[countmeworthy]

you can say that you take in teachings from several sources other than LRC. Yet, are the acceptable sources, and even parts that you accept, based on your preference and that is what colors what is "religious" and therefore not "Spirit filled"?

Mike, I do a LOT of digging in the Scriptures, in prayer and in books including the internet for answers to questions. Some people have experienced 'going to heaven' OR 'going to hell'. I've heard and read many testimonies. Do I believe their accounts ? Some YES and some I question because I doubt their stories. But I don't lump them all in the same category !!! Do I believe some people truly pray in tongues from their S/spirit ? Yes. But NOT everyone ! One of the things that bothers me at the church I attended and this might be an example of "preference" as you put it, was their corporate prayer meetings. While the pastor does not oblige everyone to pray in tongues, it is HIGHLY encouraged. So all at once, EVERYONE is praying in tongues !! No one interprets though. Funny how it is strongly encouraged in that church to pray/speak in tongues but no one can interpret !

That said, I can't explain this but I have heard some people pray in tongues and something in me "knows" they really have a heavenly language. The Presence of God is sooo strong on them. I'll stop and pay close attention.

Others just mumble-jumble. In that particular corporate prayer setting and btw, that is what they call it "Corporate Prayer", everyone is free to walk around, or sit or kneel as they pray. It is in that setting I have experienced the Presence of God strongly on some people praying in tongues but in others, it was not.

Do you presume that I like and prefer those liturgies and rituals? They are not my preference.

I don't presume what you like Mike. I don't know what your church is like. I'm guessing it is something similar to a Community church. We have a few around here. I've been to one. It seemed like a pretty good church. They don't take up offerings either or talk about tithing to my knowledge but wow..it sure didn't have a whole lot of juice !

But that does not make them simply "religious." I might find that in my disdain for some of those practices that I am resisting God who would rather that I be open and participate.

Simply put, Mike you come across as very intellectual. Nothing wrong with being intellectual. Hey. I'm all for being super intelligent. Paul had true revelation from GOD when he wrote we have the MIND of Christ. WOW... by Faith I believe we are as intelligent as Christ and He is THE 'super' Genius of the Universe ! He made it after all !!! And we have the MIND of CHRIST ? How blessed we ARE !!!

But there is a difference between man's intelligence and GOD'S intelligence. Bill Gates is pretty darn smart. Yet he doesn't know if God exists! WHAT ???!!

Rob Bell is pretty intelligent too, is a "Christian" but he tries to 'intellectualize' the Word and ends up twisting the scriptures to suit his interpretation.
He doesn't get it is the HOLY SPIRIT Who enlightens us !! And many times, that's how you come across, very intellectual and very analytical.

And please Mike. I KNOW my shortcomings. I know I am very enthusiastic. I also know I love to share what I have discovered and learned yet might come across overbearing. I don't do it on purpose nor do I think I am closer to God than anyone here. If that is the perception I have given, my apologies for coming across in that manner.