3 Solas Cafe

[Radiata]

Pretty catchy name huh? This is a class that has been going on at my church for a year now, and it has become quite popular. In it, pastor Paul sets up a friendly environment and discusses whatever we want. It could be scripture, doctrine, or theology. There were about 200 people at this class tonight and I will probably get pictures next week and show off then. As for this time, I have a few pictures of the notebook they gave us. Paul wrote it and even made a copyright page. Check them out.


So here's what's written in the introduction.


Welcome to the 3 Solas Cafe...the most comfortable place at Faith to learn and grow. We're glad you're here and hope you enjoy your Cafe Experience. We've designed this venue with you in mind.

If you're pursuing membership at Faith Lutheran Church...

The Cafe experience will help you answer the question, "Why should I become a member of Faith?" Throughout our time together, we'll unpack the Christian beliefs that are at the core of our Lutheran faith. Beyond that, we'll explore what it means to be a disciple of Christ. By the time we enjoy our last cup of Coffee together, you'll be able to make a fully informed decision as to whether or not Faith is going to be your church home.

​

If you're in a leadership or key volunteer role...

The Cafe experience will enhance your understanding of the Christian faith as it is lived out in a Lutheran context. Our desire is to equip and train you to lead and teach others. In doing so, you'll acquire the knowledge base needed ot clearly articulate your faith, defend it when met with challenges, and practically apply it in every area of your life.

​

If you're a member and want more...

The Cafe experience will help you discover that you are called to be much more than a "member" of Faith. We want to give you more than knowledge about Christ, we want to help you become a disciple of Christ, a fully devoted follower. This call to discipleship is a way of living that we want the entire congregation to embrace.
​

If you're exploring Christianity and have some questions, doubts, or apprehensions about God or the church...

Throughout the Cafe experience, we'll make every effort to address your questions and unpack the "how" and "why" behind Christianity. You'll learn about our truth source, the Bible, and about Jesus Christ, who is at the center of all that we believe. Whether you just sit back and listen, or ask some questions, we hope that you feel comfortable and at ease as you explore the Christian faith.

​

No matter why you came, our 3 Solas Cafe will benefit you. On behalf of the pastors and staff at Faith, we'd like to personally thank you for taking time to be here. Before we begin, grab a beverage of your choice, find a comfortable spot to settle in and enjoy your 3 Solas Cafe experience.

Thank You,

Your 3 Solas Cafe hosts,

Pastor Paul Arndt, Sheila Emerson, Don Hanney, Rob Higgins

There are 44 pages in this notebook. There are places to write questions and notes, many graphs, (Paul loves putting graphs on the side screens during service), and well... that's about it. But today, people talked about denominational differences, why there needs to be 2 or more for God to be present, why Jesus needs to return at the end times when He actually hasn't left us, among other things. They even gave us a membership card to sign in with. It is a great class. I'll elaborate more when I have time.

 

[TCat]

Looks great, hope many people attend and invite non-believers to join them.

 

[Radiata]

There were about 200 people there last night. ¼ were former Catholics. Next week I'll have pictures of the event. It's very casual. Pastor Paul sits behind a desk in front of the old sanctuary and answers questions that people have. Many times he doesn't really answer them though. He says that he hopes that we will find the answer before he answers it because if you do, then who really owns the questions?

 

[LilLamb219]

Sounds like a positive event How often does he (the pastor) do this and how long will he continue?

 

[Radiata]

It's done every wednesday night for 8 weeks. The last week is on Oct 31 and for some unforseeable reason, It looks like we wont have one that night. Over 500 people have gone through this class the 4 times it has been offered. I wished that I had gone there sooner, but my work interfered. It still does, but now my Wednesdays look like this:
6:00AM Wake up
7:00AM Drive 20 miles to school
8:00AM-9:07AM Physics class
9:07AM Drive 20 miles back home
10:00AM-5:30PM Work
5:30PM Drive 23 miles to church for 3 Solas Cafe
6:30PM-8:30PM 3 Solas Cafe
8:30PM Drive 23 miles back home

So as you can see, my wednesday schedule is pretty busy.

