Willa

Our culture in the U.S. seems to have lost its respect for all human life. It is all about me. MLK at least promoted peaceful resistance, which some groups such as Black Lives Matter and community organizers seem to ignore. These give lip service to peaceful resistance but wherever they are, violence seems to follow.

I believe that only the tradition given by the apostles themselves were reliable. The Scriptures are full of warnings of false apostles and bad teachings coming into the church. So unless the teachings were from the Apostles or the testimony of their followers as to the authenticity of the Epistles, the oral traditions were unreliable if not false and dangerous. traditions —(Jamison, Faucet & Brown) truths delivered and transmitted orally, or in writing (2Th 3:6; 1Co 11:2; Greek, “traditions”). The Greekverb from which the noun comes, is used by Paul in 1Co 11:23; 1Co 15:3. From the three passages in which “tradition” is used in a good sense, Rome has argued for her accumulation of uninspired traditions, virtually overriding God’s Word, while put forward as of co-ordinate authority with it. She forgets the ten passages (Mat 15:2, Mat 15:3, Mat 15:6; Mar 7:3, Mar 7:5, Mar 7:8, Mar 7:9, Mar 7:13; Gal 1:14; Col 2:8) stigmatizing man’s uninspired traditions. Not even the apostles’ sayings were all inspired (for example, Peter’s dissimulation, Gal 2:11-14), but only when they claimed to be so, as in their words afterwards embodied in their canonical writings. Oral inspiration was necessary in their case, until the canon of the written Word should be complete; they proved their possession of inspiration by miracles wrought in support of the new revelation, which revelation, moreover, accorded with the existing Old Testament revelation; an additional test needed besides miracles (compare Deu 13:1-6; Act 17:11). When the canon was complete, the infallibility of the living men was transferred to the written Word, now the sole unerring guide, interpreted by the Holy Spirit. Little else has come down to us by the most ancient and universal tradition save this, the all-sufficiency of Scripture for salvation. Therefore, by tradition, we are constrained to cast off all tradition not contained in, or not provable by, Scripture. The Fathers are valuable witnesses to historical facts, which give force to the intimations of Scripture: such as the Christian Lord’s day, the baptism of infants, and the genuineness of the canon of Scripture. Tradition (in the sense of human testimony) cannot establish a doctrine, but can authenticate a fact, such as the facts just mentioned. Inspired tradition, in Paul’s sense, is not a supplementary oral tradition completing our written Word, but it is identical with the written Word now complete; then the latter not being complete, the tradition was necessarily in part oral, in part written, and continued so until, the latter being complete before the death of St. John, the last apostle, the former was no longer needed. Scripture is, according to Paul, the complete and sufficient rule in all that appertains to making “the man of God perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2Ti 3:16, 2Ti 3:17). It is by leaving Paul’s God-inspired tradition for human traditions that Rome has become the forerunner and parent of the Antichrist. It is striking that, from this very chapter denouncing Antichrist, she should draw an argument for her “traditions” by which she fosters anti-Christianity. Because the apostles’ oral word was as trustworthy as their written word, it by no means follows that the oral word of those not apostles is as trustworthy as the written word of those who were apostles or inspired evangelists. No tradition of the apostles except their written word can be proved genuine on satisfactory evidence. We are no more bound to accept implicitly the Fathers’ interpretations of Scripture, because we accept the Scripture canon on their testimony, than we are bound to accept the Jews’ interpretation of the Old Testament, because we accept the Old Testament canon on their testimony.

I have watched otter families in our rivers nearby. They are very entertaining but I wouldn't trust them near our dogs. Wild ones can do a lot of damage with those sharp teeth. They loved to play in the currents where an underground river empties into the Columbia. I owe my love of nature to Thornton Burgess, a naturalist who wrote books for children ages 4-10. Little Joe Otter was an adventure story book that detailed the life and personality of an otter. Paddy the Beaver gave detailed instructions on how a beaver dam and house are constructed. Hundreds of books.

I really liked what you said down to these last 2 paragraphs. 1Co 7:14 NKJV For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. Is sanctified in the wife (hēgiastai en tēi gunaiki). Perfect passive indicative of hagiazō, to set apart, to hallow, to sanctify. Paul does not, of course, mean that the unbelieving husband is saved by the faith of the believing wife, though Hodge actually so interprets him. Clearly he only means that the marriage relation is sanctified so that there is no need of a divorce. If either husband or wife is a believer and the other agrees to remain, the marriage is holy and need not be set aside. This is so simple that one wonders at the ability of men to get confused over Paul’s language. Else were your children unclean (epei ara ta tekna akatharta). The common ellipse of the condition with epei: “since, accordingly, if it is otherwise, your children are illegitimate (akatharta).” If the relations of the parents be holy, the child’s birth must be holy also (not illegitimate). “He is not assuming that the child of a Christian parent would be baptized; that would spoil rather than help his argument, for it would imply that the child was not hagios till it was baptized. The verse throws no light on the question of infant baptism” (Robertson and Plummer). Robertson's Word Studies. Moreover, those who don't baptize infants normally do so because they believe in believers baptism. A believer is one who has chosen to follow Christ as his Lord and Master and who believes that Christ is risen from the dead, which infants are unable to comprehend. In baby dedications Parents dedicate themselves to raise the child in the Christian faith by both example and precept, and dedicate the baby to God. (Baptist, Calvary Chapel) However, many of those who baptize infants believe that babies receive the Holy Spirit at that baptism and are thereby born again. (Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist)

