tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post8758062154165276224..comments2023-10-30T06:01:02.889-04:00Comments on don't call me Veronica: how then shall we be saved?tonymyleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-21904899687648491342008-07-05T17:35:00.000-04:002008-07-05T17:35:00.000-04:00Well, Jesus spoke about issues of sin (and we can ...Well, Jesus spoke about issues of sin (and we can also draw the application of conflict) as being best worked out face to face. So I think he's on to something there.<BR/><BR/>So hopefully the only change to answers would be more context, which creates more understanding, which creates more reconciliation.<BR/><BR/>The internet is a place where people throw bombs anonymously. Unfortunately, Christians can at times seem no different.<BR/><BR/>Maybe we can be the minority. <BR/><BR/>So again... I'd love to have a real conversation. You in?tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-13640100988383168562008-07-05T15:45:00.000-04:002008-07-05T15:45:00.000-04:00Will it change your responses to the queries?Will it change your responses to the queries?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-42296598265901250382008-07-05T14:11:00.000-04:002008-07-05T14:11:00.000-04:00Help me understand why?Help me understand why?tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-15377260459551588672008-07-05T14:09:00.000-04:002008-07-05T14:09:00.000-04:00Will you talk with me w/o contact info?Will you talk with me w/o contact info?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-51939132247405327432008-07-03T18:05:00.000-04:002008-07-03T18:05:00.000-04:00Thanks for your comment, anonymous. Good stuff th...Thanks for your comment, anonymous. Good stuff there to read from one side of the cross of Jesus Christ. I like how there are 360 degrees around it... helps us balance each other out. <BR/><BR/>I wonder why you left an anonymous comment, though? Makes it hard to have a real conversation. <BR/><BR/>I think relationships and love for our neighbor (including the "Samaritans" of any culture) is something Jesus is into, and I hope you are, too.<BR/><BR/>Come back sometime with your contact info and then we can chat the way God intended us to.tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-78574078671791021272008-07-03T16:36:00.000-04:002008-07-03T16:36:00.000-04:00http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/10147http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/10147Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-61955315569321228112007-12-31T16:04:00.000-05:002007-12-31T16:04:00.000-05:00No worries Mate! Nothing a little (or a lot) of P...No worries Mate! Nothing a little (or a lot) of Pistachio Ice Cream wouldn't soothe... While we are in the ice cream parlor perhaps we could buy the person behind us's ice cream as an act of Christian love? Therein, we could redeem a little bit of our gluttonous sin for the Kingdom? Fyi, that reminder you speak of is directed squarely at Gary and me, and everyone else reading this post, and not reading this post, and who don't even have a computer, or know what a blog is, or even... or even those who don't YET know what the word "prayer" even means... It is our job to tell them, all of them. "Love is better demonstrated than explained."<BR/>Rev. Shawn Michael GreenerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-6628733434932719802007-12-31T15:23:00.000-05:002007-12-31T15:23:00.000-05:00Thanks, Shawn. For reading this and for your insi...Thanks, Shawn. For reading this and for your insights.<BR/><BR/>Yeah... I wouldn't presume to tell someone I'm praying for them unless I was. Good reminder.tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-13429545999218127172007-12-31T14:55:00.000-05:002007-12-31T14:55:00.000-05:00Tony, et al.None of you, save a few know who I am....Tony, et al.<BR/><BR/>None of you, save a few know who I am. In fact, it could be said, "You don't know me from Adam!" However; I will speak as a fellow with his oar in the deep rushing waters of theology and "Sword" battery. Further, I will also speak as an unapologetic Theologically conservative pastor and the recipient of never to be deserved grace of God. <BR/>Disclaimers read and re-read? <BR/>Good! Here is the answer: <BR/>When we get to Heaven - where the Trinity is, all at One time, we shall all ask of the Author Himself all of the things we don't truly understand (at this moment) held within the Solo Scriptura in this life, in this world, in this finite limited cognizance. <BR/>When we ASK of Him He will answer, and we will understand. I am confident that in that same teaching by the Master we will also hear an "Ahem, I also have some addenda and