Yes... That, in conjunction with Ephesians 1-2, and John 6, is how I became Calvinist... along with looking up a lot of stuff in the Greek.

Just to let you guys know, we discourage this topic (or topics like these) on the forums, due to its potential explosiveness, and its propensity to divide Christians. You all have stated what you believe, which I believe is fine, but let's move along now. If you want to keep discussing it, PM is the place.

We had a massive discussion/debate about it last night from...before midnight to after two a.m. my time. It went very well, despite having some very different viewpoints represented.


I look up a lot of the Greek as well.

She speaks the truth, the entire theology forum almost went up in smoke once.

...Boooomm!! *something blew up, no one knows what*

And...

I had not heard that before, but have thought about it a lot, what I said before was in jest, just clarifying.

You're welcome.

Sadly, I don't have a copy of A Wrinkle in Time... I must remedy this!

Yes, remedy that.

I know it was jest... some of my best friends call me a heretic daily. xD I'm the admin of a forum dedicated to debating theology and politics, trust me, I have thick skin and know how to keep calm.

Some day Holy Worlds could expand to include many forums dedicated to helping Christians achieve their great commission goal, and I look forward to the time when that happens, when we'll have to have a theology forum to address the crux of worldview and action, when we'll have to sharpen in each other in the grand pursuit of academic, loving debate.

But yeah... it tends to be divisive. We have to learn to be gentle with people, and ruthless with ideas.

And we have to love.

Because, as Matthew tells us, even if we have all truth, and no love, we are dead.

It's been a struggle for me.

I salute your community as one with excellent loving qualities. I'm proud of this place...

Yes, I've struggled with it as well, I think it's neat that you're involved in that forum, it sounds like a neat place, I think everyone would do well to learn how to discuss hard, controversial issues in a loving manner because it not only can help you learn to speak the truth (or at least one's perception of it) in love, which can then help with evangelism and even "preaching" the Gospel to each other daily.

Yes, God, through Jay, has started something big...and awesome.

Right... life is a balance. Unfortunately, running straight away from one sin does not ensure righteousness...

Running from angry debate leads to all manner of postmodern kerfuffles.

Running from heresy can lead to unloving, angry words.

Christianity is neither left, nor right, but the careful examination of all things through the lens of scripture.

And my friends who are mild heretics, and tell me I am too, I can respect, if they seek Christ in His word.

Yeah, thank God for the grace he pours on us daily to cover our unknowing heresies and misrepresentations of himself. And how, in the end, God balances the balance to perfection.

Amen! So true...

I love you guys.

The voice in my head:

"...now what...?"

"...EVERYTHING!"

"What first?"

"Why bother with a first... time is not linear... more of a timey-wimey..."

"I know, I know."

"Let's start at the end. The end, is where we begin, it's crawling..."

"Now I'm the one to say "I know, I know." You're me, so I know you're quoting that Thousand Foot Krutch song. Well. What's the end?"

"There is no end... we'll enjoy Him forever."

"So we start at forever???"

"We start at *Him*."

Um...a translator please?

I don't understand them, I just follow their directions.

But!

I think they're saying, simply, as the whole universe does, *seek Him, His will*.

YES! That's great advice.

* smiles * Is it strange that I didn't need a translator? My thoughts are like this often....

No, not really... my thoughts just aren't like that, so it'd be weird if I didn't need one. ;-)

Lady Rwebhu, I sense a kindred spirit, to quote Anne of Green Gables.

* laughs * I had the same sense when I read your post.... I was shaking my head a little, like, "Juliet, you're readin' it wrong."

You've read Anne of Green Gables?

Awesome. I thought you were cool like that.

Oh yes. I love Anne.

I'm a unique individual, if you hadn't noticed... I love Jane Austen's books, Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, etc. I love rapping. I love street preaching, despite being a scrunchy ol' Presbyterian. I love country music. I climb mountains despite being afraid of heights... oh yes. I'm weird.

Juliet... that's right. I knew I knew your real name... a lot easier to type than Rwebhu...