 

[LilLamb219]

Got a car with good gas mileage??? I hope so!

 

[Radiata]

So today I have received an email from church talking about last week and this one. I could tell you about it, but it would probably be better if you would just read it. Cheers. I'll have pictures of this weeks session. And I'll also need a better picture uploading site. I don't want small clickable pictures like in the opening post. Suggestions? Anyway, here you go. I'll keep everyone posted on what's happening in this class.

3 Solas Café ​

"Week Day Perk"​

9/17/07​

Hello Everyone,

On behalf of the entire 3 Solas Café Team, thank you for your attendance last Wednesday for Session #1. We had a great turnout and it was a great way to get things started. Our Café Team will continue to work on making your experience a good one. I'd also like to welcome those of you who might be coming to the Café for the first time this Wednesday.it'll be nice to have you in the group.

Session #1 began with participants asking a lot of great questions. Many more have been submitted via the "Question Cards" and via email (3solas@faithtroy.org). I thought it'd be worthwhile to forward these questions to you (see below). Perhaps you'll see a question you wanted to ask, or it'll give you a glimpse at what's on the minds of others:

.Question - What about a child or unborn infant that never heard of Jesus/understood the idea of faith.how will they be saved?
.Question - When you die, do you go to heaven or hell immediately?
.Question - If you were baptized as an infant (a decision that was made by your parents), do you need to be baptized again as an adult when you made the decision to be saved?
.Question - I've visited a Catholic church and, in observing communion, I noticed that many individuals would receive the Body (bread) without receiving the Blood (wine). Is this acceptable?
.Question - As Christians, we base our belief on Scripture.how should/does a Christian debate with a person from another religion that holds no foundation in the Bible? If they consider the Bible to be, essentially, fiction how do you convince them otherwise?
.Question - How does a Christian open the eyes and hearts of individuals coming from the LDS/Mormon and/or Jehovah Witness religions.they only regard their translations of the Bible as Truth?
.Question - Who has the authority to interpret Scripture? In other words, can I as a layperson have the right to interpret Scripture in a way that is different than you as a pastor?
.Question - Does Faith Lutheran allow groups, in which individuals speak in tongues, to hold prayer sessions on church property?
.Question - In the Apostles Creed, why does the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) substitute the word "Christian" for the word "Catholic".isn't there only one Church?
.Question - Where is it supported in Scripture that faith is a free gift to everyone and, because of our sinful nature, we can't choose to accept this gift; however, we can choose "reject"?
.Question - How do we know that Paul was writing under "devine influence" when he was writing his letters from prison? I would like more than that quote by Timothy (or whoever) that says, "Paul's writing is Scripture." Why does he have the authority to say that Paul's writings are, in fact, Scripture?
.Question - We view the Bible, from beginning to end, as the inspired Word of God. But the Canon of the Bible was chosen among many other books that have been written. What about the books that didn't make "the cut" into Scripture? And how does a council of men know/decide what is the inspired Word of God and what isn't?
.Question - Doesn't the Catholic Church have an extra 7(?) books, which Protestant churches do not recognize regarding issues such as purgatory, etc.? Why? How do they/we justify that?
.Question - I am very interested in the differences between Catholicism and Lutheranism. I have looked into it a little and would like some examples of them as well. For instance, Lutherans believe that Scripture alone can create doctrine, but Catholics believe that scripture AND the traditions of the Church and the Pope can create doctrine. What are some examples of the latter creating doctrine and are there any that do not complement Scripture?
.Question - What about communion? Other sacraments? Mary and the saints? How do saints fit into Lutheranism, if at all? Do Catholics "pray" to Mary and the saints alone or rather asking them to pray to God on their behalf? Mary and the Immaculate Conception- no sin or no original sin?
.Question - What is hell; where is it; what does it look like?
.Question - Is the LCMS doctrine based on "office of the keys?" What I heard it was based on one "out of context quote?"
.Question - I contributed a dollar to an office pool at work for a Mega Millions jackpot. I usually buy a lotto ticket once every three years. Is the Lutheran Church against certain/all forms of gambling?

