tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021292980918382492.post8617712853397573058..comments2023-10-16T05:31:12.169-07:00Comments on Pub Ponderings: Another Blog Length Blog CommentPastor Erikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04018584378292363863noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021292980918382492.post-11741194365503493262010-02-27T19:37:22.113-08:002010-02-27T19:37:22.113-08:00Couple things: "It is the mature and reasone...Couple things: "It is the mature and reasoned faith of Lutheranism that has restored my faith in the church --- a doctrine of Grace over one of condemnation and fear." I have a problem with this elitist, "we are much smarter than you" attitude many of my fellow ELCA Lutherans have. But that is my opinion. And by the way, Jesus talked about Hell more than anyone else in the Bible. <br /><br />To the author, a question: You state, "The whole world has already been reconciled to God (proleptically) in Jesus. It’s just taking the whole world a while to realize that and live accordingly." Are you saying "everyone is saved?" (Universal salvation)<br /><br />About the End Times. “And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.” 2 Timothy 4:8. Seems to me God is happy that people look for and look forward to Jesus return. It should be encouraged.Enoughnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021292980918382492.post-56973834270403918202010-02-27T10:17:22.957-08:002010-02-27T10:17:22.957-08:00As someone who was once training to be a pastor in...As someone who was once training to be a pastor in an Arminian-based denomination, I can tell you that the ELCA should avoid anything that even resembles that theology. It is the mature and reasoned faith of Lutheranism that has restored my faith in the church --- a doctrine of Grace over one of condemnation and fear.Michaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021292980918382492.post-6062988118758576162010-02-25T06:05:31.844-08:002010-02-25T06:05:31.844-08:00I think you are far too optimistic about the missi...I think you are far too optimistic about the missional ability of today's Lutherans (and Lutheran theology). Only one piece of evidence needed: the ELCA has lost HALF A MILLION members since Mark Hanson took over as bishop. Something needs to change! And it's not just putting an even greater emphasis on baptism...which has been tried heavily for the last couple decades...and failed.VikingFanhttp://www.simplysharejesus.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021292980918382492.post-37529382036621033682010-02-24T12:01:43.079-08:002010-02-24T12:01:43.079-08:00Wow, Pastor E., such wisdom. If I could jump throu...Wow, Pastor E., such wisdom. If I could jump through the screen and hug you, I would. I started following you during the difficult decision our synod made in August. (as if I need to elaborate!)<br /><br />I am an ELCA girl who was born R. Catholic. I've watched the different ways Christians divide themselves. If I may, something my own pastor suggested recently was that we get more by NOT merging, so we don't fight over the finer points. <br /><br />Currently, I am in regular communication with a vibrant young Penecostal missionary, a brilliant Catholic and some pretty amazing Lutherans. It seems more and more, we find each other, and our evangelism may not be like a beacon but closer to a warm glow of a candle. Those who seek light find it. <br /><br />I really love the way you articulate things. Amen and thank you.FreshGreenKimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12815693641933892148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5021292980918382492.post-19229782118983365582010-02-24T08:08:36.656-08:002010-02-24T08:08:36.656-08:00Thanks for sharing these thoughts. I'm a Unite...Thanks for sharing these thoughts. I'm a United Methodist pastor and what you are talking about has a lot of connections with my Wesleyan tradition as well. We too are sitting on a big pile of what our neighbors need and doing little about it. Let's get after it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com