Neil, while we're on the subject, where do you stand on two people of somewhat different convictions marrying? For me, this is another issue I deal with. I am of the conviction the person should have to at least affirm the basics of historic evangelical-protestant Christianity: The Five Solas. Finer points of doctrine could be discussed in the context of such a relationship based on the basic Protestant principles.
yes, Chris, good observation on that one and the two for John Yurich, although I cannot in good conscience call him even a Protestant, Roman or otherwise. He denies the Solas and that is anathema according to my understanding of Protestant truth.
I've kinda learned about also, Neil...strict courtship. I think it's acceptable and much needed. But like I said, trying to find a lady with similar values is hard.
Neil, The last few days have been very enlightening reading your words. Thanks for the prinicpal hinge info . It sounds contradictory. You'd think the Pope is the principal hinge. Oh well, Jesus is the Cornerstone
I'd imagine one reason(maybe the prime) is for fleshly reasons: "what appeals to me and the culture," instead of having a high view of the Bible's place and Christ's position as head and only infallible leader.
"Christians always exhibit Catholic traits when they don't trust the Word of God fully."
I suppose this is why Ecclesia Semper Reformanda--the Church Must Always Be Reforming--is as important as the Five Solas. By the way, I've been listening to the sermon you sent my way on another thread. It's interesting history. Enough to make me be thinking as I was coming to the church to work today.
Pretty close to the same here. LA Basin. We lived in El Segundo. Relatives still in El Monte. We moved from there in the late 1970's.
Not a problem with Palm Sunday. We don't see it as a requirement for salvation, but just that scripture readings and lessons go with those days. I guess I could say attending such days might be like attending a Sunday evening or midweek service or learning a special event in the life of Jesus and the Apostles. But it's easy to get "caught up" in a bunch of unecessary entrappments and the important part can be obscured. We can learn about Jesus' life without all the decorations and ceremony. The Lutheran church I attended in Michigan was much more Puritanical in regard to the "traditional" things, however, I haven't found such here to the same degree. Would I like to? Yes.
Neil, Where in So. Ca did you move from. My family is all from there.
The pastor of this Lutheran church I attend and work at is a self-proclaimed minimalist and I've jokingly(maybe it's not really a joke) asked if he's been reading Puritan literature and that if he continues emptying the facility of "stuff," we'll have to add Puritan in the church's name. Of course Reformed and Puritan thought has been harbored among some Lutherans throughout Reformation history and a few such congregations are spread out here and there. I can see where Puritan ideas can help "free" one of a lot of unnecessary worries and there can be a sense of "holiness" in simplicity, espeically if it's based on the Bible.
My apologies. But still..three thumbs up for that church.
By the way, in my research yesterday, I found another interesting Reformed church in Southern Cal: Puritan Evangelical Church of America. They sound rather separated and biblically oriented.
Thanks Mike. That's a rather balanced view. There are probably some "grey" areas in this issue. I think purity of the Gospel and sermon is most important. My opinion is that when such are kept pure, people will come, regardless of the church's or pastor's popularity. I suppose some churches are experimenting with liberalism to attempt to hold their members or increase their numbers, but it isn't working too well.
I would imagine your junior senator has been taking your state on a wild ride without the help of nasty March weather. Oh well, on a positive note, considering her remarks, you can count me out of voting her into the White House. Don't blame me if she gets it. March is riding nicely out here.
4/6/07 12:50 PM
4/5/07 1:09 AM
