Baptism

[Ruth]

Do you guys ever, EVER sleep???!!

Normally I'd be in bed by this time, considering I have classes tomorrow, but the excitement has kept me up.  Nothing like a good theological debate to make you sleep easy when the times comes, though.   

[Soldier4Christ]

Ruth,

I have a question for you that is associated with your stance. Just exactly what doctrine do you go by (already asked by blackeyedpeas and still unanswered by you)?

[Shammu]

You'll need to explain yourself a little more, DreamWeaver.  How am I following man's doctrine?

You mix, different regilions together. So far you have covered, Catholic, universalism, & Calivism, and a few I'm not sure of Ruth. Think about it, you will see where I am coming from.

[Ruth]

Ruth,

I have a question for you that is associated with your stance. Just exactly what doctrine do you go by (already asked by blackeyedpeas and still unanswered by you)?

It took you 15 minutes to come up with THAT?  Juuuust kidding...

I'm sorry if blackeyedpeas asked me that and I didn't respond.  I honestly didn't catch it, but I'd be glad to answer.  If you mean what denomination do I affiliate myself with, it'd be the Lutheran Church -  Missouri Synod (No, I'm not Roman Catholic as I suspect DreamWeaver was assuming I am).  If by "doctrine" you mean some written statement conveying all my beliefs...you'd have to wait a couple days for me to whip up something like that.  Or I could just refer you to the Book of Concord and the Augsburg confession, which explain the beliefs of the Lutheran Church.  I haven't read through those documents entirely myself, but I plan on doing it someday.  I do know quite a bit about the Lutheran Church, if you have any questions.

[Shammu]

Do you guys ever, EVER sleep???!!

Yes I sleep, about 3 hours a night. Right now, its only 10:00 here. Course I take catnaps durning the day.

[Ruth]

You mix, different regilions together. So far you have covered, Catholic, universalism, & Calivism, and a few I'm not sure of Ruth. Think about it, you will see where I am coming from.

I wouldn't go too far with the universalism, DreamWeaver.  A universalist believes everyone gets into heaven no matter what they believe.  I do not believe that, neither does Scripture convey that idea.

Catholic...You're talking about the Communion reference?  I'm not entirely in agreement with their doctrine of transubstantiation, if that's what's bothering you. 

Calvinism...nah, they believe in double predestination:  God saves some and damns others.  However, we know that God wants everyone to be saved.

My views on predestination (and the views of the Synod) are that it's a very mysterious thing, uncomprehendable to us. We know God is merciful and desires all men to be saved.  We can take an enormous amount of comfort in that.

Regarding the "God saves everyone, you can reject it" theory taught by one of my theology prof's...that is not a traditional Lutheran doctrine, and I never said it was something I absolutely was convinced of.  I said I was chewing on it.  If you mistook that for meaning I was absolutely set in this teaching, you were wrong.

[Bronzesnake]

I wouldn't go too far with the universalism, DreamWeaver.  A universalist believes everyone gets into heaven no matter what they believe.  I do not believe that, neither does Scripture convey that idea.

Catholic...You're talking about the Communion reference?  I'm not entirely in agreement with their doctrine of transubstantiation, if that's what's bothering you. 

Calvinism...nah, they believe in double predestination:  God saves some and damns others.  However, we know that God wants everyone to be saved.

My views on predestination (and the views of the Synod) are that it's a very mysterious thing, uncomprehendable to us. We know God is merciful and desires all men to be saved.  We can take an enormous amount of comfort in that.

Regarding the "God saves everyone, you can reject it" theory taught by one of my theology prof's...that is not a traditional Lutheran doctrine, and I never said it was something I absolutely was convinced of.  I said I was chewing on it.  If you mistook that for meaning I was absolutely set in this teaching, you were wrong.

You sound like an international woman of mystery Ruth!
Why not just spit it out my sister? what's your game?

I'm a fundamentalist Christian, in the sense that I take the Bible at face value, literally.
I happen to go to an Anglican church at present, but I've also attended a Baptist church.
It doesn't matter what the sign on the front door reads, as long as I'm at a Bible believing church, I'm happy.

So, I showed you mine, now show me yours.

John

[Ruth]

I've always wanted to go to an Anglican church, Bronzesnake.  What can you let me know about it?

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, of which I am a member, is a Bible-believing church which takes the Bible at face-value as well.  That description goes for me, as well.  What causes the difference between us is hermaneutics, I think - interpreting the original Greek/Hebrew and teaching what it means, etc... We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. 

I believe I am a sinner in need of God's grace and there is nothing - nothing - I can do to obtain my own salvation.  It is a free gift from God.  There is no merit or worthiness in me.  All of my worth comes from the cross of Christ.

The Missouri Synod is also Sacramental and Liturgical, two very important aspects, I think. At the time of the Reformation, Luther protested against what was wrong with the Roman Catholic Church, but let's face it, they weren't entirely wrong.  I reiterate...they were wrong about a LOT.  But some of their traditions have been passed down since the very beginning of the Church, starting with the Apostles and early Church Fathers, and I think these doctrines are incredibly valuable.  This includes the Real Presence in the Eucharist, as some of you were already beginnng to attack me for...

Gosh...I could go on forever.  Anything specific you want to ask before I hit the hay?  It's after midnight here.

[Ruth]

Wow...four mods and little me.  I feel like I'm taking a final exam or something...one slip-up and down I go 

Researching the LCMS, I take it?  Listen, I really didn't mean to cause any problems on here.  I'm just enjoying myself.

[Shammu]

Wow...four mods and little me.  I feel like I'm taking a final exam or something...one slip-up and down I go 

Nope theres only 3 of us here at the moment........

Researching the LCMS, I take it?  Listen, I really didn't mean to cause any problems on here.  I'm just enjoying myself.

Please remember, and this is NOT a warning Ruth.

Because of the limitations of text based communication, the expression of intent can be tricky.

[Ruth]

Noted, DreamWeaver.  I'm assuming you have nothing else to say to me tonight.  I need to go to bed.  Have a good one, everyone! 

[Shammu]

Noted, DreamWeaver.  I'm assuming you have nothing else to say to me tonight.  I need to go to bed.  Have a good one, everyone! 

You have a nice and blessed night.

[RKJ]

Now I beleive,  You guys do sleep!

Er....What is the topic now??! (blink, blink)

And a Very Good Morning and Good Day!!

[Soldier4Christ]

Now I beleive,  You guys do sleep!

Er....What is the topic now??! (blink, blink)

And a Very Good Morning and Good Day!!

lol  .....  once in awhile we do.

A Very Good Morning and Good Day in the Lord to you.

[airIam2worship]

Now I beleive,  You guys do sleep!

Er....What is the topic now??! (blink, blink)

And a Very Good Morning and Good Day!!

Good Morning RKJ   
Yes, we do sleep but
here a bit, there a bit, every where a bit bit.
(tune to old Mcdonald had a farm)