Steve,

Thank you very much for putting a lot into responding to my letter!

You took your time, delineated my questions, and then offered your answers.

It was quite an effective response, and I really do appreciate it.

Sadly, so much of what you mentioned does seem to be going on.

I've used the word sadly, because, apparently, so many of us, in American churches, are either oblivious, or indifferent.

I am sorry about that one red herring question.

btw - you had written:

"Acceptable worship rests on the foundation of an obedient life."

I really agree with that.

Jeremiah 7:9 Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not;

  10 And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?

I also believe that our fellowship with Jesus also is similarly related to an obedient life.

And I do not believe that we get saved by leading an obedient life, as that would bypass the cross:

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

But once we are saved, Jesus expects us to be obedient, and to be holy.

And he has given us his Spirit, so that we can live like that, by the Spirit.

.