Just to reiterate, all questions are encouraged.whether they're asked during a session, or submitted at a later time, they always serve as great learning points for everyone.

In terms of how Paul will address each question, you'll find that some can be addressed right away, while others may be best answered during a later session after some foundation has been laid. But no matter how much Paul circles the airport, he will eventually land the plane and answers to your questions will be elicited.

One more thing.since some of you did not receive my initial September 10th "Week Day Perk," I wanted to reiterate some administrative details:

• If you've missed a session, or would like to hear something again, a CD recording of all sessions will be available. Let me know if you'd like a copy (3solas@faithtroy.org) and I'll be sure to have one waiting for you.
• As a reminder, you're welcome to arrive any time after 6:00pm. Discussion will begin promptly at 6:30, so feel free to come early and get settled in while enjoying a coffee drink, soda and/or some Café treats.
• Upon arriving, please be sure to pick up a manual, as well as your 3 Solas Café card. You'll be asked to scan this card upon arrival each week.
• Feel free to bring your own Bible.we'll also have Bibles available to you.
• If you'd like to submit a question, please do so by emailing them to 3solas@faithtroy.org
• Regarding Childcare:

§If you require childcare and haven't already responded, please contact send an email to cbrown@faithtroy.org and indicate the age of your child(ren) in need of care.
§Because 3 Solas is extended versus other offerings (2 hrs. vs. 1 ½ hrs.), parents with children in childcare will be asked to pick up children at 8:00 pm and bring them to the Chapel (where 3 Solas is taking place). Our Cafe Team will have caretakers in place to watch over children for remaining ½ hour of class time.
§Please understand, we are doing this to honor our hard working children's ministry volunteers. The other alternative is for parents to simply pick children up at 8:00 pm and bring them into 3 Solas with them. We've had several parents of newborns/babies who brought children for entire 2 hours...we're open to whatever you're comfortable with.
§Lastly, you'll have an option to pick child up and not return to Cafe for last ½ hour...since we'll be recording every session on CD, you can simply listen to the portion you missed. I'll make those CD's available in advance of subsequent sessions.

Thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing you and serving you this Wednesday, September 19 for Session #2.

Warm Regards,


Rob Higgins
3 Solas Café Team Member

 

[Radiata]

Since I can't post all my pictures at once, I'll have to break it into two posts. This first post will include my church and everything that doesn't have to do with people. The second post will be people only.

So this time around, pastor Paul brought up the questions that were submitted via email and via question cards during service. He said that he would get to them first, but he spent the whole time answering questions that people brought up during the session. Oh well.

So some things we talked about were the 30,000 denominations. Every one says they are right, but how do we know which is right? The answer Paul gave was that the LCMS goes off of what we know to be true from the scriptures. That way, we know that we are right because everything we teach is right. There is nothing that we teach that isn't scriptural.

We then went on about Baptism. Take Billy Gram(SP) for example. When he asks people to the front to pray to accept Jesus into their hearts, when are they Christians? Is it when they say that prayer? No, it's when they are still sitting in the audience. How does baptism help you once you are already saved? Infant baptism does indeed save.

We also talked about other means of grace. Baptism, Lord's supper, praying, reading the bible, through communication with other Christians. Interesting conversation there. Bob Spix went on about that one for a while.

Then we talked about the Office of the Keys. Everyone has the ability to tell people that their sins are forgiven, but not to forgive their sins themselves. That is only for God to do.

Then we talked about how Luther didn't like James, and Hebrews, because James says works as well as faith, and no one knows who wrote Hebrews. We talked about Luke and how he wasn't an eyewitness account of Jesus. But because it doesn't contradict the other gospels, it is valid.


Picture time.

Here's the food table. The croissants were delicious.

You can't be Lutheran without coffee. There was a huge fancy coffee center there.

And I mean, it was huge.

Here's an offtopic question, this is our children's ministry and they have about 200 ft of hallway that is painted like this. To me, this just doesn't say "church." Is this really necessary and even acceptable in God's house?


Anyway, next post will have people in it.

 

[Radiata]

So, here are some of the people that were there. It's a very casual environment.

