Young Southern Baptists Urged to Save the Denomination

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Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:30 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 1

Believer, suppose one never hears the truth the Gospel or observes a "Christian" acting in such a manner that it causes them to discount the validity of Gospel message. Do you believe that person would be eternally seperated from God?

ELCA Delegates OK Full Communion with UMC

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Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:03 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 3

Believer, I often read articles and comments on this board. As a Catholic who left evangelical Protestantism several years ago, I can honestly tell you that I would disagree with many of your views on salvation, the Church, apostolic authority, etc. However, growing up in Tulsa, I had the wonderful opportunity to serve with many wonderful Protestants such as yourself who no doubt love our Lord and serve him daily. While I can understand your sincerity, the divisions between us will likely not be solved on a forum such as this. I say this to my Catholic brothers and sisters as well. Much of what is said here is very divisive and not in the spirit of our Lord. Just a suggestion, but perhaps we can all push the keyboard away and truly be the face of Christ to someone who actually needs it, as opposed to going back on forth on this forum. I will start with myself. Take Care and may our Lord's peace be with you all.

Survey Finds More Hispanic Americans Becoming Protestant

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Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:02 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

I would like to have a particular discussion on a topic that is often brought up in these postings: salvation by faith alone. In the 19th chapter of Luke, our Lord reveals his intent to stay with the tax collector. How does the conversation between the tax collector and our Lord that follows reconcile with "faith alone" theology? I appreciate all comments.

Over 5,000 Pastors Pledge to Keep Sermons Purely Biblical

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Mon Feb 09, 2009 7:19 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

O4H and Believer

I apologize for not getting back with you sooner. My intent with the reference to Jude 9 was not to spark a discussion on purgatory, but rather to get your insight into an inspired writers use of extra biblical material, and if that would allow others, over time, to develop concepts/dogmas, etc. that while not explicit in Scripture, could be inferred. Thoughts?

Over 5,000 Pastors Pledge to Keep Sermons Purely Biblical

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Sat Feb 07, 2009 5:23 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Online and Believer, thanks for the comments. They are interesting.

Let's continue the discussion. Suppose a pastor's purpose in using that scripture I cited was to eventually discuss an item that might not be apparent in scripture. Perhaps an item such as purgatory. How would that impact your thoughts? Again, I appreciate all comments.

Over 5,000 Pastors Pledge to Keep Sermons Purely Biblical

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Sat Feb 07, 2009 3:02 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

I'd like to throw a question out for comment. Suppose I or one of these pastors who have affirmed to use Scripture as their primary source for sermons were to base a sermon primarily on the Letter of Jude, specifically the ninth verse. What would be your thoughts on that? Thank you

Pope Urges Better Ties with Muslims

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Thu Nov 06, 2008 11:42 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

O4H,
Does the test of whether a church is truly New Testatment rely on how I interpret scripture?

Pope Urges Better Ties with Muslims

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Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:30 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Believer, your comments seem confusing to me. The true New Testament Church wouldn't have had the Bible as we know it today. That wasn't formalized into our canon of scripture until years later. What are some other characteristics they might have had I could find today?

Pope Urges Better Ties with Muslims

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Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:09 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 2

O4H,
Where can I find the New Testatment church today?

United Methodists OK Full Communion with Lutherans

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Thu May 01, 2008 3:32 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

Shuckcreations, take a deep breath. If someone is inquiring about the Catholic faith, that is the point of reference they should start with. I would encourage anyone who has questions about Catholicism to read/reference the catechism as it helps to clarify our faith. You obviously have strong feelings and beliefs about the topic. Have you read any of the catechism ?

United Methodists OK Full Communion with Lutherans

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Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:56 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

John 14-6, I would suggest you get a copy of the Catechism and begin reading. Also, your local diocese should be able to point you in the direction of a good RCIA program. The RCIA program is approximately 6-9 months long (depending on the parish) and provides instruction on church teaching, history, etc. Additionally, begin attending the Mass this summer. That will provide a good basis for any questions you may have during the RCIA program. May the Lord's peace be with you on your journey.

Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

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Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:44 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

akonda,

No doubt your beliefs and answers are well thought out. A couple of questions for you;

In light on your beliefs concerning grace and santification, how would you interpret our Lord's response to Zacchaeus in the 19th Chapter of Luke, specifically verses 8-9? Could there be a distinct difference in Zacchaeus' "works" and those Paul speaks of Romans 4?

Also, your comments on baptism are interesting. Do you believe that act is at all necessary as a component for Christian life?

Saudi Arabia Leader Calls for Interfaith Dialogue

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Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:00 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 1

akadona, you haven't fully quoted either of those paragraphs from the Catechism. Could you please supply the full text and scripture references noted within each paragraph?

FYI, the Catechism does define grace as follows:

"Our justification comes from the grace of God. Grace is favor, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to his call to become children of God, adoptive sons, partakers of the divine nature and of eternal life" Paragraph 1996

St. Pat's Day vs. Holy Week

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Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:22 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

Quecat, I believe one of the significant points of your post is that speaking (or praying) to someone besides our Lord is sinful. That at the point of death, there is terminal seperation that shouldn't be crossed.

If I'm acccurately stating a portion of your arguement, how do you reconcile our Lord speaking with Moses and Elijah during his Transfiguration?

Portrait of Christianity in the Next 1,000 Years

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Thu Feb 14, 2008 9:47 am Agree: 0   Disagree: 0

RBB, one can also interpret scripture to fit their respective agenda.......

Yes, Scripture is the inerrant word of God. Further, I believe all of scripture can be summed up with a single word: Jesus. Through it, we find our nourishment and strength and it is a method by which our Lord speaks to us.

Portrait of Christianity in the Next 1,000 Years

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Tue Feb 12, 2008 6:51 pm Agree: 0   Disagree: 5

I gotta be honest, when folks start citing sola scriptura as their authority and using terms such as "scriptural unity" in light of the posts on this board, I gotta laugh. What is proved here is no authority or unity is present when left up to individual interpretation.

RBB, to answer your question from a couple of days ago, I can't speak for anyone besides myself, but I don't bifurcate the authority of the church and scripture. Both compliment one another and are proven resources for the faithful. For example, many of the orthodox beliefs of Christianity such as the Trinity, the full divinity and humanity of our Lord, etc. were hashed out by early Church fathers in light of early heretical teaching. Again, such Church fathers had to denounce heretical writings that our secular world so quickly likes to introduce as "authoritative" (i.e. The Gosple of Thomas, Judas, etc.). While at the same time, the author of scripture is the Holy Spirity and is given to us as a gift for learning, correction and inspiration.

I formerly believed sola scriptura, however after 30+ years listening to such arguments as we see on this board, I had to search futher.

Portrait of Christianity in the Next 1,000 Years

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Sun Feb 10, 2008 7:00 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 1

I'm curious RBB. If Christ said the gates of hell wouldn't prevail against his church (his body), then how did Catholicism succeed in hijacking it? When did the hijack come to an end? Further, in your earlier post you mention that "if only the Bible had been available for all to read through the last two thousand years" it would call into question how different the church might be. I believe your point may be that things would be much better today had Scripture been available throughout the entire two thousand years. Why do you believe our Lord would allow such a thing to happen (not allow for the mass distribution of Scripture) when his desire is for all men to come fully into the knowledge of him and his saving grace?