Did you? * thinks that rather queer *



Oh, I noticed. ô¸ô

I like them too...they are really interesting character studies. * nods * She was good with that. I like the way she described her own writing to a friend once.

And Anne is simply indisputably nice. Have you ever read the other books in the series, other than Green Gables?

And when it comes to Jane Eyre...well, a book about a girl does not mean the book is a girl's book. That book...is interesting. I love it.

I've never rapped...I just sing. I don't think I would be good at rapping. Do you do it recorded? I like listening to it.

I don't street preach, but despite the fact that I do not talk well when I am face to face, I think that that, for some reason, would be the one thing that I would like to do. I like to talk about God, more than anything else. What's being a Presbyterian got to do with street preaching? * curious * I don't know much about Presbyterians...actually – * slight grin * – the extent of my knowledge comes from the Anne books.

Give me an example of what country music is? I don't know much about music genres, I just like it all....

That is interesting. Why do you do that?

* glances over post * Yep. * nods * You. are. weird.

I agree with you there...but be glad I didn't spell it how she wanted me to spell it. * wry look * * shakes head at Rwebhu *

Yup. Juliet Nicole Lauser. I like my name. * laughs *

*Is now very curious how she wanted you to spell it*

I like your name, too, Juliet!

I humor myself with thinking I have good intuition, and yes, I thought you were cool like that.

Yes... I've read several others, though regrettably, not all.

Oh, definitely. People just tend to think Gothic romances are normally read by women. I adore them.

Anyone could... a year ago I couldn't. Oh no, I'm not that good. XD And I need formal training in music. But I like writing lines, and memorizing my favorite artists' raps... sometimes playing with them a bit. Woah. You like the genre? Once again, I didn't know Jay could have such a cool sister.

He's cool, but he's cool in his Jayness, which is not at all Eliness.

I'm sure you'd be good at it - God promises to give us the words we need, as the time arises. I love talking about God (and theology) best of all too!

Unfortunately, Presbyterians are seen as very cold and not that into evangelizing by the stereotypes. I believe in predestination, and I believe in radical evangelism. So I'm an anomaly.

Presbyterians are, most simply defined, the Reformed Christians of Scotland. So your standard Reformation theology - covenant theology, sprinkling baptism, Calvinism, etc.

I like it all too!!! XD Country music... would be any thing with 'twang. Alan Jackson, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Johnny Cash, etc.

Or, as a friend put it, any song, that, if played backwards, would give you everything you ever wanted - the family farm, your true love, a truck, etc.

Common themes tend to be... God, Love, Beer, and America. Very down-to-earth.

Musically - a lot of fiddles, banjo, guitar, etc.

Well, fear means adrenaline. Adrenaline gives you a great high. So I'm addicted to it.

I am! Thank you!!!

Yes, how was that?

Nicole... good name...

Why am I not shocked you read Anne of Green Gables?

Because those who know me well are not ever shocked by me.

Anne is great...

Ah, well then. That is my reason.

There's eight, I believe... * counts on fingers * Yes, eight. We have them all, and they are great.


* grins * Anyone could, but a year ago you couldn't? ô¸ô Who's your favorite rappers? * laughs * I like everything that sounds good.



Yeah, everyone's different. * slight grin * But he might be more like you than you think.... * inscrutable *

If he ever wants me to, I won't balk. * big smile *

I see. So I do know a bit about it, I forgot...I read George MacDonalds.

* grins * Spanish love songs have a twang! I think aw know what you're talkin' about though....

* laughs hugely *

That's...what I thought. * laughs * * shakes head *

Let me see if I can remember it... * thinks * Rwebvhu Cciidzh. Something like that.

Wow! Yeah, Juliet, I'm glad you set her straight .

Awesome. I'd love to finish them up sometime. Anne is one of my favorite literary characters... so human.



I thought I couldn't. I like everything that sounds good too. ^.^ Obviously Lecrae is my favorite, because, he's the best. I like all the 116 Clique rappers too... Trip Lee, Tedashii, Sho Baraka, Andy Mineo, PRo, KB, JR, etc. Manafest is okay, but if you've heard one of his songs, you've heard them all. KJ-52 stinks in my opinion. I also like the rap-rock of Linkin Park.




