http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?disp=comments en-US http://backend.userland.com/rss 60 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:06:20 +0000 c694@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thanks for this post. It puts the text of the Ten Commandments in a different light -- not that they mean something different, but that God is here giving His Law to the People of the Gospel, His chosen people. There can be no question: these words that condemn our thoughts, words, and actions come from Him not as a curse, but as a blessing, another element of His saving work. With such an understanding, it's no wonder that the psalmist in Psalm 119 would proclaim his heartfelt love for God's Law, His commandments, His precepts, etc. This shows how the OT believers had a well-defined understanding of what Lutheran theologians have called "the Gospel in the wide sense," and also treasured the whole message as God's saving work -- including the Ten Commandments. This understanding is not omitted from the Lutheran Confessions, but it receives less emphasis than the Gospel "in the narrow sense," and the corresponding Law that cannot save. http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=what_about_egypt&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c694 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:47:34 +0000 c693@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Oops! I forgot to post my site. http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=5&title=good_news_from_wolf_creek&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c693 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 03:44:59 +0000 c692@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thank you for fighting; thank you for stepping away. Your service is valued. There IS a time for every purpose under heaven. There IS a time for every purpose under heaven. ]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=5&title=good_news_from_wolf_creek&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c692 Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:41:56 +0000 c521@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thanks for the posts, Mr. Lung. I couldn't agree with you more! These articles appeared about once a month. Sometimes caused people to write letters to the editor, and sometimes, like in my case, brought people into the church! If you have other questions regarding some of your other posts, please feel free to email me privately. And please do check back later next week, as I plan to start posting many new things very soon!
If you have other questions regarding some of your other posts, please feel free to email me privately.

And please do check back later next week, as I plan to start posting many new things very soon!]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=law_and_gospel&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c521 Fri, 09 Jun 2006 16:35:02 +0000 c514@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside What a great article for a community paper! Unfortunately, many terms have been completely and unidentifiably redefined depending with whom we speak. For example, the key words Law, Gospel and Lutheran have all been mutated. Can the standard Luther catechesis treatment be applied to these three terms? [ie What does this mean? vs What does this mean _to_you_?] Unfortunately, many terms have been completely and unidentifiably redefined depending with whom we speak. For example, the key words Law, Gospel and Lutheran have all been mutated. Can the standard Luther catechesis treatment be applied to these three terms? [ie What does this mean? vs What does this mean _to_you_?]]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=law_and_gospel&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c514 Mon, 05 Jun 2006 19:49:09 +0000 c487@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Mr. Brown, Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm pleased that you somehow found your way to my Lutheran Theology site, yet you express some degree of surprise that you read Lutheran Theology here! As do all who practice Baptist theology, you draw upon your human reason and go beyond what the Scriptures actually say about the human condition, sin, baptism, and forgiveness through Christ. Nowhere in the Scriptures does one read that a person must reach a certain age in order to be accountable for his sins, or to have those sins forgiven through Christ's sacrifice. Christ died for all! (I Tim. 2:3-4). Yet you ignore the cases where men are baptized, "along with their households". (Acts: 16:15, 16:33, 18:8, I Cor. 1:16). Are the children of those households specifically exempt from this? In the New Testament, "households" were entire families, as well as servants and employees. If your assumption about some supposed age of accountability were correct, surely the Scriptures would let us know that, in this case only, "households" do not include children. But of course they say nothing of the kind. In fact, your assertion makes baptism your own act, by which you cooperate in your own salvation, rather than solely the act of a merciful God, which is indeed a means of grace through which God works. (I Peter 3:21) I suggest you go back and reread this article, look up the scriptural references provided, and put aside for a moment your preconceived assumptions that are based on human reason and not on the Scriptures, and you just may understand what Lutherans believe about this very important topic, and our Scriptural basis for doing so. It really is a matter of life and death. Blessings! Julie
Thank you for taking the time to write. I'm pleased that you somehow found your way to my Lutheran Theology site, yet you express some degree of surprise that you read Lutheran Theology here!

As do all who practice Baptist theology, you draw upon your human reason and go beyond what the Scriptures actually say about the human condition, sin, baptism, and forgiveness through Christ. Nowhere in the Scriptures does one read that a person must reach a certain age in order to be accountable for his sins, or to have those sins forgiven through Christ's sacrifice. Christ died for all! (I Tim. 2:3-4).

Yet you ignore the cases where men are baptized, "along with their households". (Acts: 16:15, 16:33, 18:8, I Cor. 1:16). Are the children of those households specifically exempt from this? In the New Testament, "households" were entire families, as well as servants and employees. If your assumption about some supposed age of accountability were correct, surely the Scriptures would let us know that, in this case only, "households" do not include children. But of course they say nothing of the kind.

