tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.comments2015-01-29T12:16:44.003-06:00Rev's RamblingsRev.Doc.Texhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-60895526898347801612015-01-29T12:16:44.003-06:002015-01-29T12:16:44.003-06:00If we are condemned to eternal perdition, that is ...If we are condemned to eternal perdition, that is our own fault. When we are saved we recognize and confess, to God be the glory.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-27477515561694658692015-01-28T17:55:06.373-06:002015-01-28T17:55:06.373-06:00The word of God is quick and pwerful, etc, but in ...The word of God is quick and pwerful, etc, but in his sovereignty God still employs human agents in its dissemination. As one who still remembers his pre-conversion self rather vividly despite the passage of time, I can recollect thise whom God used to draw me as well as those whi woukd have been better off drowned with a millstone around their necks. God will always have his way, yet we remain responsible.Kirk Skeptichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06142889734004402296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-18662557041178898672014-08-11T20:50:13.721-05:002014-08-11T20:50:13.721-05:00Actually, if you read the book of James you will f...Actually, if you read the book of James you will find that James always points to Jesus first. "Our works" follow, but only as a response of faith first given. I like the example of the Sun and the Moon. We only see the Moon shine because it is reflecting the light of the Sun. Likewise we only love others and do good works as Jesus the Son of God first loves us and works those good works in and through us. Thus, even Sanctification points to Jesus!Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-27321174752414276442014-08-10T00:36:21.981-05:002014-08-10T00:36:21.981-05:00There are many problems with the false doctrines o...There are many problems with the false doctrines of the Roman church, but the evangelicals who preach that salvation comes by a mere decision without the calling of God are also following a wrong belief. The Bible is clear. It speaks of election, justification, redemption, and yes.....works....not a basis for salvation but a byproduct. So unless you want to delete the book of James from the Bible, you will have to give the evangelicals partial credit for their insistence on works as evidence of a transforming witness. John Joseph Flanaganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06596324816480709495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-57081473821963273792012-08-29T07:26:11.468-05:002012-08-29T07:26:11.468-05:00I think that there is an "order" of bein...I think that there is an "order" of being confessional and missional, both. The being confessional must come *first*. You need a solid message to confess in God's mission. Often, though, I see this turned backwards. You gotta get the people out there! Do they know the faith? Are they actually prepared/ready to give answer for the hope they have? <br /><br />I think the SMPP alternative route for the Office of the Ministry is a prime example of this "getting priorities backwards". Without the biblical languages or even a class on Christian doctrine, these "Pastors" are ordained and put to work, even as their education continues. It's as though "getting them out there" into the mission is more important than their understanding of that mission.Was ist das?https://www.blogger.com/profile/11352637972006158455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-53700236808064904902012-08-13T21:22:34.458-05:002012-08-13T21:22:34.458-05:00This was very comforting to read after a very disc...This was very comforting to read after a very discouraging elder's meeting.Allan Eckerthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10538220811244998105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-46752008476589603592012-03-14T18:24:59.044-05:002012-03-14T18:24:59.044-05:00That is the first time I have heard this explanati...That is the first time I have heard this explanation. So, since, if I read my ages correctly, it was less than 100 years between the time God limited man's age and the time of the flood, I would think it is as the literal sense states, especially since no one in the world today lives past 120. By the way, if you want to ask questions, I more often check my e-mail than my blog comments (bogshome@juno.com). Blessings.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-9845240606945175732012-03-14T10:22:10.221-05:002012-03-14T10:22:10.221-05:00I have heard it argued that Genesis 6:3 is more li...I have heard it argued that Genesis 6:3 is more likely referring to the number of years until the flood, rather than an age limit put on man's life span. The reasons being this makes more sense based on the biblical timeline, and because life spans gradually lessened after the flood rather than abruptly changing, and because most men's years tend to be 70-80(now and as listed in Psalm 90:10 for example) which doesn't seem to go with the 120 years stated in Genesis. What is your take on this?Kellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03207797580645748300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-63652533043712327662012-01-30T16:57:35.185-06:002012-01-30T16:57:35.185-06:00I agree and you really hit the nail on the head. W...I agree and you really hit the nail on the head. We must be true to God's word, not bow to the culture. Courage to speak the truth and we'll realize we can't please everyone.Tiger1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00765141793308037395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-44859788829842778792012-01-30T16:52:17.233-06:002012-01-30T16:52:17.233-06:00I just discovered Lutherans.com and searched the b...I just discovered Lutherans.com and searched the blogs for info on Evangelism. I am the new chair of our Evangelism board and looking for ideas to share with my team. <br />We took on a project: literacy and purchased Bible stories published by American Bible Society. We hit a brick wall trying to find an outlet to help children/adults with literacy because of the religious material. any ideas?