appends to add to your less than accurate renderings of my mysterious Word." And then, we shall sheepishly (All of US!) look through our long and luxurious hair (dreams of a bald Shrek-like dude) and we will at that and following moments realize our utter arrogance in thinking we understand it alllllll. Further it will be clearly rendered to us that our representation of truth dripping from the frothed fangs of our "Religious Rottweiller" understanding contention and contentious defense of OUR faith was not always so aptly put. <BR/><BR/>There are some parts we won't understand until Jesus our Lord explains to us in Person. In the interim, I read Tony's Statement of Faith and find no fault in it. <BR/><BR/>That said, here is what I find insinuated throughout this thread: Somebody needs a double dose of humble pie! Gary, I don't know you but God does... Tony, I barely know you, but God does. Neither of you know me as above disclaimer so disclaims, but.... say it with me.... But God Does...<BR/> <BR/>In the end, we are but specks on an earth God Himself Spoke into existence and the Holy blood that dripped from His Holy and human Son onto the very soil God the Father was created for repentant sinners all, myself included so undeserving... <BR/><BR/>That blood-spattered path went One way from the Cross to that borrowed tomb... My redemption was bought with every Word Jesus our Lord spoke, with every miracle He performed, with every lash He bore, every insult He suffered, and with every Splendid nanosecond of Victory He won over from death and hell - say it with me... ON OUR BEHALF! <BR/><BR/>This is what reminds me of why He came into a poor family. Why He was born of a virgin. Why He was born in a dirty feed troth. Why He was rejected and hung upon a wooden cross composed of His Father's own created tree. Why He, despite all my despicable acts He hung upon that cross, for me... THAT my friend (or not) is why I know I am saved and why I KNOW it is my duty to lead as many as possible to the foot of the Cross until the day I breathe my last breath and upon His face I shall see, mercy, healing, peace at last. “Repent for the Kingdom is Near” Jesus said... Then, repent I shall... No humbler place one man could be... except of course, the Man hanging upon that Cross. Final advice? Tony, let it go, feigned humility expressed through, "I'll pray for you" is a covenant examined only by God - as it is prayed (or not prayed.)<BR/>Rev. Shawn Michael Greener<BR/>"Jesus Freak"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-58123481118986512862007-09-05T15:27:00.000-04:002007-09-05T15:27:00.000-04:00Seems like you do a good job of asking questions t...Seems like you do a good job of asking questions the rest of us are afraid to. I keep coming back here for that reason.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-68030679915539913662007-08-27T15:43:00.000-04:002007-08-27T15:43:00.000-04:00Thanks, Stephanie.Thanks, Stephanie.tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-32827382298136581852007-08-27T15:38:00.000-04:002007-08-27T15:38:00.000-04:00You are absolutely right when you say, "it doesn't...You are absolutely right when you say, "it doesn't always offer us the answers we've concluded on our own." In terms of being saved, you are right... we cannot judge HOW to get saved. But we know that we do need to be saved, and we know THROUGH WHOM we must be saved.<BR/><BR/>And thank you for pointing out the "we do know" section, which, as you have pointed out, has been overlooked. <BR/><BR/>And the Sword is most definitely the thing to use to refute the misuse of itself. That's what Jesus did when He was tempted, after all! It is hard not to get defensive, isn't it. I know... because I felt defensive on your behalf:)Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04368679304645165576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-4448231468680491372007-08-27T14:45:00.000-04:002007-08-27T14:45:00.000-04:00Thanks, Stephanie. I agree... and I appreciate yo...Thanks, Stephanie. I agree... and I appreciate your candid thoughts.<BR/><BR/>I am concerned, though, whenever we can't admit that while the Bible does offer us answers, it doesn't always offer us the answers <I>we've</I> concluded on our own. Meaning, have we really established Scripturally the "right way" to get saved (and what that means anyway)? I know it's an uncomfortable question and one that probably messes with the little box we've all created on that (including myself). <BR/><BR/>And maybe this is where we split, but I'm comfortable with that tension not being resolved if the only resolution we have is a half-answer that diminishes the mystery of God.