In fact, your assertion makes baptism your own act, by which you cooperate in your own salvation, rather than solely the act of a merciful God, which is indeed a means of grace through which God works. (I Peter 3:21)

I suggest you go back and reread this article, look up the scriptural references provided, and put aside for a moment your preconceived assumptions that are based on human reason and not on the Scriptures, and you just may understand what Lutherans believe about this very important topic, and our Scriptural basis for doing so. It really is a matter of life and death.

Blessings! Julie
]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=the_biblical_case_for_infant_baptism&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c487 Fri, 26 May 2006 22:15:05 +0000 c357@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside As much a we want to save our children, we can not. It has to be their personal decision as the Lord places them under conviction for their sins. At whatever age that there is a recognition of sin unto death, there is accountability. Infants cannot know sin unto death, though they be sinners from birth. To God's glory, only He can save them. In any faith, we respond hopefully in sincerety and not symbolically. I appreciate your belief as important to you, as my faith is to me. May God bless you and yours. http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=the_biblical_case_for_infant_baptism&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c357 Wed, 24 May 2006 19:17:56 +0000 c352@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside ah. no response necessary. I believe that the 5/9/06 discussion into this blog answers my question. All too frequent and familiar nowadays, yet always sad to hear. My family has gone through two such congregational destructions in California and Ohio in just the last few years. Two other faithful pastors displaced... and two congregations crippled... we can owe it all to Ablaze! I believe that the 5/9/06 discussion into this blog answers my question.
All too frequent and familiar nowadays, yet always sad to hear. My family has gone through two such congregational destructions in California and Ohio in just the last few years. Two other faithful pastors displaced... and two congregations crippled... we can owe it all to Ablaze!]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=introduction_to_the_fireside&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c352 Wed, 24 May 2006 19:10:05 +0000 c351@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thank you for the nice blog and your writing in the recent years. Pardon my asking, but is Pr Bolland's former congregation at Pagosa Springs no longer what it was? Pardon my asking, but is Pr Bolland's former congregation at Pagosa Springs no longer what it was?]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=introduction_to_the_fireside&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c351 Fri, 12 May 2006 16:37:05 +0000 c295@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside I appreciate this post. There was an article I read a while ago by an LCMS pastor who pleaded with us to get back to the basics of Biblical Doctrine. http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=dealing_with_congregational_antagonists&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c295 Thu, 11 May 2006 01:32:59 +0000 c280@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Hello, my friend, and thank you for your courageous post. I am so sorry to hear of your struggles with this very difficult situation. I am, however, heartened to hear of your concerns for your children, and of the event that brought the realization to you that your wife and children do not see you merely as "a provider", but as a beloved husband and father. They need you, yes. But more importantly, they LOVE you, and you are an integral part of them! Know too that, while you may be struggling and there may have been some rocky times, your concern for them also demonstrates an unselfish love for them as well, even if you do not always feel all that virtuous about it. Hang in there! I understand your desire for confidentiality, but I would be honored to speak with you at any time. Sometimes a stranger's ear, especially one who has experienced the same difficulties, can do a lot of good, especially in times of temptation, despair, and weakness. Please email me privately (JM@lutheransource.net), and we can talk via email or I will be happy to give you my phone number. (If you wish to remain anonymous even privately between us, I would not be offended by that in the least. You can easily set up a hotmail or yahoo account where your identity is hidden.) May our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, bless you and strengthen you with His love, His understanding, and His continued assurance of forgiveness and salvation in His name, You are in my prayers. Your friend, Julie
I am so sorry to hear of your struggles with this very difficult situation. I am, however, heartened to hear of your concerns for your children, and of the event that brought the realization to you that your wife and children do not see you merely as "a provider", but as a beloved husband and father. They need you, yes. But more importantly, they LOVE you, and you are an integral part of them!

Know too that, while you may be struggling and there may have been some rocky times, your concern for them also demonstrates an unselfish love for them as well, even if you do not always feel all that virtuous about it. Hang in there!

I understand your desire for confidentiality, but I would be honored to speak with you at any time. Sometimes a stranger's ear, especially one who has experienced the same difficulties, can do a lot of good, especially in times of temptation, despair, and weakness. Please email me privately (JM@lutheransource.net), and we can talk via email or I will be happy to give you my phone number. (If you wish to remain anonymous even privately between us, I would not be offended by that in the least. You can easily set up a hotmail or yahoo account where your identity is hidden.)

May our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, bless you and strengthen you with His love, His understanding, and His continued assurance of forgiveness and salvation in His name,

You are in my prayers.

