tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post3339068842411492669..comments2024-03-27T15:47:46.091-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Hooking up with Jesus. . .Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-38590165234947152122012-11-20T18:04:35.245-06:002012-11-20T18:04:35.245-06:00You say one does not choose and God does not force...You say one does not choose and God does not force. A middle road between Calvin and Armenius. That belief claims to uphold God's sovereignty. I know for a fact that God is sovereign--even when we choose him. And i don't buy the belief that man has no position in spiritual matters, because that is obviously not true. Man is a factor; as scripture relays and that when realising we are spirirual -- must choose God; lest we fall to Satan. Then there is the witchcraft of the occult...Mr. Mcgranorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12851136550476241757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-19793289356911919202012-11-19T11:35:32.626-06:002012-11-19T11:35:32.626-06:00Connecting Jesus with sexual imagery seems a bit d...Connecting Jesus with sexual imagery seems a bit dangerous.<br /><br />But can we avoid it? We Lutherans especially focus on how God is the agent of conversion. He does not force us to believe in Him and we do not choose to do this. The whole idea of “falling in love” is impossible to avoid. Also, we can think about how God is looking to spread His seed. <br /><br />Is He perhaps like the Romantic Hero who is not tamed, but rather tames us? Who moves quickly in the relationship (a la the hook-up?), but then has every intention of staying in that relationship.<br /><br />After all, He desires all persons to be saved. This means that all of us are meant to be married to Him. To be His bride.<br /><br />And a good husband is not only one who provides and protects, but who becomes one flesh with his wife…<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-18840250268141110302012-11-17T10:26:19.768-06:002012-11-17T10:26:19.768-06:00Traditional non-denominationalism may come by way ...Traditional non-denominationalism may come by way of a Protestant that is praising at a denomination without joining. Such can be restrictive when asked to comply with particular doctrines that impede a general understanding the surjoiner has and so forth. I have an interest by God for the Mainline; but i will never join any one. Others can be anti-denominational. Like the Emergent who has his own brand. Why others are at a denomination may be due to an appeal or guidance to that denomination. Still one may not join. I am inspired to celebrate an affinity with the Mainline. Of which i have saught the 'conservative' ones. I defy the postmodern transition of the Mainline to oblivion--at least in a Western context--because i am a reactionary. As i see Christ to be as well.. Even W.E.L.S. isn't reactionary enough for me. Although i have no interest in converting to a Lutheran structure at a membership level. Nor does God lead me to losing my independent position as a believer.Mr. Mcgranorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12851136550476241757noreply@blogger.com