Are ya sure?

10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)

4For we know,brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.
1 Thess 1:4-5 (ESV)

Sometimes Christians are criticized because we seem so sure we are going to heaven. Well, that is part of being a christian. If you are not sure, you have a weak faith.

The qualities listed in second Peter are over and above your faith. You must also have virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.

All of these require confidence. Confidence in the Gospel. Confidence in your faith. How can someone evangelize if they are not confident.

We are saved and should be proud of it.

17 "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
2 Cor 10:17 (ESV)

Grenade Arguments

I read quite a few blogs related to the churches of christ, restoration movement, etc.

Some of the common posts say something along the lines of..

"The churches of christ don't recognize the importance of grace".
"The message is all 'hell-fire' and brimstone"
"the CoC require baptism for admission into their churches"
"the CoC think they are the only ones going to heaven"

It is very odd. I have attended the churches of christ all of my life. I attended probably one of the most conservative colleges in this fellowship. I subscribe to restoration minded magazines. I attend university lectureships.

I don't say this to brag or think this makes me a 'super christian'. But only to say that I have never heard any of the four items listed above.

I can think of dozens of sermons, classes, studies about grace in just the last 2 years. (Most of these are followed by only about a 10 second invitation on how to be able to partake of that grace.)

I have yet to hear a 'hellfire and brimestone sermon'. (I have read Jesus's parables however).

I do not know of any admission requirements to attend a church.

I have never heard anyone preach the churches of christ are the only ones going to heaven. The bible is actually very clear on that in Roman's alone.

I guess I consider myself lucky to have never experienced these things. The gossips that spread these rumors are the wolves that Paul warned us about. (Unless you think the bible is cultural for a specific time, in that case just ignore the whole thing)

This probably is a good demonstration why local congregation autonomy is the perect defense against apostacy (way to go biblical pattern!)

Beginning...End...Beginning...

The bible begins with the creation of heavens and the earth.

The bible ends with the creation of a new heaven and earth.

Now the big Matrix question....how many times has this new heaven and earth happend?

Military Hospital Scandal?

So the bad conditions at VA hospitals for the last 40 years rests squarely on the shoulders of the current administration? I don't think so.

At least now everyone can see what a universal healthcare system looks like in our country. Once again, no thanks.

Sin of conscience?

Recently, our church leaders decided to "merge" with another congregation. Merge is an interesting choice of words since there is no merger. We were told input would not be taken, but they

We were given the "traditions are meaningless" sermon by our soon unemployed minister last Sunday. Following soon should be the Rick Warren's example "if you don't like it, leave". Which is sad for those whose faith and resources have built and sustained the church.

One of our church shepherds is known to say "if you don't change, the liberals will leave. If you do change, the conservatives will stay but complain". He tends to go for the butts in pew approach.

So now I come to the question of the day. Is there such a thing as a sin of conscience? By this I mean:
1. Would be a sin to violate my conscience to give up on what I believe to be scriptural traditions?
2. For someone with the opposite view, would it be a sin for them to violate their conscience by not standing by their beliefs on scripture?

I am leading towards yes on both. If either of "us" were to violate our true principals on what we truly believe would not be a good thing.

This new merger brings changes to worship, leadership, and the overall purpose of the church. All of which are admittedly "new ideas" in the eyes of the incoming church.

I'll miss that place, but it's just a place.