First off, here is Bob Spix and Gary Richard. Gary heads up the music ministry. He has also done much tech stuff for the church as well.

Here is Cynthia Brown. She heads up the children's ministry. Caught her stuffing her face. But she is VERY skinny.

And here is pastor Paul. He is just sitting on the stage behind a desk. There is a screen right above his head that is connected to a power point slide on his computer. That computer you see is one of those new touch screens. He can draw on it, and save that slide for earlier reference.

Here is Gary again, this time with Rob Higgins. Together, they did the tech stuff in the sound booth at the back of the room. We did this in the old sanctuary by the way. The new one seats 1,450 people. More when we bring the other seats in.

And the last one is 2 of the attendances serving the coffee machines. There were about 30 volunteers for this event.


Well, that is all for this post, I have school right now, and I'll probably get some time to make any changes that I might think of.
Comments or replies are always welcome.

 

[LilLamb219]

Quick question...did these people give you permission to post their pictures? The reason I ask is because I know that I personally wouldn't want my picture posted anywhere...

Just asking

As for the children's hallway...at first I thought it was so cute, until you pointed out that it isn't very "Christian". There might be a way to correct that through some additional painting without destroying the entire mural. Maybe with some wording put onto the walls at the top? Or Bible verses.

 

[Radiata]

Hmmm, good point. I did mention to all but one of the people that I was going to put it on the interweb, and none of them objected. You can find their picture online anyway though. My church is very well documented.

And about the walls in the children's ministry. I probably posted the absolute worst places that I could have possibly taken. In these hallways, there are 27 hidden crosses, 17 Jesus messages, and the holy spirit scattered around. You can't see any of them from the pictures that I took. The Jesus messages include quotes like, "I am praying for you", "I died for you."

Wait a minute, look on the second picture, and you can see an animal eating an apple. Look to the right and written "on" the tree, there is a message. That's the only one I can see from the picture.

3 Solas is absolutely the best bible study I have ever been in. Probably because 95% of the people there are adults and we get serious discussion going on.

Questions? Comments?

 

[BigNorsk]

So how is this promoted? What do you call it. Because I'm assuming it's not just come to the Three Solas Cafe and that's the end of it.

Marv

 

[Radiata]

Not quite sure that I understand your question. You mean advertising? It's advertised at our church's website, during service, and the people participating bring more people in.

That really is the end of it. There are about 200 people taking this class this time, and many (about 30) have already taken the class before. It's just that good. It answers all questions that people have about the Lutheran faith. Maybe not all at once, because it is only a 2 hour session.

 

[Radiata]

Ok, I have just received another 3 Solas Perk. Here is the email I got today. I'll tell what happens there on Thursday.

3 Solas Café ​

"Week Day Perk"​

9/23/07​

Hello Everyone,

Let me begin by giving you a well-deserved award. Out of the five previously offered 3 Solas Cafés, the group from this current run gets the first-ever "I've Got a Fever and the Only Prescription is More Questions" award for having generated the most questions through the first two weeks. In fact, the number of questions we've received thus far, by either e-mail (3solas@faithtroy.org) or via the "yellow question cards," approximates that which we typically receive over an entire 8-week period.

This is great news. It means that you are taking serious the notion that the 3 Solas Caféis a comfortable, non-threatening place - to learn about Christ, to ask questions, and to engage in Christ-centered conversation.

In two short weeks, we've received questions that run the gamut of theological issues - from Scriptural interpretation to denominational differences to desiring to know how God speaks to us. Below, I've done my best to group all of the questions we've received (through 9/23/07) into general subject headings. The expectation will be for Paul to weave these into his discussions during the coming weeks.