<br />contact: larrylarew1@hotmailcomTiger1https://www.blogger.com/profile/00765141793308037395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-33231073745778255582011-05-03T07:27:51.158-05:002011-05-03T07:27:51.158-05:00These half sheets were originally published once a...These half sheets were originally published once a week in the Sunday bulletin. Here they will be posted more than once a week.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-12246757542687200122011-03-26T11:50:31.999-05:002011-03-26T11:50:31.999-05:00I agree the sin of unbelief was at the core of Jud...I agree the sin of unbelief was at the core of Judas destruction. Jesus knew in advance the role Judas would play in history to full scripture and prophecy.ednahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08537814397117278056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-77739626757675613772011-03-12T06:31:34.275-06:002011-03-12T06:31:34.275-06:00Why do you suppose the Pharisees were ready to sto...Why do you suppose the Pharisees were ready to stone Jesus when He told them, "Before Abraham was, I AM," except they knew that Jesus was claiming to be God, I AM, as in God telling Moses that I AM has sent me! And how could Jesus be before Abraham, except that He is God.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-74427212908906446252011-03-09T08:49:59.206-06:002011-03-09T08:49:59.206-06:00If Jesus were not God, why would He answer Satan t...If Jesus were not God, why would He answer Satan that is is God by saying, "Jesus said to him, 'Again it is written, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test."’” Matthew 4:7Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-76011738401643064572011-03-09T08:39:13.368-06:002011-03-09T08:39:13.368-06:00And, the reason God is in the plural is because He...And, the reason God is in the plural is because He is a God who is a plural God, not a pantheistic God, not a polytheistic God, but a plural God, a God who is three persons in one Godhead. Otherwise, God would have had Moses write God in the singular.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-42362207963322827292011-03-09T08:37:04.343-06:002011-03-09T08:37:04.343-06:00To the statement, God cannot die. If Jesus is not ...To the statement, God cannot die. If Jesus is not God and if Jesus did not die, as God, then the price for sin, eternal spiritual death has not been paid. Likewise, if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then we would of all people be most pitied. But the fact is that Jesus is God, who died in the flesh of a human to pay the price, once for all, for the sins of humanity, and rose victorious over sin, death and the devil.<br /><br />Now, as for Jesus being God, let us look at Luke 5:17-26<br />17 On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. 18 And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, 19 but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. 20 And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 25 And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. 26 And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”<br /><br />Notice that the Pharisees believed that only God could forgive sins and that only God could do miracles. Thus, to prove He was God, not only did Jesus forgive sins, but healed the man, thus proving His divinity. Of course, as we read in other passages, the Pharisees were quite dismayed and upset knowing that if Jesus kept proving Himself to be God, and the Messiah, that others would turn to Him in faith and be drawn away from their Pharisaic lifestyle.<br /><br />Another example, among many, of Jesus showing Himself to be God is the account of Jesus calming the storm on the sea. Although some would like to allegorize this story to show that even though we have troubles in life and God calms our troubles, the true meaning of this account is to show that Jesus is God. Who else, except God has power even over nature itself?<br /><br />Truly, to deny that Jesus is God is to deny salvation, for is Jesus is not God, then our faith is in vain, because our faith would then have to be internalized and we would end up believing in ourselves for our own salvation, which is idolatry.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-7740218713596596372011-03-08T16:05:59.940-06:002011-03-08T16:05:59.940-06:00Let’s start with the fact that Jesus Himself decla...Let’s start with the fact that Jesus Himself declares that He and the Father are one, John 10:30.<br /><br />Now let’s go through Revelation:<br />Rev. 1:8<br />8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”<br /><br />Who is the Alpha and Omega? Also notice the Trinitarian description of Jesus, is, was, is to come.<br /><br />Now go to Rev. 21:5-7<br />5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.