Hi, MDB.
You said.
Snowbird,
The Message is NOT a bible. It is a paraphrase. Big difference. People use it like it's a bible, but it's just someone's interpretation of a traslation.
I know that, but I like it anyway :)
You said, "I believe the Holy Spirit is personable only in the fact that It reflects the personality of God" The Holy Spirit isn't an "It". God's Holy Spirit can be blasphemed, lied to, speaks, testifies, hears, is obeyed, grieves, commands, guides, intercedes, etc. That's personality.
Since Holy Spirit emanates from God, It is a perfect reflection of God's personality, IMO.
"if as much information was given to support the Trinity as the Virgin Birth, you and I wouldn't be having this discussion"
There is a lot of suport if you look for it. Isn't it the Holy Spirit that reveals the Word of God to those who read it? The Bible is divinely inspired, but many read it their whole lives with a veil over their eyes.
I definitely believe in the teaching/revelation ability of Holy Spirit, but It hasn't convinced me of the Trinity.
Thank you and may you have peace.
Sylvia