Here's a couple websites with some good humor.
http://tominthebox.blogspot.com
http://www.sacredsandwich.com
Monday, February 12, 2007
Friday, February 9, 2007
PCUSA: Losing membership
These are just my first thoughts at reading this article. I may come to change these thoughts later, but having been raised in this denomination, I doubt it.
Honestly, I love that fact. And let me explain myself. I have read and heard of some of the theological monstrosities that they have committed, such as trying to rename the Trinity. I would love to see the anti-Biblical nature of this church crumble and die. But I also know that God could reform this (overall) liberal denomination and reform it back to a Biblically minded force. Truly, I would prefer to see the latter, as it would show God's mercy. But I also want the world to see how God's judgement can work: the destruction of a body that instead of staying on the true path, has fallen and become apostate.
I do know of conservatives in this denomination, but they are few and far between. And these few are in no place to effect changes, such as an eldership or pastorship. Let's pray that if God has mercy on this church, that many of those reformers would not hesitate to step into the power of the needed roles.
But to those who are still there and are true believers, come out, or reform your church. I believe that God is bringing His judgement upon this so-called denomination. I do not want my brethren to be caught up in the fall if this once respectable establishment.
Now please note. I do not want any denomination that follows Biblical mandate to suffer because of this. I would love to see them flourish in this country and everywhere else. I also have respect for many of the past theologians who have come out of this denomination. I believe that John Leith, though a bit off at times, was a very respectable person in terms of theology. In his book, The Reformed Imperative, he seems to hit the nail on the head as to what the church needs to do (I will admit that I might be wrong on this, as I am in the process of reading this book).
Grace upon my brethren stuggling with the stances that PCUSA is taking. May the Lord smile upon them and give them strength to bring a neo-reformation to their church, or the strength to leave.
Honestly, I love that fact. And let me explain myself. I have read and heard of some of the theological monstrosities that they have committed, such as trying to rename the Trinity. I would love to see the anti-Biblical nature of this church crumble and die. But I also know that God could reform this (overall) liberal denomination and reform it back to a Biblically minded force. Truly, I would prefer to see the latter, as it would show God's mercy. But I also want the world to see how God's judgement can work: the destruction of a body that instead of staying on the true path, has fallen and become apostate.
I do know of conservatives in this denomination, but they are few and far between. And these few are in no place to effect changes, such as an eldership or pastorship. Let's pray that if God has mercy on this church, that many of those reformers would not hesitate to step into the power of the needed roles.
But to those who are still there and are true believers, come out, or reform your church. I believe that God is bringing His judgement upon this so-called denomination. I do not want my brethren to be caught up in the fall if this once respectable establishment.
Now please note. I do not want any denomination that follows Biblical mandate to suffer because of this. I would love to see them flourish in this country and everywhere else. I also have respect for many of the past theologians who have come out of this denomination. I believe that John Leith, though a bit off at times, was a very respectable person in terms of theology. In his book, The Reformed Imperative, he seems to hit the nail on the head as to what the church needs to do (I will admit that I might be wrong on this, as I am in the process of reading this book).
Grace upon my brethren stuggling with the stances that PCUSA is taking. May the Lord smile upon them and give them strength to bring a neo-reformation to their church, or the strength to leave.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Hyper-Calvinism, a quick thought on it.
Discussing the Doctrines of Grace can be frustrating at times, especially when this system of theology is more caricatured than any other I've encountered.
However, sometimes when fighting the caricature that is presented as Calvinism, it gets tempting to come off the straight and narrow to get some sense to those around you.
Sometimes, the attitude of Christians towards those who believe Calvin best systematized the scriptures (though only God has the true systematization of scripture, as He is the author of it, from beginning to end) males it seem like that they are not Christians. I have personally encountered this, and sometimes, the thought crossed my mind in discussing with them that they were not true Christians, despite the fact that they otherwise behaved as thoguh they were. Though in this one instance, I found that the person held near Pelagian beliefs, I still have had to wrestle with my pride, in the sense that those who have felt God grace in seeing salvation from His view, and I have, making it seem like I was one the the few who understood Calvinism and was saved because of it.
Now understand, I know that I am saved by the grace of God, and that my Arminian brothers are as well. I am only stating that my old nature causes me to wrestle with the belief that only "Calvinists" are saved. It get tough sometimes, especially when it seems that the world is against you. I pray for peace within the church, especially on this issue. I have Arminian friends who seem farther along their walk than me, and I am glad that I have been able to be their friend and am accepted by them as a brother in Christ despite our theological differences. It's quite unfortunate that some have gone as far to say that Calvinists are not saved, as some of the most godly men have been Calvinists. But then again, so were some Arminians.
However, sometimes when fighting the caricature that is presented as Calvinism, it gets tempting to come off the straight and narrow to get some sense to those around you.
Sometimes, the attitude of Christians towards those who believe Calvin best systematized the scriptures (though only God has the true systematization of scripture, as He is the author of it, from beginning to end) males it seem like that they are not Christians. I have personally encountered this, and sometimes, the thought crossed my mind in discussing with them that they were not true Christians, despite the fact that they otherwise behaved as thoguh they were. Though in this one instance, I found that the person held near Pelagian beliefs, I still have had to wrestle with my pride, in the sense that those who have felt God grace in seeing salvation from His view, and I have, making it seem like I was one the the few who understood Calvinism and was saved because of it.
Now understand, I know that I am saved by the grace of God, and that my Arminian brothers are as well. I am only stating that my old nature causes me to wrestle with the belief that only "Calvinists" are saved. It get tough sometimes, especially when it seems that the world is against you. I pray for peace within the church, especially on this issue. I have Arminian friends who seem farther along their walk than me, and I am glad that I have been able to be their friend and am accepted by them as a brother in Christ despite our theological differences. It's quite unfortunate that some have gone as far to say that Calvinists are not saved, as some of the most godly men have been Calvinists. But then again, so were some Arminians.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
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