Questions Re: Membership Track/Leadership Training at Faith
.Question - Last week, Pastor Paul said that the 3 Solas Café (8 week class) was the first step to becoming a member of Faith Lutheran Church. What else does someone, who is already a Lutheran, have to do to become a member of Faith?
.Question - I was surprised to see non-Lutheran studies (small group material and group Bible studies) being led at Faith.it seems there are doctrinal issues at stake. Can you comment? What about members involved in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)?
.Question - Is there a process at Faith to determine if its leaders/teachers are in agreement with the Lutheran doctrine and if they understand it?
.Question - Do you (the pastoral office/staff) have a process to ask leaders/teachers if they are active members in a fellowship/organization that is not in agreement with the Lutheran teachings.may not be Christian.may be mystical in nature (i.e. Decolores, Masons, etc.) Does it matter to staff?
.Question - Does Faith Lutheran allow groups, in which individuals speak in tongues, to hold prayer sessions on church property?
.Question - Who has the authority to interpret Scripture? In other words, can I as a layperson have the right to interpret Scripture in a way that is different than you as a pastor?

Questions Re: General Information
.Question - Can you please recommend a good study Bible?
.Question - Why don't we refer to the Holy Spirit as the "Holy Ghost" anymore?
.Question - In the Apostles Creed, why does the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) substitute the word "Christian" for the word "Catholic".isn't there only one Church?
.Question - What is hell; where is it; what does it look like?
.Question - What does Scripture/God say regarding the restoration of marriage and family after one spouse commits adultery? What do Jehovah Witnesses believe about this?
.Question - Can you remarry your spouse after he/she commits adultery and there's been a divorce?
.Question - Can you discuss divorce, remarriage - when is it acceptable? What if you are divorced and remarried but you did not have a "biblical" reason for divorcing? Does the Lutheran church have anything equivalent to the Catholic annulment?
.Question - What about gay marriage (what do we do when someone in our family enters into a gay marriage - do we go to the reception, not acknowledge it, etc)?
.Question - I contributed a dollar to an office pool at work for a Mega Millions jackpot. I usually buy a lotto ticket once every three years. Is the Lutheran Church against certain/all forms of gambling?

Questions Re: Scripture Verses/Interpretations
.Question - About the matter of "speaking in tongues" in Acts 10:47 (Peter at Cornelius' home), v. 46 & 47 (gift of Holy Spirit poured out), explain "they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have and why "speaking in tongues" confirmed this fact? Why doesn't the church support this today? (May need to clarify question.I had trouble reading from card.)
.Question - How do we know from Scripture that the serpent is in reference to Satan?
.Question - Regarding John 20:20-23, "If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." When would that happen that we would have the power to NOT forgive sins if someone chooses Christ as their savior.sounds very Roman Catholic as in the priest's role in confession?
.Question - What is the New Testament scripture (chapter, verse) where Jesus refers to Jonah in the whale?
.Question - Is sin really forgotten? I'm confused.we always hear they are as far as the east is from the west, yet the Bible says in certain places that we will all have to stand in judgment and give an accounting (answer for our sins). So, are our sins really forgotten?

Questions Re: Authority of Scripture
.Question - Why do Lutherans believe Scripture Alone is the truth and Catholics believe "the church" is the truth.where in the Bible does it support either of these two views?
.Question - Are we to believe the Old Testament verbatim, or as simply the "inspired by God?" Since the O.T. was not written until centuries later, how can we believe it to be entirely true?
.Question - How do we know that Paul was writing under "divine influence" when he was writing his letters from prison? I would like more than that quote by Timothy (or whoever) that says, "Paul's writing is Scripture." Why does he have the authority to say that Paul's writings are, in fact, Scripture?
.Question - We view the Bible, from beginning to end, as the inspired Word of God. But the Canon of the Bible was chosen among many other books that have been written. What about the books that didn't make "the cut" into Scripture? And how does a council of men know/decide what is the inspired Word of God and what isn't?
.Question - Doesn't the Catholic Church have an extra 7(?) books, which Protestant churches do not recognize regarding issues such as purgatory, etc.? Why? How do they/we justify that?

