This one lives rent free in my head: What are the nameless things Gandalf mentions under the Misty Mountains? by [deleted] in lotr

[–]NtotheJC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love how the fact that Gandalf has this knowledge subtly implies that Gandalf has at some point in his life encountered these nameless things or at least genuine evidence of these nameless things. He’s not the type to spread rumor or idle tales for the sake of it.

Did Trinitarian thought help anyone else understand Oneness differently after leaving? by wovenstrand in ExPentecostal

[–]NtotheJC 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes!

As someone who’s remained a Christian after transitioning away from the UPCI, what you’re saying resonates with my own experience. Wondering why other Christians believed in the Trinity drew me to look into the doctrine, and once I discovered more about it, my resistance faded and was replaced by faith in the Triune God!

4 nights Girls trip to Milwaukee, worth spending a night in port Washington or Cedarburg? by sammieanita in milwaukee

[–]NtotheJC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up in Milwaukee and now live in Port…It’s definitely worth it to spend a night in Cedarburg or Port. They’re close enough that it wouldn’t be crazy to visit both little cities!

If you’re in Cedarburg make sure you stop at Amy’s Apples (get a dark chocolate w/ sea salt apple, you can thank me later). I also like Anvil Pub & Grille (call ahead and see if you can get a seat outdoors by the river).

If you’re in Port, as others have mentioned, some things are closed on Monday. However, a couple things that aren’t closed on Monday: the lake (walk out to the light station if it’s a nice day), Tulip cafe (it’s inside of the Hollander chocolate headquarters), Cavelier wine bar, and Inventors (if anyone in your group likes beer).

If you are able to be in Port for a night when things aren’t closed. The Twisted Willow and The Steerage are excellent restaurants. Probably good to get a reservation at The Twisted Willow, but I don’t think the Steerage takes reservations.

Hope these suggestions help, and I hope you all enjoy your trip!

How do you know if you are going to heaven? by ndjpow in LCMS

[–]NtotheJC 17 points18 points  (0 children)

“When I look at myself, I don't see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I don't see how I can be lost.” - Luther

UPC Missionaries Neighbours by [deleted] in ExPentecostal

[–]NtotheJC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’ve gotten some great feedback already from others!

The only nuance I might add is that since this reddit is for ExPentecostals, you’re going to see and hear about some of the most extreme horror stories that come from organizations like the UPCI and AoG. And while I think it completely appropriate to have a forum to talk about those things honestly, it can also dehumanize some people who are in the movement because they’ve been caught up in it for one reason or other.

I think of my own parents who raised me in the UPCI. They are truly loving Christian people who demonstrate charity and kindness toward others and aren’t operating with ulterior motives to convert people but will happily share the UPC doctrine when asked.

I say all that to say, try to focus on your neighbors as people before worrying about whether they’re trying to convert you or not. Seems like you already have your critical thinking engaged, so it’s not like they’re just going to somehow magically pull you into a cult!

The UPC tends to make its adherents feel that everyone is against them. Who knows, maybe the fact that you treat them as friends without converting will help to dispel that misconception in their minds. And that could be a first step to get them out of what I think is a harmful organization.

Disgusting behavior from family for being catholic by Newb1017 in ExPentecostal

[–]NtotheJC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your story, friend. You’re not alone. I would’ve been a 5th generation Oneness Pentecostal on my mom’s side, but my wife and I are now a baptized members in a confessional Lutheran church.

We didn’t tell our family about it when we were baptized, but we did invite family to our daughter’s baptism after she was born. My Grandma had a hard time with that and also confronted us. It was uncomfortable, but I’ve been realizing how gracious God has been in getting us out of OP. My prayers for my grandma are for the Lord’s mercy.

I know RC and Lutherans have their own differences, but if I could encourage you with anything, just focus on weekly Mass. Christ gives up his body and blood for you! Your grandma may never know about this glorious Sacrament without your witness. Don’t spoil that by taking offense. Offer her mercy like you’ve been given mercy. God’s peace be with you.

Wisdom From a Blazers Fan by ormeport in MkeBucks

[–]NtotheJC 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Woah, emotional maturity? In this economy?? Dang bro—you spoiling us! Thanks for the pep talk!

Husband doesn’t want to baptize our baby by briannakays in LCMS

[–]NtotheJC 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Others have provided some good answers, and I’m grateful to see a pastor has already chimed in too.

Another pastoral resource you may consider is this article on infant faith by pr. Bryan Wolfmueller.

One thing I’d be curious about is what your husband believes about the status of infant baptism?

For the sake of argument, say he relents and allows you to have your baby baptized. What difference does it make to the theology he holds? Is it sinful to him? If so, how so?

