Results 1361 - 1380 of 1459
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Results from: Notes Author: John Reformed Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1361 | Receive? | 1 John 2:2 | John Reformed | 38444 | ||
Dear Tim, I wonder at myself. What is my motivation for spending so much time and effort in defending what I believe to be the truth? Is it merely a carnal desire to triumph over an opponent? I pray that it is not. I justify my stubborn persistance by telling myself that my only goal is to glorify God. That His Word is true and that it is worth fighting for. Being a sinner, I must confess my less than perfect performance. I'm an incurable romantic. My favorite author (next to God) is John Bunyan. Have you read Pilgrim's Progress? A wonderfully insightful book. I'sure you have must read it. My favorite preacher is C.H. Sprurgeon. I love Martin Luther for his bombastic yet beautiful speech (not surpisingly, I highly recommend his "Bondage of the Will".) My favorite Hymns are "Rock of Ages Cleft for Me" and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". When I engage in a hotly debated doctrine, I see myself as a warrior taking the field of battle in the service of my King. I have my orders and my mission is clear; Fight for and defend His truth and bring to Him the spoils of the victory, The Glory that is His alone. The very idea of His sharing His glory with man is , to my mind, anathema. The doctrine of "free will choice" implies that God does everything He can to pursuade man to turn from his rebellion and to surrender to Christ. But man has the power to thwart God's best efforts. Rebellious humanity triumphing over their King! The King can only stand by and weep. No, No, No! Do you really believe That God almighty does not possess the wherewithal to overcome the stubborn rebellion of mere man? Or maybe He withholds His might to make it a fair fight? If so He does them an injustice by doing so. I have been disappointed with some other of my brethren on this forum. They take the field and fight valiantly for a season, but when the contest gets to hot, they flee, shouting over their shoulders: " We are tired of this contest, when will it end! Your opinions are not welcome! We desire peace and quiet!". In the world to come we saints will speak joyfully of God's magnificent plan. It's perfection, beauty , justice, mercy and power. Why should we grow weary now, in this world? I will try not to trouble you with those particular questions again, but, I will continue to wonder at your refusal to answer them. PS. If it's any consolation, I'm also a burr under the saddle to many a reformed brother. Pray for me. Your Brother in Christ, John Reformed |
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1362 | Receive? | 1 John 2:2 | John Reformed | 38411 | ||
Dear Tim, You know as well as I, that the reformed apologists can answer any and all challenges the arminians put forth. You, in turn will either agree or disagree. I would be happy to provide my exegesis to the aforementioned verses, if that is what you truly desire. But first tell me how you would answer an unbeliever (from scripture , please!) as to those questions I posed to you at the end of my last post. I know you would agree, that Human Reason finds it's place in the service of the Word. Not the other way around. God Bless You Tim, John |
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1363 | purgatory is it true? | Matt 22:32 | John Reformed | 38407 | ||
Dear Diosdado, The reason for the existance of the protestant denominations is directly linked to Roman Catholic doctrines such "Purgatory". Rome insisted on "faith plus works" as the way of salvation. The Protestants insisted on Faith alone in Christ alone by Grace alone." Let me know what you find out from Galations. Welcome to the Forum,and may the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth. John Reformed I suggest you read Paul's letter to the Galations. |
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1364 | Receive? | 1 John 2:2 | John Reformed | 38389 | ||
Dear Tim, You said: "I doubt any of us would say that everyone in the Old Testament was lost because they never heard a preacher." I actually asked about people who had never heard of the Gospel or Jesus. Nevertheless, lets include all the pagan tribes, not only mentioned in the OT but in the entire Kosmos (see 1.) Then the nation of Israel (see 2.) I.) Pagans: (Rom 10:14) How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?" (2. (Gal 3:7) Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The OT Nation of Israel had preachers galore. Most never entered into God's Rest. Only those of the promise. And they through faith. Tim M.: "I'm not claiming that it would be a common occurance, " (Rom 3:10-18) as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE. THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING, THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS; WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS; THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN. THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES." "NOT EVEN ONE" seems to indicate no one, nobody, zip, zilch, zero.( Paul sounds as if he is espousing the doctrine of Total Depravity.) Tim M: " I do believe that someone who honestly seeks God will be found by God...". (Rom 3:11) "THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD". (Strongs)None: a primary word, the absolute negative "The key word here though is found "by" God." (Luke 19:8-10) Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham". For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Notice: Jesus did not say "because he, too has become a son of Abraham. As you can see the scriptures give no hope to the the one who has never heard the Gospel. Of what benefit is free will to one whose only desire is evil continually? If God had dedesired the salvation of all men, why have_ all men_ not had the opportunity to be saved? If arminians cannot offer scriptual answers to questions such as these, they show the bankruptcy of "Free will choice in salvation". I was an arminian for 20 years. It was very difficult for me to accept God's absolute rule over His ceation. But, in the end my soulish wisdom had to bow to God's divine wisdom. I took shelter in His attributes and in His promises. He is just. He is love. His plan is perfect, and when we stand before His throne His elect will rejoice in all His works He has done. Brother John |
