Things I came across today in my travels

Lutherans and Revisionist Theology

Why do Confessional Lutherans and Revisionists come to a differentunderstanding of Grace? The key to understanding Luther's theology isthe insight that one simple statement cannot cover all of the truth("the unchangeable truth of the divine Word", Preface to the Book ofConcord). Good holistic theology understands that there is more tothe truth than can be said by one doctrine such as the teaching aboutgrace. http://www.solid-ground.ca/a-revtheology.htm

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Bird Flu and the ELCA

Why should we worry about an outbreak of the bird flu in Asia? That is so far away. That would not affect us? Or, could it? Why should we worry about the action of the ELCA to tolerate cohabiting homosexuals as pastors in the ELCA? Our sister church in the USA, the ELCA, has decided not to discipline its pastors who openly declare to be homosexuals who cohabit with other homosexuals. Why should we worry? Our ELCIC has an agreement with the ELCA to a free exchange of pastors across the border. Should we be concerned about that? Frank Pastore raises important questions about the message being sent to our Lutheran youth in light of the action taken by the recent ELCAChurchwide Assembly. http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/FrankPastore/2007/08/19/sex_and_the_lutheran_youth_group
He writes: "How can they do that? I mean, how can the leadership of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) tell their kids with a
straight face not to be sexually active outside of marriage when
they've just voted last Saturday to no longer enforce the celibacy
requirement for their unmarried staff - both straight and gay? The
ELCA and other pro-gay denominations have been ordaining gays for decades. That's nothing new. What's new is that now staff can openly have lovers while on the job and there will be no disciplinary action for violating the celibacy requirement. The message to the kids is loud and clear: We can have sex with our boyfriends and girlfriends, but you can't".

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I AM

I was regretting the pastand fearing the future.
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
"My name is I AM"

He paused. I waited. He continued,
"When you live in the past with its mistakes and regrets, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WAS.

When you live in the future,
with its problems and fears, it is hard.
I am not there.
My name is not I WILL BE.

When you live in this moment it is not hard.
I am here,
My name is I AM."

Helen Mallicoat

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14

http://www.inspiring-quotes-and-stories.com/my-name-is-i-am.html

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Asking God

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings.
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from
worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others,
as much as God loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Unknown

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