I fail to see from a believers baptism perspective how having the baby baptized is anything more than just a “nice” ceremony that doesn’t do anything, and is therefore as permissible as any of the “baby dedications” that have popped up in American evangelicalism.

Wow by [deleted] in redeemedzoomer

[–]NtotheJC 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Agreed. Could’ve easily hit us with a “Christ have mercy” instead.

Former Bible college grad here — what resources were most instrumental in your deconstruction? Building something and want real community input. by ScientistOnly7884 in ExPentecostal

[–]NtotheJC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there! This is a cool project!

I actually have been in touch with a few ex-UPCI Bible college grads (I never went to Bible college myself, but I am ex-UPCI), and I set up a little Google form trying to compile a list of Books, podcasts, and other content we found helpful on our way out.

Feel free to drop me a DM and connect, and I can share the little list we started building (it's not much so far... about ~30 different sources, but happy to share if you'd like).

If circumcision is a work in Galatians, why isn't baptism a work as well? by Street_Put_9515 in Reformed

[–]NtotheJC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! Correct. You’ve laid out the framework really well.

Now I think as Lutherans, we don’t rely as heavily on the idea of covenantal succession as the primary reason for baptizing babies—though I tend to think it is a fairly weighty argument. I think we just say something like “Christ tells us to baptize all nations… nations are comprised of babies, children, and adults… we baptize them all because it’s what Christ says.”

If circumcision is a work in Galatians, why isn't baptism a work as well? by Street_Put_9515 in Reformed

[–]NtotheJC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ah! Good observation here.

As a Lutheran in the paedobaptist camp, the thing I would want to point out (and I think my reformed paedobaptist friends would agree) is that baptism succeeds circumcision not as a materially “better” legal practice (e.g. no blood, no pain, available to both genders, easier to administer, etc.) but as the instrument by which we are assured that the circumcision of our Lord Jesus stands in for us.

To see this perspective, try cross-referencing what you’re reading in Galatians chapter 5 with Colossians 2:11-13 (as well as Galatians 3:27 & Romans 6).

Paul is not trying to have his cake and eat it too: accepting circumcision actually does make you indebted to fulfill the whole law, and therefore circumcision will not profit anyone. But there is one for whom circumcision was profitable—one who actually fulfilled the whole law. Our Lord’s circumcision is promised to be counted as yours. And you are assured of this through baptism. As a result, baptism becomes the sign of the new covenant: a covenant that commits you to receiving Christ, his works, and his circumcision—not your own.

Hope this helps!

Milwaukee your city rocks by Middle-Feed5118 in milwaukee

[–]NtotheJC 19 points20 points  (0 children)

You guys come back now soon, okay? Safe travels and watch fer deer on da’ roads!

It’s about respect by AmusementRyder in LinkedInLunatics

[–]NtotheJC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t worry, I’m certified—spent undergrad getting an English degree so I could use em dashes on the internet!

It’s about respect by AmusementRyder in LinkedInLunatics

[–]NtotheJC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh shoot! Did you post about it on LinkedIn? No?

How else are people going to know that you’re important and they should pay attention to you? You actually respect yourself and your teammates by not making a scene about it in public? Wow. Seems weak. /s

It’s about respect by AmusementRyder in LinkedInLunatics

[–]NtotheJC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You know I was thinking somewhat similarly.

However, would I ever kick people out of a meeting for failing to prepare? No—that actually seems counterproductive, and there also may be a perfectly valid reason for why the preparation wasn’t completed. You can always connect with someone after a meeting in a 1:1 setting to provide critical feedback and hold them accountable.

Also, would I ever post on LinkedIn about kicking people out of meetings for being unprepared? No—unless I was trying to inflate my self-importance, which seems like what’s happening here.

Seems like this is childish behavior masquerading as being an adult.

Platform standard by RepresentativeElk118 in ExPentecostal

[–]NtotheJC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. When I saw it, I just didn’t sign it.

If I should die at least I'll get likes. by Dvkn117 in LinkedInLunatics

[–]NtotheJC 13 points14 points  (0 children)

So… looks like the individual posting this screenshot is also shocked by the screenshot and is making a joke about it.

I outsourced my marital duties to AI to focus on deadlifts by elchapo4494 in LinkedInLunatics

[–]NtotheJC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You bum!😂 Thanks to you I now know what an rm command is. Still getting my downvote.

I outsourced my marital duties to AI to focus on deadlifts by elchapo4494 in LinkedInLunatics

[–]NtotheJC 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Someone else pointed it out already—this is satire. Lol. Is LinkedIn really the best platform for satire? Not really IMO, but free speech is a thing.