First, we must have "ears to hear" which is a gift from the Father: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: - John 10:27 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. – John 6:65 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. – Matt 16:17
It is always a delight to read your posts, AG. They boldly stand for the position that the individual must listen to the Lord and all that He has spoken before listening to any human.
There is also an additional source of guidance, also scriptural, and we biblical Christians will miss some of the Lord's intent if we don't allow it to affect our lives. The Lord truly does speak to us through the brothers and sisters in our Churches.
- 1 Corinthians 14: 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
- Acts 21:8-14 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" 12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done."
- Matthew 18:15-20 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Just wanted to add a few thoughts to your outstanding post.
Our RC & Orthodox friends do us a favor to remind us that The Church is not just an incidental hanging around the New Testament. The Church, the Body of Christ, was also given as a guide and help for us in discerning the will of the Lord. We are right not to turn that gift of the Church into an institution of oppression. At the same time, though, we shouldn't prevent it from having the biblical influence that it is supposed to have.
Blessings, Sister, on your day. Grace, Peace, and Strength.