Questions Re: Denominational Differences
.Question - I am very interested in the differences between Catholicism and Lutheranism. I have looked into it a little and would like some examples of them as well. For instance, Lutherans believe that Scripture alone can create doctrine, but Catholics believe that scripture AND the traditions of the Church and the Pope can create doctrine. What are some examples of the latter creating doctrine and are there any that do not complement Scripture?
.Question - What about communion? Other sacraments? Mary and the saints? How do saints fit into Lutheranism, if at all? Do Catholics "pray" to Mary and the saints alone or rather asking them to pray to God on their behalf? Mary and the Immaculate Conception- no sin or no original sin?
.Question - Is the LCMS doctrine based on "office of the keys?"
.Question - Should a Lutheran partake of the Bread and Wine in a church that is not sacramental?
.Question - While being raised Catholic and being baptized as an infant, I was encouraged during my later years, while exploring the Methodist Faith, to be re-baptized. Their belief was biblically based ("Thou shalt be saved and then baptized.") I was saved shortly before this journey and was re-baptized - not wanting to take any chances. Who's right.if the Lutherans do not believe this way, are they deviating from Scripture?

 

[Radiata]

Questions Re: How is Faith Created (O.T. vs. N.T.)/Means of Grace
.Question - Did the Jewish people in the O.T. (prior to the time Christ was born) inherit the kingdom of heaven? Scripture says you only inherit heaven through Jesus and He wasn't around in the days of Moses, was he?
.Question - Why the "mood swings".why create one set of rules in the Old Testament only to be repealed in the New Testament?
.Question - If I understood Pastor Arndt correctly, he believed it was Jesus speaking through the burning bush prior to him taking human form. If this is the case, does that mean Jesus is the portion of God responsible for all of the "savings" in the Old Testament (i.e. delivering the Jewish people from Egypt)? And as a follow up to that, if this is the case, then what has the Father been responsible for besides the Creation (i.e. the 10 Commandments, crossing the Red Sea, etc)?
.Question - If a person has never been exposed to Jesus/God (i.e. a person on a deserted island), then how do they become saved.how do they come to know about God/heaven? What if it isn't their fault that they don't know Jesus?
.Question - QB Jon Kitna said it was a miracle last Sunday when he came back in the 4th quarter to lead his team to victory after suffering a concussion? Even if this is true, should he have said that as a way to "spread the Gospel?"
.Question - Where is it supported in Scripture that faith is a free gift to everyone and, because of our sinful nature, we can't choose to accept this gift; however, we can choose "reject"?
.Question - A Catholic family member sees nothing wrong with relying on Buddhist beliefs and incorporating them into Christianity. Teachings can seem to bring about peace/tranquility in one's life.he insists that concepts like meditation have made him a better person. My fear is that he can be lead astray. What can I say to him about why this is wrong?

Questions Re: Predestination/God's Will/Free Will
.Question - If God knows all the days of your life before you are ever born, then why allow those to be who are going to (who will end up in) hell?
.Question - Does prayer bring about intercession for what we would like to have happened (i.e. healing) or is "His plan" already determined?
.Question - Can you talk about suffering and its purpose in the Christian life (e.g. if I am suffering physically how can I be of use to God or anyone else for that matter?
.How many chances does the Holy Spirit give a person? One, two, maybe more? Do some individuals get more chances than others?

By all means, we encourage you to keep the questions coming. While we can't address all of them immediately, it'll be Paul's job to make sure that by the end of Session #8 you walk away with a satisfactory answer/explanation. You got that, Paul?

The beauty with all of these great questions is that with each one comes invaluable learning. As discussions take place, conversation is inherently modeled for us. We take it in a passive way (by just watching and listening) or we engage actively (i.e. guy named Bob - who'll no longer get a microphone passed to him because he hogged it last week) by asking questions and conversing with Paul and/or others.

Ultimately, this type of learning will prepare you for that time.you know.the proverbial moment - at work, in the elevator, in the neighborhood, in the produce section, or in the checkout line - when someone asks you a question about your beliefs and why you believe what you believe.

When that happens, I'm certain you'll know how to respond. After all, not only will you have gone through eight weeks of the 3 Solas Café, but more importantly, you received the "I've Got a Fever and the Only Prescription is More Questions" award. Consider yourself equipped.

Thank you for your continued attendance.we look forward to serving you again this Wednesday, September 26 for Session #3. As always, you're welcome to arrive any time after 6:00pm.that's when we'll begin serving the coffee drinks and goodies. Discussion will begin promptly at 6:30.