<BR/><BR/>Yet on the flipside, I did have a section on the things we "do know," and yet I feel as though that has been overlooked in this discussion.<BR/><BR/>I also agree that we shouldn't use the Sword to attack others. However, when this does happen how does one respond? The only thing I can come up with is that the Sword itself is the only thing that can contextualize and correct innapropriate human wieldings of itself, which even then is hopefully used reservedly.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps I'm in the wrong spirit on this, and so I do welcome your correction if needed. Thanks for praying and posting... and I have been in prayer for this and the journey we are all on, self included.<BR/><BR/>Even if every question isn't as tidy as we'd like.tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-54771431776799613462007-08-27T14:29:00.000-04:002007-08-27T14:29:00.000-04:00I think its sad when believers use the phrase "I'l...I think its sad when believers use the phrase "I'll pray for you" in a derogatory way. Yes, I know you will both say, "No, really... I really will pray..." But seriously... Let's pray. Father, please reveal Your truth to us in Jesus' name. You say that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. Help us to stop judging, and start speaking The Truth, and leave the convicting up to You. The Word is true. The Word is alive. The Word is absolute. The Word is authoritative. Lord, I pray that You will make the seemingly gray areas crystal clear... That you will put in our hearts a DESIRE to see the Truth with clarity, because You said that You reveal the Truth to those who are actually seeking it out. Amen.<BR/><BR/>Tony, I appreciate your desire to ask questions. Sometimes, though, the answers don't appear readily available. I believe that the answers are most definitely available, through the Bible. The Word does not leave us hanging. The methods that God uses to bring those to Himself are many and varied, but the One through whom we must go is clear. Jesus is the only way to God... And the evidence that He is in us is the Spirit that testifies with our spirits that we are God's children, which is shown outwardly by the fruit that we produce. <BR/><BR/>Mr. Fox... Yikes. Instead of condescention (however its spelled), try love? Try actually praying? And remember, the same way that you judge, you will be judged. And the judgment seems pretty harsh at this point, doesn't it? We need to be careful, I think. <BR/><BR/>Can we please not use the Sword to attack and insult fellow believers? I'm not sure that's what it is for. <BR/><BR/>BLESSINGS to everyone.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04368679304645165576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-28054849097620034612007-08-24T22:40:00.000-04:002007-08-24T22:40:00.000-04:00wow. look at the thought you provoked. it's too la...wow. look at the thought you provoked. it's too late at night for me to even begin to wrap my brain around all this. so i will just say...<BR/><BR/>only by Grace. and i am so thankful for that Grace.Caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17480100522645683741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-56746162473221931792007-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:002007-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:00amen.amen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-59608083131724935052007-08-24T19:17:00.000-04:002007-08-24T19:17:00.000-04:00The only things we know about God are that which H...The only things we know about God are that which He has chosen to reveal to us.<BR/><BR/>Can we "know" God? In the sense of having a relationship with Him? Absolutely! But can we "figure out" God? I don't think so.<BR/><BR/>"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," Declares the LORD.<BR/><BR/>"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Is. 55:8-9)<BR/><BR/>Paul makes mention of the "mystery" of God, Christ and the Gospel throughout his letters to the early church. The mystery of God has been revealed to us in order for us to be reconciled to God. But should we assume that God has revealed ALL of Himself to us & that with enough prayer, Bible study & theological training we can know all there is to know about God?<BR/><BR/>I think it is extremely arrogant on our part as finite humans to even begin to imagine that we can figure out an infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal God.Derekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06521600838840002757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-81043733575680542882007-08-24T19:01:00.000-04:002007-08-24T19:01:00.000-04:00Cool, Gary. And if you don't want to answer those ...Cool, Gary. And if you don't want to answer those questions regarding the Law of non-contradiction and the Trinity/Incarnation, I understand.