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Sunday, June 27, 2004

OSAS ?

A co-worker of mine has been coming to church with us for the past few weeks. He seems to really like the style of music, the fellowship, and the teaching style of our minister. He asked me the other night about some of our beliefs. I asked him what he really meant, and he explained that growing up in a Baptist church and being entrenched in that denominations doctrines he always assumed that everyone believed the same way. He specifically asked me about the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" (OSAS) I asked him if I could have some time to research it and ponder it. He had no problem with that. I have been spending some time deconstructing the doctrine and have a few thoughts to bounce around.

1) OSAS seems like a great idea on first glance. "no matter what, once i accept Jesus, i am assured of salvation." The first problem i have with this doctrine is that it allows for followers to "cop out:" To cling to previous worldly lifestyles because their salvation is certain. it allows for followers to ignore the idea of living a life of kingdom-hood.

2) the second thought i have had is that those that buy into this idea make the stance that IF one "falls away" after conversion, then surely they hadn't been "saved" to begin with.

3) the third thought i have on this topic is that i can't honestly see it represented in the Bible. Sure the Bible is full of imperfect people that struggle between God's will and their own. But the one story that stands out to me is of Judas Iscariot. One of the 12 men that the Lord himself hand-picked and called into discipleship could surely not have entered into glory after betraying Christ and then killing himself. But then again look at point 2.

I really don't have the answers, and sometimes I'm not concerned with finding them. The search and journey is more important to me sometimes.

I have always taken the stance that "what I can't find as essential to my salvation, I will not waste time on."

I am a follow of Christ, I have been immersed in baptism, and I devote myself to a life of kingdom-hood. I am certain of my salvation. so I doubt i'll spend much more time pondering this topic.

any thoughts or comments are always welcome.

mike
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posted by Mike @ 4:21 PM  

Saturday, June 26, 2004

New Look

If you have been a loyal reader of my blog, then you know that this is not the first time I have switched things up a little. I get bored with the same old stuff. I hope everyone enjoys the new look. I am in the process of expounding on some touchy "faith" topics. Look for the new essays shortly. Also, if anyone has a topic that they would like for me to explore on this site, then by all means give me a suggestion.

Thanks to everyone, and God bless.

Mike
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posted by Mike @ 11:37 PM  

Thursday, June 10, 2004

another year behind me...

I turned 28 this week. Let me just tell you that I hate birthdays. I know that no one likes getting older, but it's more than that. I hate a day devoted to celebrating the fact that I am getting older. I don't even want to get out of bed on that annual event.

And it's not that 28 is so old, it just reminds me that I am 10 years older than half of the people I spend time with, and 10 years younger than the other half.

I also take inventory on that dreaded day. How close am I to achieving the goals I have set? Am I really happy with who I have become? Do I enjoy my life? Do I make an impact on other people? Am I really serving Christ? Am I really promoting a type of Christianity that is attractive to others?

This is not a fun day for me.

Then to make things better, I have been sick all day today. It started about 4:30 this morning when I started having stomach cramps...which end with me vomiting in my bathtub. (not fun)

I have been on the couch most of the day and night. I have an incredible headache. And I feel like poop.

Listen to me complain.

I really have nothing to complain about. The wife of a friend of mine gave birth to a son this week. Unfortunately the son is ill and they don't know what is wrong. The doctors keep running tests, but no answers. And I sit here complaining about hating birthdays and being sick. What a jerk I am.

Instead, I should be thankful for the many blessings that God has given to me. Please pray for Doug & Shannan and their son Keegan.
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posted by Mike @ 12:19 AM