the fact that sometimes my words fail to be understood by others. This was made clear to me, on more than one occasion. An example of that happened a few years ago, when I was trying to give biblical advice to a friend on his marriage problems and trying to stick with Scripture. However, it became apparent, that it was fruitless, so I had to drop the matter. However, last year the Lord brought the person back in my life and now we are close friends. He told me that before he wasn’t ready to hear what I said and as a result he thought I was attacking him. He went on to say that now, God prepared him to receive what I had to say and he is hungry to hear more and grow.

That particular conversation taught me as much (or rather is teaching) me as much as what I was able to teach him.

Tom

Last edited by Tom; Mon Nov 10, 2014 9:19 PM.