Got Questions: Old covenant vs new covenant—what are the differences? (Summary) In summary, the Old Covenant was governed by a law that prescribed correct behavior and that the people continually broke. It contained a sacrificial system that only temporarily removed sins. The sacrifices were administered by priests who represented the people of Israel to God, but the people could not enter God’s presence themselves. The New Covenant is governed by a law that is internalized by the people of God and energized by His Spirit. The sins of the people are forgiven and removed once and for all by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the people of God have direct, intimate access to Him. Finally, Gentiles who believe are included in the New Covenant.

We used to sing this in the Lutheran church. It is one of the songs I miss so very much. Thank you for blessing us with this. Now if you could record the Gloria. ...the other song I miss. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for thy great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God, the Father almighty. O Lord God Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son of the Father. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you that taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you that taketh away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you that are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you only are Holy, you only are the Lord, you alone with the Holy Ghost, are Most High in the glory of God the Father. Amen. ♥ Gloria In Excelsis Deo ♥

I said no there is no mention of them leaving the upper room to go to the Temple to make offerings or sacrifices. Instead they obeyed the Risen Lord's words to stay and pray. It did occur on Pentecost but they were following Jesus' instructions in Acts 1 instead of the commands of Leviticus. I thought that answered your question.

Elihoenai asked: Do you agree that those who want to receive the Holy Spirit must do likewise works under the Law? No legalism is involved. In Acts chapter one they were told to wait or tarry. They did this, the 12 disciples plus the women who had ministered to them. All were in one accord or agreement and while they waited they prayed earnestly, humbly begging God . apostles whom He had chosen, Act 1:3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Act 1:4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; Act 1:5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Act 1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. Act 1:13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. Act 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Recently a man my son works with was forced to try to sell his home because he couldn't get rid of a man he had rented a room to. The guy stopped paying rent and acted extremely weird. Recently he shot and killed someone in a grocery store near here and made the newspapers. At least he was arrested. Hopefully son's friend will be able to sell his house so he won't be back.

Please limit all replies to about 3 paragraphs or 25 lines so that they may be discussed. Very few people bother to read the long replies.

My beliefs were founded on Lutheran Church doctrine some of which I have actually more fully embraced. That is that I definitely believe in original sin or Total depravity, but I do not believe in Unconditional election or that He damned some to hell or that He chose some without foreknowledge. I do believe that God has chosen some but that we can resist His call due to our own pride and stubbornness, I do not believe in Limited atonement. I believe that Christ died for all. I do not believe in Irresistible Grace in that He softens out hearts and calls us; but that we can harden our own hearts and resist His call. I do believe in Perseverance of the saints. Moreover I definitely don't believe that a baby is filled with the Holy Spirit at its infant baptism, which both Luther and Calvin taught. These are the beliefs I more solidly embraced. Formula of the Book of Concord: Epitome & Solid Declaration I. Original Sin II. Free Will III. The Righteousness of Faith before God IV. Good Works V. Law and Gospel VIII. The Person of Christ IX. The Descent of Christ into Hell XI. Election: 12 11. However, that many are called and few chosen, Matt. 22:14, does not mean that God is not willing to save everybody; but the reason is that they either do not at all hear God’s Word, but willfully despise it, stop their ears and harden their hearts, and in this manner foreclose the ordinary way to the Holy Ghost, so that He cannot perform His work in them; or, when they have heard it, make light of it again and do not heed it, for which [that they perish] not God or His election, but their wickedness, is responsible. [2 Pet. 2:1ff ; Luke 11:49. 52; Heb. 12:25f.] Rom. 15:4, whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. Therefore we reject the following errors: 17 1. As when it is taught that God is unwilling that all men repent and believe the Gospel. 18 2. Also, that when God calls us to Himself, He is not in earnest that all men should come to Him. 19 3. Also, that God is unwilling that every one should be saved, but that some, without regard to their sins, from the mere counsel, purpose, and will of God, are ordained to condemnation so that they cannot be saved. 20 4. Also, that not only the mercy of God and the most holy merit of Christ, but also in us there is a cause of God’s election, on account of which God has elected us to everlasting life. 21 All these are blasphemous and dreadful erroneous doctrines, whereby all the comfort which they have in the holy Gospel and the use of the holy Sacraments is taken from Christians, and therefore should not be tolerated in the Church of God. So I found that my beliefs became more solidly Lutheran in many things.

My opinions have also changed since I have been here due to reading the Scriptures posted to verify others opinions. It had made me take a stand in the middle of an argument rather than at the poles. In other words, I don't agree with much of anyone but I do agree with the Bible. lol The only problems that arise are when people don't accept the Bible as the only authority. So I have been trying to avoid those individuals and just pray for them.