Your friend, Julie]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=the_violent_death_of_a_loved_one_the_aft&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c280 Wed, 10 May 2006 18:17:48 +0000 c279@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside I identified with your story because I have almost been there. The difference was that I contemplated suicide myself many times. Part of it was because of the bipolar that runs in my family and another part of it is because I felt that the man should support the family no matter what. I carry a $500K term life policy, a $300K accident policy, and a $250K policy as a pastor. During those times when I felt I might lose my job I thought "Well, I can take care of my family this way." Two things helped me from mood and situational suicidal thoughts. First, a counselor asked me if this was the pattern I wanted to teach my children for dealing with life's anguish. Second, when I had a possible seizure the police described my condition to my wife in such a way that she believed I was in much worse shape than I was. While it was terrible for her it made me realize that I had a greater place in her life than just as a provider and that she (and my sons) needed me. Those two events have not stopped suicidal thoughts from coming to me from time to time, but they have stopped me from dwelling on them as a reasonable alternative. http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=the_violent_death_of_a_loved_one_the_aft&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c279 Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:30:18 +0000 c221@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Welcome John! And thank you for your comments. I must say that your attitude, which is obviously based on your deep faith, is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing that. One thing Pastor Webber also told me when I was facing the possibility of death was to remember the Lord's Supper, and to partake of it often. He said that as a means of grace, it strengthens our faith, but it does even more than that. With Christ's body and blood, we also share in His victory over death, and through partaking in this gift to us, we too share in the very real physical resurrection of His body and blood. His resurrection is also our resurrection. Very comforting words indeed!
And thank you for your comments. I must say that your attitude, which is obviously based on your deep faith, is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing that.

One thing Pastor Webber also told me when I was facing the possibility of death was to remember the Lord's Supper, and to partake of it often. He said that as a means of grace, it strengthens our faith, but it does even more than that. With Christ's body and blood, we also share in His victory over death, and through partaking in this gift to us, we too share in the very real physical resurrection of His body and blood. His resurrection is also our resurrection. Very comforting words indeed!

]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=a_matter_of_life_and_death&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c221 Mon, 24 Apr 2006 10:56:53 +0000 c209@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Yes, I to, among many people have had that "brush" in two instances. One with a motor cycle accident and another with a heart atack and as Nancy mentioned I sometimes mournned not being with God. I truly felt as the hymn said "I'm but a stranger here". I felt out of place like I didn't belong here. As time went on I "in everything pray, praise and give thanks" for his mercy so that I may enjoy my kids and grandkids for more years. Over the years I've tried to "praise him in everything" and doesn't matter if it's good or bad. This helps me be more positive when things go wrongs because then I find something good and positive even when I'm in dire straits and I know God teaches me lessons and is allways with me. It's hard to do sometimes but then the ultimate benefits are from praising Him.
As time went on I "in everything pray, praise and give thanks" for his mercy so that I may enjoy my kids and grandkids for more years. Over the years I've tried to "praise him in everything" and doesn't matter if it's good or bad. This helps me be more positive when things go wrongs because then I find something good and positive even when I'm in dire straits and I know God teaches me lessons and is allways with me. It's hard to do sometimes but then the ultimate benefits are from praising Him. ]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=a_matter_of_life_and_death&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c209 Fri, 07 Apr 2006 20:34:24 +0000 c111@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Update:April 7, 2006 The Associated Press An environmental study commissioned by the Forest Service that authorizes construction of access roads and potentially clears the way for a proposed resort near the Wolf Creek Ski Area was seriously flawed, a former agency official involved in the study said. Ed Ryberg, who recently retired as head of the Forest Service's winter sports programs for the Rocky Mountain region, told The Denver Post that the study was inadequate because agency officials who studied the potential environmental effects of the roads were under pressure from their supervisors to help the developer. The Post reported earlier this year that it obtained documents showing that Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey's deputy, David Tenny, exerted pressure on behalf of Texas billionaire Billy Joe "Red" McCombs, who wants to build up to 222,100 square feet of commercial space and enough housing for up to 10,500 people. The documents indicate Rey met repeatedly with project supporters and that Tenny kept track of the project. "It's not often you get a deputy undersecretary involved in an easement issue," Ryberg said. An environmental assessment released Monday authorized construction of two short roads from U.S. Highway 160 to the proposed Village at Wolf Creek. Ryberg said he and other Forest Service employees participated in a conference call with Tenny early in the study in which Tenny instructed them to help the developers." IT'S NOT TOO LATE! We can still stop McComb's self-serving manipulation of the system in forcing through a development which is bad for the environment, bad for the residents of SW Colorado, and bad for all the visitors to our area who love our pristine mountain pass! Come together to show your opposition to the Village@Wolf Creek in Creede on Friday April 7th. The event will be held at the Community Center at the Underground Mining Museum. Meeting starts at 6:00pm but showing up around 5:30 would be great. The Associated Press

An environmental study commissioned by the Forest Service that authorizes construction of access roads and potentially clears the way for a proposed resort near the Wolf Creek Ski Area was seriously flawed, a former agency official involved in the study said.