That's true. There were a few times when a very different side of Jay than his public face came out, in our chats. Man, he had an amazing laugh in our audio/video chats...



Good! I hear street-preaching in Ireland is really cool. ^.^



Hmhm. Interesting.




I think you do. So what other genres to you enjoy?



I'm strange like that. I hope to have an exciting life, but to die nice and young before I get to decrepit. Hopefully in either a fiery explosion, or a hail of bullets.




I like that spelling.

That's what I have always hoped for.

We're fairly similar.

Yes, I think that is safe to say.

More than safe.

Extremely um...accurate to say, then?

I want to die young-ish while saving someone else's life.

* nods * I always am glad when I find a character that is truly well done.

Oooh... * nods with a slight grin * Well...ya know...I might actually try it sometime. My favorite I've heard so far is 'Fight' by Two Steps From Hell, and I've got it most memorized by listening to it so often.

Of course, who wouldn't? * big grin *

I found some of his music, and instantly loved it. Thanks for telling me about him. I like a lot of genres, but I am scanty on material in some of them. What songs of his do you like best?

* nods *

He practices it. * grins *

At least...historically and in certain parts of Scotland. * is slightly worried about that 'interesting' * Have you ever read George MacDonalds?

Umm...let's see. I'm scanty on names... * rubs nose * Hero metal...? * looks up * Yes, that's it.... * thinks * 60's hip hop? I think. And whatever Carman does. And bluegrass, the kind that makes you bounce and the words make no sense. And...er, epic stuff in general. And creative acapella. And Classical music – some classical music – that is too big of a genre to just have one name, but I only know it by that name. And probably a whole lot more that I'm either forgetting or don't know the name for. * grins *

What about you? (* has a feeling you will be a whole lot more articulate on this subject *)

I hope never to get decrepit too, but more by dint of keeping healthy than doing dangerous things. * laughs *

I understand you boys, though... * nods with a slight smile * The world needs people with nerve, and daring. The world needs MEN, with nerve and daring. Follow God, and keep your bravery, and – well – * stops * I'll be proud of you boys, and I won't be afraid to go places with you. * smiles *

Yes, for that matter I rather like it myself...but it is hard to spell, and hard to remember, so no go. * grins *

* smiles * I want to see a man dying to save someone else's life. I think that is my favorite part in all those Westerns I love to read...the man dying. Dying. It thrills me.

Finally...somebody understands!

Sh-should I be concerned?



Ohhhh...I get it now. That is a good exhortation, thank you for exhorting us with it.



Not heard of that...what's it like?



Oh, I love bluegrass! Most of the music I listen to (other than the music I listen to while writing) is worship music by DC*B. I also like Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, the Robbie Seay Band, and a few others. I also like Lecrae, but don't own any of this music (and might have trouble listening to it, along with some Christian hardcore a guy from church lent me, without giving my parents headaches ).

* laughs *

* pulls a face * Not unless'n you have any qualms about dying... * flourishes clippers *



I don't have a very good sampling of it, but it's sort of like epic with a very rough edge to it...the name is fitting.

* terse nod * So get out there and die!

I jest... * nodnod *

Eh...I was thinking I'd wait until there was a reason to die...


Ah, okay I think I may know what you mean then, and I may have heard some of it...though I have trouble differentiating metal from other music...but it seems like some of the instrumentals by Apocalyptica fit the bill--and I'm listening to one now.

Oh yes. Definitely. Tolkien was really good at that... almost every character in The Lord of the Rings is just that - a character.



I didn't know TSFH had a rap song. O_O *Rushes to listen to it.*



...a sadist maybe?



He has so many good ones... the best are probably...
Hope
Background
Prayin' For You
Don't Waste Your Life
Strung Out
I'm a Saint
Far Away
Take Me as I am
Just Like You
Chase That (And the Chase That Intro - beautiful)
and... Rebel Intro.