Warm Regards,


Rob Higgins
3 Solas Café Team Member

p.s. the first person on Wednesday, who can tell me what Saturday Night Live/Will Ferrell skit I borrowed from to come up with the award name, will get a prize. Tie breaker will be naming the Hollywood celebrity who starred alongside Ferrell in the skit.

 

[Radiata]

You know what? This one is a good question. Was it Jesus?

.Question - If I understood Pastor Arndt correctly, he believed it was Jesus speaking through the burning bush prior to him taking human form. If this is the case, does that mean Jesus is the portion of God responsible for all of the "savings" in the Old Testament (i.e. delivering the Jewish people from Egypt)? And as a follow up to that, if this is the case, then what has the Father been responsible for besides the Creation (i.e. the 10 Commandments, crossing the Red Sea, etc)?

 

[Radiata]

Sorry about not updating this sooner. I have been VERY busy. I just took 3 tests (did horrible on one, but aced the other two.), dad just got out of the hospital again.....again. He had to go back, but there wasn't anything wrong with him. Just a fever. It's probably because he's living off of someone else's blood. During his operation, he went through 17 units of blood. So we just need to wait for him to generate his own.

Anyway, we got a gift from 3 Solas. If anyone can tell me what it is, I would appreciate it. 100 blessings to whoever names it. I just have no clue. I have it on my key ring right now. Thanks to DaRev for telling me about photobucket. And long overdue. I should have thanked him a month ago.

I learned many interesting things that will help me in 'Christian vs Atheist' debates. The biggest thing being "Why did God create Israel in such a manner? Why does God show favoritism?" The answer, is to protect the promised Seed promised to Abraham. God had to preserve Israel because Jesus is promised to come from Abraham.

We also talked about David, the man after God's own heart. David isn't after God's heart because of his good works. He was guilty of sin. Even murder and lust. His business with Bethshiba(sp) is enough to show that. No, David was after God's heart because God shows the law to him, and David says Lord have mercy on me. He keeps coming back to God after he sins and asks for forgiveness.

We also talked about Mary. The RCC says that because of immaculate conception, Mary is free from sin, and that Jesus had to be born of such a person to inherent her traits. But if God makes Mary perfect for Jesus, why can't God do the same for Jesus? We also pointed out the incorrectness of Mary and the saint's supposed job of watching over earth and sorting out the prayers and seeing which one's are worth sending up the chain of command to God.

Purgatory was also mentioned. I found out about Limbo. Hadn't had a clue until Wednesday. I must confess that I had thought that an instantaneous purgatory was not an absurd idea. The idea of purgatory is to cleanse us of our sins and make us suitable for heaven. We can't enter as we are now, so there must be a period where we are changed. This process being instant seemed reasonable, but I had not connected the fact that Jesus already did this. We are all both saints and sinners. We have already been made perfect by Jesus Christ. There is no reason to insert this unbiblical doctrine to support something that is already spelled out in the centerfold of all Christianity.

That is all for the moment. Comments? Questions?

 

[RadMan]

Photobucket is great but the pics are so large that they make the text run off the screen. You might want to use the "manage attachments" in the "go advanced" in posting your messages. They allow you to posts thumbnails. When you click on the thumbnail it will expand in size.

Here's an example. BTW it looks like photobucket stores the images.

 

[DaRev]

I don't know if there is a name for that specific object, but it is interesting.

The equilateral triangle with each side bearing one of the "solas" shows us that the three are equal in importance. No 'sola" is more or less than the others.
The triangle is also a symbol of the Trinity. Three persons of the Godhead but each one equal. One is not more or less than the other two.

The symbol in the center is the outline of the three connecting circles which is also a symbol of the Trinity. each circle is the same size, meaning each person is equal. The circle has no beginning and no end mean each is eternal. Co-equal, co-eternal, like the Athanasian Creed states.

Interesting.

 

[Radiata]

I'm in kind of a hurry, so this will be short. I got some new pictures, and I also got an audio file for you. It's part 1 of the class 2 weeks ago. If you want to hear it, here's the link.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WA90LMPN