Des' Calvinist Love-In
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D
Pssst. I've already laid claim to being the idiot, so you can't be. lol
I don't get what most of the denominations are on here and I'm reformed. I don't know what Dutch Reformed is, what Synods are and how they tell us anything, and so much more. Out of all versions Reformed take, I only know three branches -- all American words. "Orthodox Presby.," "Reformed Presby.," and "Presby. Church in/of America."
I'm fairly lazy in picking out a church. All I want is one that teaches straight from the Bible -- verse by verse. I joined topic-churches in the beginning, but then noticed the sermons were always the same topics, and about the bible without being about God. (End Times, Tongues, Healing -- always about the bible but not about God.) So hubby picked up a syllabus by a well-known teacher in the church we were going to's circle. (Ern Baxter.) Then he read the books listed and noticed they were all by reformed theologians.
We could no longer take the weekly sermons, but we had roots in that church and good friends, so we went to the praise part and quietly sneaked out before the sermon. Someone told us that insulted her. So he found the closest reformed church to us and poof! It was what both of us wanted. So, I never learned who believes what.
I don't get what most of the denominations are on here and I'm reformed. I don't know what Dutch Reformed is, what Synods are and how they tell us anything, and so much more. Out of all versions Reformed take, I only know three branches -- all American words. "Orthodox Presby.," "Reformed Presby.," and "Presby. Church in/of America."
I'm fairly lazy in picking out a church. All I want is one that teaches straight from the Bible -- verse by verse. I joined topic-churches in the beginning, but then noticed the sermons were always the same topics, and about the bible without being about God. (End Times, Tongues, Healing -- always about the bible but not about God.) So hubby picked up a syllabus by a well-known teacher in the church we were going to's circle. (Ern Baxter.) Then he read the books listed and noticed they were all by reformed theologians.
We could no longer take the weekly sermons, but we had roots in that church and good friends, so we went to the praise part and quietly sneaked out before the sermon. Someone told us that insulted her. So he found the closest reformed church to us and poof! It was what both of us wanted. So, I never learned who believes what.
D
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Reformed_denominations
You'll have to click on the hyperlinks in the article to find out the differences. (Which is why I don't try to wrap my head around who believes what even within the reformed beliefs. lol)
You'll have to click on the hyperlinks in the article to find out the differences. (Which is why I don't try to wrap my head around who believes what even within the reformed beliefs. lol)
While I have to part with you in the specifics, you bring up a great point- there is no such thing as the perfect church this side of eternity.
I have never agreed with every doctrine and practice of every church I've ever attended. A preponderance of the doctrines, yes, but there is always a sticking point.
Come to think of it, it's funny that I'm mostly a proponent of Congregationalist church governance while attending a Presbyterian Church.
Madison was right- human nature simply tends toward faction.
I have never agreed with every doctrine and practice of every church I've ever attended. A preponderance of the doctrines, yes, but there is always a sticking point.
Come to think of it, it's funny that I'm mostly a proponent of Congregationalist church governance while attending a Presbyterian Church.
Madison was right- human nature simply tends toward faction.
Ohhhh, good point. There is another distinctive of Reformed churches- our ministers typically preach expositionally, not topically.
Your story is, as I've said, not at all unusual. People do not become Reformed because they love John Calvin and have TULIP tattooed on their back.
It is usually based on what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us in a close, contextual reading of the word. Very rarely is it anything else. Of course there are plenty of other interesting things which may draw somebody- a rich history, a strong intellectual legacy, beer. But those are not what initially bring seekers into our doors.
Their hearts are held captive to the word of God and they want to know more.
Your story is, as I've said, not at all unusual. People do not become Reformed because they love John Calvin and have TULIP tattooed on their back.
It is usually based on what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us in a close, contextual reading of the word. Very rarely is it anything else. Of course there are plenty of other interesting things which may draw somebody- a rich history, a strong intellectual legacy, beer. But those are not what initially bring seekers into our doors.
Their hearts are held captive to the word of God and they want to know more.
T
There are heaps. Here are most of my favourites. Enjoy!
How to Completely Refute Atheism
Help Me Defend the Christian Faith
Powerful Sermon: Beware of False Prophets
Sermon: Absolute Proof of Christianity
How Christians Gave the World Smart Phones
Building Noah's Ark with Ken Ham
How to Explain the Trinity: by Jeff Durbin
How to Completely Refute Atheism
Help Me Defend the Christian Faith
Powerful Sermon: Beware of False Prophets
Sermon: Absolute Proof of Christianity
How Christians Gave the World Smart Phones
Building Noah's Ark with Ken Ham
How to Explain the Trinity: by Jeff Durbin
G
Oh wow!
I decided to watch one on defending the Chistain faith (I think there was several on this topic!). Initially I selected it because, well, since working on trying to separate from worldly ways I don't always provide the best answers when defending my faith. My professional background is heavily weighted in Business, and before my eyes were opened it was way too easy to win arguments by tactics that were not based in love, but rather ego and self. Who needs those sneaky and crafty ways?
Something cool happened though. As I watched, the Holy Spirit was actually strengthening beliefs inside me and working to throw some of my human doubts in the garbage, where they belong. Some were doubts I'm familiar with and I hang onto, and a couple that were maybe hiding inside.
So really it was an exercise in my own transformation rather than giving me arguments for others. Which actually accomplishes that very thing... If my faith is nurtured and my doubts are squashed, my "defense" is therefore strengthened.
Isn't it so cool how the Holy Spirit works within? I am constantly in awe!
So, a big THANK YOU BROTHA!
I decided to watch one on defending the Chistain faith (I think there was several on this topic!). Initially I selected it because, well, since working on trying to separate from worldly ways I don't always provide the best answers when defending my faith. My professional background is heavily weighted in Business, and before my eyes were opened it was way too easy to win arguments by tactics that were not based in love, but rather ego and self. Who needs those sneaky and crafty ways?
Something cool happened though. As I watched, the Holy Spirit was actually strengthening beliefs inside me and working to throw some of my human doubts in the garbage, where they belong. Some were doubts I'm familiar with and I hang onto, and a couple that were maybe hiding inside.
So really it was an exercise in my own transformation rather than giving me arguments for others. Which actually accomplishes that very thing... If my faith is nurtured and my doubts are squashed, my "defense" is therefore strengthened.
Isn't it so cool how the Holy Spirit works within? I am constantly in awe!
So, a big THANK YOU BROTHA!
I grew up in Wesleyan church dominated by Pentecostal-influenced worship leaders. It was only apparent a portion of the time. When we attended youth conferences, they'd show their true colors.
Having grown up in that environment and having a Charismatic Roman Catholic great grandmother who I know was saved beyond a reasonable doubt has had a dual effect of-
1. Making me appreciate order and contemplation while worshiping as a body.
2. Tempering a possible tendency to label everybody around me a heretic. Nobody gets everything right. Praise be to God for the Grace He gives to our small minds and fickle hearts.
Having grown up in that environment and having a Charismatic Roman Catholic great grandmother who I know was saved beyond a reasonable doubt has had a dual effect of-
1. Making me appreciate order and contemplation while worshiping as a body.
2. Tempering a possible tendency to label everybody around me a heretic. Nobody gets everything right. Praise be to God for the Grace He gives to our small minds and fickle hearts.