Ed Ryberg, who recently retired as head of the Forest Service's winter sports programs for the Rocky Mountain region, told The Denver Post that the study was inadequate because agency officials who studied the potential environmental effects of the roads were under pressure from their supervisors to help the developer.

The Post reported earlier this year that it obtained documents showing that Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey's deputy, David Tenny, exerted pressure on behalf of Texas billionaire Billy Joe "Red" McCombs, who wants to build up to 222,100 square feet of commercial space and enough housing for up to 10,500 people. The documents indicate Rey met repeatedly with project supporters and that Tenny kept track of the project.

"It's not often you get a deputy undersecretary involved in an easement issue," Ryberg said.

An environmental assessment released Monday authorized construction of two short roads from U.S. Highway 160 to the proposed Village at Wolf Creek.

Ryberg said he and other Forest Service employees participated in a conference call with Tenny early in the study in which Tenny instructed them to help the developers."

IT'S NOT TOO LATE! We can still stop McComb's self-serving manipulation of the system in forcing through a development which is bad for the environment, bad for the residents of SW Colorado, and bad for all the visitors to our area who love our pristine mountain pass!

Come together to show your opposition to the Village@Wolf Creek in Creede on Friday April 7th. The event will be held at the Community Center at the Underground Mining Museum. Meeting starts at 6:00pm but showing up around 5:30 would be great.


]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=5&title=davey_vs_goliath_a_modern_tale_of_wealth&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c111 Fri, 07 Apr 2006 20:21:07 +0000 c110@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Hello Nancy, Thanks for your thoughtful comments. In answer to your question, I think what I learned mostly is that part of preparing for death is the knowledge that when that happens, I will see the glory of Christ face to face, and then my earthly life will be revealed to be of much less import than I see it today. And that the life we will know after death will be so much better than it is now, because we our faith and our hopes will be perfectly fulfilled in Christ. No more sorrow, no more tears, no more doubts. The problem is that death still stands between then and now, and I still have that innate desire to live, and to appreciate the gifts that God has given in this life, while still anticipating the greater gifts to come. Paul speaks of these contrasting things as we understand them in our life with Christ in 2 Cor. 6:9-10 "...as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything." Please email me if you would like to talk a little more privately off the blog! Julie
Thanks for your thoughtful comments. In answer to your question, I think what I learned mostly is that part of preparing for death is the knowledge that when that happens, I will see the glory of Christ face to face, and then my earthly life will be revealed to be of much less import than I see it today. And that the life we will know after death will be so much better than it is now, because we our faith and our hopes will be perfectly fulfilled in Christ. No more sorrow, no more tears, no more doubts.

The problem is that death still stands between then and now, and I still have that innate desire to live, and to appreciate the gifts that God has given in this life, while still anticipating the greater gifts to come.

Paul speaks of these contrasting things as we understand them in our life with Christ in 2 Cor. 6:9-10 "...as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything."

Please email me if you would like to talk a little more privately off the blog! Julie ]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=a_matter_of_life_and_death&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c110 Thu, 06 Apr 2006 22:25:01 +0000 c98@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside I have similarly faced death and then not been "taken". Do you also share this experience with me, that upon finding that you are indeed alive, you mourn the fact that you are not yet in the presence of God as you might have been if it had gone the other way? For me to live in Christ, and to die is gain. I am torn between the two, even yet. Phil.1 http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=a_matter_of_life_and_death&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c98 Mon, 13 Mar 2006 22:52:21 +0000 c11@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thanks Julie. Its amazing how those articles really hit home for me. That what you call properly handling the Word of Truth. I will be sure to bookmark this site, as I wasn't sure where they could be found now. Thanks again, Nathan I will be sure to bookmark this site, as I wasn't sure where they could be found now.
Thanks again,
Nathan]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=try_try_try&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11 Thu, 09 Mar 2006 21:11:06 +0000 c10@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thanks, Nathan! This particular article was printed in the local newspaper a few years ago, and I wrote Pastor Bolland to express my objections to some of the things he said. That is how I originally met him! That letter led to a series of conversations with him where God worked through him to bring me to faith in Christ. So it has a lot of meaning for me too! All of his Shepherd Staff papers, and others, are still on line at the "parent" website of this blog, www.lutheransource.net, under the "Papers" section. Julie
All of his Shepherd Staff papers, and others, are still on line at the "parent" website of this blog, www.lutheransource.net, under the "Papers" section.

Julie]]> http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=try_try_try&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c10 Wed, 08 Mar 2006 22:45:40 +0000 c9@http://lutheransource.net/Fireside Thanks for posting this article by Pastor Bolland. I read it years ago on the OSLC website. It and the various other articles helped me immensely. I look forward to frequenting your blog. http://lutheransource.net/Fireside/index.php?blog=2&title=try_try_try&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c9