I also am thankful that most of us don't have to view the abusive language and bad attitudes that are directed toward George et all. Right now I suspect the enemy is using people with mental problems --delusional--to bombard us with weird posts. It is sad. The worst of the strange and blatantly unbiblical doctrines get sent to an area that is not viewed by the general public. It sometimes takes some time to move them. Often we try counseling and teaching before moving them. We have 0 tolerance for verbal assaults. These used to be frequent and have been cleaned up pretty well. Those who are still around that did this have greatly cleaned up their acts. It is the way of the world to do such things. It is not Christ like at all. Even I have slipped and occasionally get a bad attitude.

I would get the NET for the study notes. It explains the reasons the translators chose to translate the words the way they did. It would be a good study Bible. However, Nelson's bibles don't hold up well in most cases, especially large study Bibles. They need to be Smyth sown bindings to last long, not just glued. In years past they only glued their Bibles. I even called Nelson to ask for a sewn Bible. MEV seems to be conservative yet making it more readable. It spends a lot of time on spiritual warfare in its notes. I would give it to new Christians but for that. They need it but don't need to be scared or focusing on the enemy. They included "rules for spiritual warfare" as one study note. Things like "don't talk to the devil". I don't have either Bible but just read the pages given of each on the Christianbook site in their Bibles for sale. I recommend that you do the same.

Were I teaching a portion of Scripture I would do so in the context you explained. When God is speaking to me in answer to a prayer often a verse or passage seems to shout at me. It directly answers my prayer and I know it is God. Often the same thought was repeated several times within a week when I was first learning to hear God. God can use any portion of Scripture and sometimes even a hymn when He speaks to us.

Personally, I would rather celebrate Jewish holidays than the goofy ones like Valentine's Day.

The Catholic Church taught that the Jews killed Jesus so they were hated. People didn't read the Bible. They just believed what they were taught. Luther also became bigoted in his final years, and possibly senile. He was also very bitter toward the Catholic Church which was seeking to kill him and continued to support the sale of indulgences, or buying loved ones out of purgatory. Augustine taught that Rome was the new Jerusalem that took the place of Israel. It teaches that the Revelation is just an allegory to that effect. It is a strange read. Augustine had a lot of good teaching but this was not one of them.

The "Jewish" people have been persecuted by "Christians" for 2000 years. I don't believe that a Christian can be indwelled by God's love for Israel and persecute the Jews or anyone else. Nevertheless, Jews are Jewish by birth so they think we can be Christians by birth. (Some Christians think that as well.). They have been bigoted toward us for good reason. Centuries of persecution. Many years ago I bought a menorah at a little Jewish shop in California. The clerk was so puzzled why I would want such a thing since I am Christian. I explained to her the many references to it in both the Gospels and the Revelation, so it gave me an opportunity to witness to her. I told her that many Christians support Israel. She was amazed.

I so agree with Omegaman and would urge you to obey the Scriptures he quoted. Don't know if it is possible to have your permit changed to include religious services. Personally, I have seen the type of revivals that you describe come and go. Most have not been so much of God moving but of the flesh and people looking for something exciting rather than to seek Gods face through the word and obedience. The latter is true revival.

Are you talking about the men that like to act like John Wayne? My father in law was one of those. However, he was cruel, arrogant, controlling, selfish, unforgiving, unloving, unfaithful, and just used people, especially his own family. He hated everyone there was to disdain including Christians and every race and nationality. God used him in my life to teach me how much I needed Him to live in me to love the unlovable and forgive the unforgivable. He died rejecting Christ as far as we know. My dad was so opposite that. He was a very strong person in character but reasonable, fair, compassionate, gentle and kind. He didn't spank me often but I clearly remember when he did. He was the strength of our family and led by example, but he always got his way. He considered himself a scholar and a philosopher till he was saved.

The commandments are to be kept. Believers go beyond the requirements of the law when we walk according to the Holy Spirit. We go the extra mile and become a blessing to our neighbors. We are no longer under the law when we walk in the Spirit.

As long as your heart is good with God and you know that you don't harbor bitterness, just forgive them as well. Satan is the accuser of the brethren and you don't have to listen to him. Sometimes he uses people. Those people are his victims and to be pitied. So we love them anyhow and forgive them.

I might promise myself a reward for doing my taxes, which I dread doing this year. In previous years I looked forward to doing them and had them done by this time but his year I just can't face it.

It is not faith or works but faith that works. Faith is not static but dynamic.

While it is not in the Old Testament, it is taught in Romans explicitly. Since this is salvation by grace through faith taught by the Holy Spirit through Paul, I believe it also is righteousness by grace through faith. It also teaches the law of love which we now practice which fulfills all the OT law. People can't impute righteousness, but with God all things are possible. He credited the righteousness of Christ to our accounts. Praise His Holy Name! This is why we have a better High Priest, a better testament, a better law, a better faith than the Jews had. Read Hebrews as well. Rom 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Rom 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Rom 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.