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" It (baptism) didn't save them, but it did add them to the church, as the Bible says."

IMO, I think this is where a difference of opinion exists...

Some people believe that when you are saved, you are automatically a member of the Lord's church and there is not a seperate ceremony or statement of faith or commitment or whatever. I'm not sure that any of us know the actual moment that happens as I believe salvation is a process. I believe it says in Acts that THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED WERE ADDED TO THE CHURCH. It doesn't say that they were voted on or asked to be members, but to me, implies that it was automatic. GOD added them. I hadn't heard Acts called a book of transition, but it gives the history of the early church, so I would think it would be considered valid whether it is applied to Jews or Greeks, etc.

Why would or how could one be saved and NOT a member of the church???

Also, IMO, the 'work' done in baptism is God's work, not a work done by a believer...it is something done in obedience to God's word. Besides faith without works is dead, but I think that's already been discussed here.

Whoever spoke for "mainline" churches of Christ is misinformed. There may be individual congregations that have some of the beliefs presented, but there is a lot of variation from congregation to congregation.

I believe we will be judged as individuals and not as congregations or denominations anyway and God will be fair and just.

It is our job to continue to study and grow. Many people change their opinions about issues over the years when they realize what they have been taught is a tradition rather than a command. It has happened to me and I'm sure God will show me more ways that I need to change in the future. Peace.

Some good info about psychiatric drugs here. I would just like to add that I have recently experienced Severe Discontinuation Syndrome from going off Effexor. I had severe episodes of nausea and vomiting three times within 48 hours after missing a dose or stopping it to switch to another anti-depressant. The info to TAPER OFF ANY PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS is very important and even then you will sometimes have problems. And sad to say there is still a lot of stigma attached to mental illness (including depression) in some areas.

Whether or not this has any bearing on the Winkler tragedy, I admire so much the way they and their community are handling this tragedy

I beg your pardon, but we do believe in salvation by grace!

Sorry for the duplication...I meant for one of my posts to be private...I'm new at this!

Thank you for recognizing this attack on fundamental churches. Some members of the churches of Christ may hold to some of these ideas, but each congregation is independent and these claims are totally false in most congregations. Also, there is a difference in the International churches of Christ which has been called a cult.

I encourage everyone to respond directly to Nancy Grace about this article.....

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/nancy.grace/

Here's a condensed version of my reply: " As Dr. Shelley tried to tell you, churches of Christ are independent congregations and the Bible is authority. Why did you ask him questions and not let him answer them????? Shouldn't he at least have had the same consideration and respect as the Baptist minister who commented on how churches of Christ are 'ungracious, legalistic, borderline cult who tend to use methods of intimidation and pressure tactics" gracious!!!) GIVE ME A BREAK!" Nancy Grace may not know the difference, but I don't think my Baptist friends are going to be very happy with these comments either!

I encourage everyone to respond directly to Nancy Grace about this article.......here's mine..

http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/nancy.grace/

"I doubt you will ever read this, but I wanted to thank you for having a member of the church of Christ on your program in defense of statements made by someone who called US 'ungracious''!!! As Dr. Shelley tried to tell you, churches of Christ are independent congregations and the Bible is our authority. Why did you ask him questions and not let him answer them????? Shouldn't he at least have had the same consideration and respect as Tom Ruhkala, a Baptist minister who was so 'graciously' critical on your show???? (if you can call terms that he used like "borderline cult" and "very legalistic sect, and they tend to use methods of intimidation and pressure tactics" gracious!!!) GIVE ME A BREAK!"