In no particular order. I also forgot to mention the rapper Flame. Really good stuff too. Some non-Lecrae essentials are Trip Lee's "The Invasion (Hero)"; Flame's "6th Day", "Joyful Noise", and "Surrender"; Andy Mineo's "Let There Be Light"; High Society Collective's "Mad About"; and Tedashii's "I'm a Believer", and "Finally" (Ft. Shane and Shane).




Bwahahahaha. I believe it. It was so cool. His practice paid off. I practice my laughs too...



Isn't it MacDonald? And no, I've never read him, though I realllllly want to. Always so much to read. Once again, a good thing we have an eternity, right?



Well, I love music, but I have no musical talent, really, beyond singing and rapping. I can't read music.

But yes, I like a lot of genres... CCM, Rock, Metal, Classical, Rap, Scottish, Irish, Historical, Hymns, some Pop, Gregorian Chants, Dubstep... really, anything good.

Some favorite bands/artists are:

Skillet
John Williams
Hans Zimmer
Linkin Park
Thousand Foot Krutch
Lecrae
Five For Fighting
Sidewalk Prophets
Adele
Skrillex
Beethoven
Charlie Zahm
Johnny Cash
Alan Jackson
George Strait
Eminem
Keith Green
Todd Agnew
Brandon Heath
REM
OK Go
Brandon Heath
U2
Coldplay
Whitney Huston
Casting Crowns
Newsboys
Steven Curtis Chapman
Rebecca St. James
Michael Card
...and many more, I'm sure.



I try to be healthy too. It'd be a shame to die of an illness.

I understand you boys, though... * nods with a slight smile * The world needs people with nerve, and daring. The world needs MEN, with nerve and daring. Follow God, and keep your bravery, and – well – * stops * I'll be proud of you boys, and I won't be afraid to go places with you. * smiles *
[/quote]

Those are good words. *nods, tweaks bowtie.* Really good words. Words to live by.



Right. Some things we enjoy, our readers won't.



Those are even better words. I'd love to die for a woman, like Christ died for His church. Brendan and I agree it's be a very enjoyable way to leave this earth.

*Sigh* Eli Eli Eli.....what will we ever do with you? So egotistical and monomaniacal (not sure what that word means)

Hmm...maybe it means he's only one maniac as opposed to somehow being multiple maniacs?

Makes sense. I appropriate that definition without hesitation.

I think it's an apt word for him, too, I've only ever seen him being one maniac.

Flush me away Will!

Nice seeing so many old friends coming over... WHY you have butterfly avatar?

Cause I'm man enough to. Added, it's awesome and not purely feminine to my estimation.

Yeah, he was awesome.

* smacks forehead * It was a Futureworld music song, I discovered, not TSfH...sorry. It's a good song, though.

* laughs and grins *

* can't decide which o-shape to stick with on her mouth while she looks at the list * Cool! * rushes off to youtube * * rushes back * Thanks! * rushes off *

* laughs *

(Yes, his name is MacDonald, but I am in a habit of referring to his books as 'MacDonalds', like plural for plural books. Sorry. )

Yes, that thought is very comforting... * smiles *

Yeah, sort of like me...though I do 'play' the piano a bit. I don't practice enough to be much good, but I know some theory, and I 'compose' on occasion. I taught myself to read music, too, so I figure out melodies on the piano so I can sing them.

* reads list * Cool! I recognize a lot of those from my own favorites list. Michael Card, Keith Green, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Charlie Zahm....

* smiles *

* grins * Precisely. Or me trying to write for that matter.... Me making up cool looking names and original spellings is very different from me trying to write.

It would be. * smiles *

Aw. * pouts *

Me too. * wry * What type of music is Apocalyptica?

Me too. * grins * I ratify Will's new word – a very useful one when dealing with strange things like what this world is full of these days...

*backs away from Juliet too*Now I'm not sure if they are metal at all. Here's one of their instrumentals (avoid their lyrical ones) though: Misconstruction, they mix cello and electric guitar and other instruments really well. I think they're called an orchestral rock band.
Oh yes.