<br /><br />Again, who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end?<br /><br />Now go to Rev. 22:13<br />13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”<br /><br />And again, who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end?<br /><br />Now go to Rev. 1:17-18<br />17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. <br /><br />So, when did the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega die?<br /><br />Jesus had to be truly God, and He was, conceived by the Holy Spirit, in order to be perfect.<br />Jesus had to be truly human, and He was, born of the human woman, Mary, in order to be able to be our substitute.<br /><br />Interestingly enough, a cult or sect is described as a group that holds beliefs contrary to the traditional Christian faith, i.e., the teachings of the Apostles, Nicene and Athanasian creeds. All creeds written in order to combat heresy and heretical teachings in the orthodox Church.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-71677341274933427332011-03-03T11:29:54.562-06:002011-03-03T11:29:54.562-06:00It is the Word of God, because it contains the Wor...It is the Word of God, because it contains the Word of God, inspired by God Himself through chosen and Holy Spirit filled human beings to record that Word...<br /><br />Am I rambling? :)barnz78https://www.blogger.com/profile/14932791545590344150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-83610218007087850392011-03-03T10:26:19.519-06:002011-03-03T10:26:19.519-06:00Word of God!! :)Word of God!! :)CJHA Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12240448754187966890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-83492243064670197632011-03-01T18:12:38.429-06:002011-03-01T18:12:38.429-06:00Sorry it has taken so long to respond to this comm...Sorry it has taken so long to respond to this comment. For some reason I must have missed it, but came across it today, so . . .<br /><br />I am sure that when you read the Hebrew you notice that in the Shema God is in the plural, i.e., Hear O Israel the Yahweh, Our God (plural) the Yahweh is One. And certainly when you read in Genesis One that in the beginning God (again plural) created the heavens and the earth. And of course you have read how Jesus equates Himself with the Father, how Jesus, Son of man continually demonstrates His divinity through the signs, wonders and miracles He performed (see Gospel of John), and certainly you have read in Revelation how God is alpha and omega, beginning and end and how He was dead and now is alive (Rev. 1:18), and how He tells us to baptize in His name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Certainly this has not escaped your attention and study.Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-24130032723650878782010-08-05T18:39:20.286-05:002010-08-05T18:39:20.286-05:00The question to ask is, who is doing what? Can we ...The question to ask is, who is doing what? Can we choose to be born? If, as David says, we are conceived and born in sin, if, as God points out in Genesis, every inclination of our heart is evil all the time, if as Paul says, the good I would do I do not do, but the evil that is before me is what I do, if Jesus tells us that no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit, who do we think we are to be able to "choose" Jesus? I have never "chosen" Jesus, because "I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him, but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts" (Holy Baptism, Lord's Supper), etc. The audacity to think that we choose Jesus. Yet, more important is the fact that He has chosen us, me. Can I depend on my choices? No, I tend to choose the wrong thing and change my mind. Can I depend on what God does? You bet(cha)!Rev.Doc.Texhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09873655414133118642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-90694159044982844472010-08-05T11:14:55.903-05:002010-08-05T11:14:55.903-05:00Actually, I think you have some answers in your po...Actually, I think you have some answers in your post above upon further review. Please add anything you think may help. Thanks.barnz78https://www.blogger.com/profile/14932791545590344150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-8184436880640293592010-08-05T11:08:46.670-05:002010-08-05T11:08:46.670-05:00Hi Ron. Had some interesting conversations with my...Hi Ron. Had some interesting conversations with my mother in-law this past week regarding our Evangelical/Bible Church friends who seem to frown on Infant Baptism. How do you typically respond to this? Curious on your thoughts. Thanks.<br /><br />Mark Barnesbarnz78https://www.blogger.com/profile/14932791545590344150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-49368431365597973632010-06-07T19:58:20.812-05:002010-06-07T19:58:20.812-05:00Just to clarify - The above comments were posted b...Just to clarify - The above comments were posted by Michael Held. He is the one knowledgable about worship and hymnals. He just happened to be on my sign-in at the time so Jeanne (his wife) got the credit!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11093146527637359399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6960516853804137310.post-91687419231828998492010-05-27T19:23:43.616-05:002010-05-27T19:23:43.616-05:00While not as well-versed as Jeanne, I would simply...While not as well-versed as Jeanne, I would simply like to say "I like that one!". Thanks for sharing.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08639383216841566040noreply@blogger.com