I just gave you scripture, so no. It's not "me" saying it.
That is where you are wrong, yet you don’t realize it. When both people are presenting scripture, it is no longer scripture arguing, but another’s private interpretation
Christ said He would build a Church, not just give us a book and cry “every man for himself, good luck figuring it out”
I agree that we do not rely solely on people because any one can claim to speak for God, but what is there basis for doing so? God gave us a hierarchy of authority from scripture: Apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and pastors.
Jesus said He would not leave us orphans meaning that we are adrift to figure it all out on our own.
Apostle means one who is sent, which is as an ambassador who represents the diplomatic interests of a kingdom. They have the authority of the king and speak for Him. They are human and can make mistakes, but we have to contemplate very prayerfully before making that judgement. Even if they are found morally wanting, their office still must be respected as it is established by God. As king David said of Saul, “I cannot raise my hand against God’s anointed”, although he knew Saul wished to slay him and was behaving with evil
When we ignore Apostles, it is though we are in rebellion against the kingdom and expect God to ignore His promises given to His Church in favor of our private interpretation.
So your way feels right to you? You are aware that scripture in proverbs says, there is a way that seems right to a man but the end thereof are the ways of death
The spirit realm is complex, and the one thing that we know is that evil spirits are capable of tempting us. They do that by feelings. They tempt to make the evil seem good and the good seem evil, that is what they do. So if we rely on spiritual feelings to guide us in scripture, we can be lead astray. An exorcist once said, God is not the only one that broadcasts on that channel.
Your comments seem to tell me that you are relying only on yourself and blaming God if you get it wrong, because you say God will personally open the scriptures to you, which is what one means when he says scripture interprets itself.
Really? That is what Jehovahs witnesses also tell me. Do I believe them? If not, then why are they wrong and you right? If they are lead astray, how do you know that you are not?
I have brought up a work from the second century that is very scriptural based as it references I believe every book in the Bible.
Would you read it? Iraneus, Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching
It could provide insights to you for further study, as scripture also says it is useful for reproof, correction and training in righteousness
How can one be reproved who refuses to listen? How can one be corrected who says, no thanks I am fine? How can one be trained who refuses instruction?
It is interesting that the Laodiceans were mentioned in another post. What is their sin for which God calls them to repent? It can be summed up in two words, “No thanks”, as they say I am rich, well fed and have need of nothing.
God says they are miserable, blind, poor and naked. Such are those that refuse correction, instruction and training. Humility demands that we ask for help. God does not like His gifts to receive the reply, No thanks.
I say this not to condemn you, but to encourage you. God loves you and wants the best of His kingdom for you. How can He give it to you, if you refuse?