<BR/><BR/>Matthew 7:6 <I>is</I> a great passage. Especially in light of the context of <A HREF="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207;&version=31;" REL="nofollow">the five verses before it</A>, too.tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-11702781208845820052007-08-24T17:41:00.000-04:002007-08-24T17:41:00.000-04:00Tony,again...I'll keep you in my prayers.I will he...Tony,<BR/><BR/>again...I'll keep you in my prayers.<BR/><BR/>I will heed Matthew 7:6 and go away...take care...irreverend foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11460205052566275714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-33162445383924476252007-08-24T16:54:00.000-04:002007-08-24T16:54:00.000-04:00Gary - there were two questions, so I responded wi...Gary - there were two questions, so I responded with two answers (and even separated them by quotes and a comma). Try to read beyond what you're already look for... it helps you keep a more open mind in conversation.<BR/><BR/>Speaking of which, the law on non-contradiction... where is that in the Bible again? Also, does this "law" apply to the Trinity and the Incarnation, too? (By the way, if you don't believe in those let me know and I'll pray for you, too.)<BR/><BR/>Also - still curious - for whose security are you/Naomi pursuing these questions? Please think about it.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Thurman8er - You're right... God stuff does defy logic... because if it didn't we wouldn't need faith... and God wouldn't be bigger than our minds and boxes.<BR/><BR/>Wait... He is, right? I keep forgetting.tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-5021956838519573002007-08-24T12:24:00.000-04:002007-08-24T12:24:00.000-04:00God-stuff does not defy logic...lol...because if i...God-stuff does not defy logic...lol...because if it did we wouldn't know there was such a thing as God-stuff...irreverend foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11460205052566275714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-22729812574261921142007-08-24T12:01:00.000-04:002007-08-24T12:01:00.000-04:00Tony, for the record, I'm sure you're really saved...Tony, for the record, I'm sure you're really saved, yet I don't know exactly why.<BR/><BR/>This God-stuff sorta defies logic, doesn't it?<BR/><BR/>(I'm praying for you too, though probably for different reasons.)Thurman8erhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04956136117525355145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-64700404581429575772007-08-24T11:36:00.000-04:002007-08-24T11:36:00.000-04:00The answer can not be "yes" and "I don't know".The...The answer can not be "yes" and "I don't know".<BR/><BR/>There is a logical called the law of non-contradiction...”A” can not be “non-A” at the same time and in the same relationship. So, you either know that you have been saved..."yes"...or you don't know for sure that you have been..."I don't know"...but you can't say "yes, I have been" and "I'm not sure" at the same time and in the same relationship.<BR/><BR/>Based upon our talks and everything I've read from you the "I don't know" seems to be the most accurate response...which is to be expected when one doesn't know for sure what the gospel message actually is and how one actually "gets" saved...I'll keep praying for you.irreverend foxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11460205052566275714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-66706602597098505972007-08-24T09:39:00.000-04:002007-08-24T09:39:00.000-04:00Scott - thanks for your thoughts... tradition is g...Scott - thanks for your thoughts... tradition is good to recognize, for both it's merits and its incompleteness.<BR/><BR/>momma/poppa/boy - Keep on coming!<BR/><BR/>Derek - very insightful... love that concept of awareness/ignorance and how grace seems to keep us guessing on our toes because God is way bigger. I do think, though, that whenever Jesus speaks of the Kingdom it's meant as both a present and future reality. Always interesting how that fleshes out.<BR/><BR/><BR/>Naomi - according to the Scriptures above, "yes," and "I don't know." Perhaps a better question is why and for who's security do you feel the need to ask? (Say hey to Gary for me)tonymyleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11396458619687708153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15733794.post-1278645787029058352007-08-24T08:38:00.000-04:002007-08-24T08:38:00.000-04:00Tony, are you saved? How do you really know if yo...Tony, are you saved? How do you really know if you are?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com