[TruthTalk] Baptism 4 Dead part of gospel?

[Judy Taylor]

DAVEH:  Like I said before, I'm trying to figure out why Protestants believe as they do.  I sometimes repetitively ask questions that may seem frustrating to you because the answers I often times receive don't really tell me 'why'.   Judy: DaveH I think you are leaving 'faith' out of the equation.  You are trying to use logic and reason and this is not the way we receive 'understanding' from the Lord.  If you don't get it from Him you are on a hopeless mission.  He says that we must believe FIRST before we will KNOW whether or not the doctrine is valid. Terry: I am trying to save you from eternity in Hell. DAVEH:  I realize that.  I think if you and others in TT would not feel quite so compelled to do that, you would not get quite so frustrated.  IOW......I think your frustration is self induced.   Judy: I would agree here - also I don't see this kind of rabid zeal as a good testimony to the peace of God in the life of the believer. Terry: Not only you, but those that you influence. DAVEH:  Hmmmmmm......Does that mean you think I'm confusing other TTers?  I thought most TTers were pretty set in their beliefs.  Right off hand, I don't know of any who have changed the way they think because of anything I've said.  (Though I would hope some have changed the way they treat other folks due to the respect I afford them.)   Judy: Good point....    Terry: Our Lord says that we will give an account for every idle word we speak (or write).  IF you are wrong in your beliefs, that means every time you say something to influence another to your way of thinking, DAVEH:  I don't think I've tried doing that at all.  I've certainly expressed my beliefs (often times when asked), but my questions have been to learn why others believe as they do, not to change their beliefs. you are heaping coals on your own head, and I am causing those coals to add up just by conversing with you.   DAVEH:  IMHO, that is a silly notion.  I can't help but think that is not a theory rooted in Protestantism, let alone based in Christianity.   Judy:  It's not.  The idea is that when we love our enemies rather than retaliate toward them we heap coals upon their heads and it is found in Proverbs 25:22 and Romans 12:20.  It has to do with overcoming evil with good - which I am more and more coming to believe is an alien concept on the TT list.   Terry: Unfortunately, I cannot twist your arm or beat you about the head until you see the truth.  God does not work that way.  To complicate the issue, you already consider yourself to have the truth, DAVEH:  Hmmmm......this seems to be a one way street......you've got it all, and I've got none of it.  I respectfully disagree. Terry: so this is more complicated than trying to reach someone who is not encumbered with preconceived ideas. The logical thing to do would be to write you off and abandon the effort, but I am not comfortable doing that.  Maybe I just need to give the Holy Spirit time to work.  I know the Lord has you in this group for a reason, and I doubt that it is His plan to have you here so that we have someone to look down on.  He doesn't work that way either.  I pray that it is so that someday the little light will go on and you will be saved.  I know that you are quite comfortable with what you now believe, but I was once very comfortable in my sin too. Respectfully, but ineffectively, Terry DAVEH:  Thank you for your honesty, Terry.  I think you will rest easier when you realize that TT is not a forum dedicated to saving stubborn Mormons.  I do appreciate your concern for my salvation, however.  I think your efforts may be a little misplaced though.  But I'm not here to try to dissuade you from what you believe.  If you do decide to write me off, I will understand. One question for you though.....Do you think hopeless guys like me should not be admitted to TT?  Or, are you OK with folks who think differently posting regularly?