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1365 | Receive? | 1 John 2:2 | John Reformed | 38288 | ||
Dear Tim, Thanks for your reply. But to be honest with you, I can't buy your answer. For the following reasons: 1. (Rom 1:20) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." Clearly, in this chapter Paul is speaking to the unregenerated nature of the sons of Adam. I'm certain you have read and understood the dire implications for the man who is outside of Christ. 2. (Rom 10:14) How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? I have not taken these 2 verses out of context. Frankly, nothing annoys me more than that kind of sloppiness in handling The Word of God. I have been guilty of it myself, and am ashamed that I have done so. God willing, I shall not do it again. Your Friend and Brother, John |
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1366 | Receive? | 1 John 2:2 | John Reformed | 38209 | ||
Hi Tim, I don't know if this is "kosher" but I have been reviewing some of your past posts and have been impressed with your knowledge and erudition. However, I still think your wrong regarding who chooses whom (is that correct or shoult the object be who?). I wouldlike to ask you a classic question posed most oftenly by pagans: "What about the native in Africa who never even heard of Christ? What chance did that poor guy have?" I know calvinist answer. What saith the arminian? John |
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1367 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38165 | ||
Dear Bruce, God never sins, nor does He coerce or force man to sin. God is Holy, Righteous an Just. Man has a free will! The trouble is that the will follows the desires of man's evil heart. When we speak of the heart we mean the nature of the creature, and the nature of man is a fallen nature. Paul describes the fallen nature of mankind in Romans 1 and 2. Mankind is not just sick, it is dead spiritualy. The last thing fallen man seeks to do is to Glorify God! Without faith it is impossible to please God. Fallen man has no capacity for faith, he is spiritualy dead. God preordained every evil, wicked deed that led to the crucifixtion of His Son. (Acts 4:27,28) "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur." What does predestine mean in NT Greek? Strong's Concordance 4309 proorizo 1) to predetermine, decide beforehand 2) in the NT of God decreeing from eternity 3) to foreordain, appoint beforehand To answer your question directly: God is responsible for the possibility of man to sin. He is not responsible for their sinning itself. Out of the desires of their own evil hearts they freely commit sins against there God. At the same time (as we have seen in Acts 4) God has preordained their sinful deeds (which He neither coerces or forces upon them) to fulfill His own Holy purpose. Your Thoughts Bruce. Brother John |
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1368 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38151 | ||
Dear Tim, You wrote: "Since under Calvinism, salvation is only given to the elect, why didn't God simply elect everyone, since He desires everyone to be saved? The author's construction has God not doing something He is perfectably capable of doing. To me, this is a major problem for Calvinism. We all agree that God does not have to show mercy to anyone. But, if He desires all to be saved, and He is able to save all, then why doesn't He? Easton's Bible Dictionary: The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God . God claims the right so to do. The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God: (Eph 1:5,11) "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,", "also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will". (Matthew 11:25,26): "At that time Jesus said, I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants." "Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. (John 15:16,19) "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you", " If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." God claims the right so to do: (Romans 9:16,21)"So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.", "Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?". Honestly Tim, I believe it is the arminian position that has a problem. I could just as easily ask of you: If God desires every one to be saved, why did He create those who He knew would be damned? I have provided my answer, what dost thou saith brother Tim? Your Brother in Christ, John |
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1369 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38133 | ||
Dear Norrie, I apologize for not responding to your post sooner. If you have been following this thread you will have noticed that the debate has been furious at times. My hands were full and I could'nt reply at that time. Both sides are convinced of the correctness of their position and have brought forth scriptures to prove it. This is very good. Paul praised the Bereans for doing the same thing: Acts 17:11 "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." I'm sorry to say, but at times we become frustrated with one another and lose our tempers. When iron strikes iron somtimes sparks will fly. Most of the time we apologize for indulging our flesh, and ask for forgiveness from each other and God. Both sides also use human reason as a means of arriving at the truth, this is also a legitimate tool God has given us, but it must be the servant of Scripture and never it's master! Being sinners we sometimes forget this. What I, or anyone else, thinks about something is not all that important. "What saith the Word of God Himself" is all that matters. In the end, after all is said and done, the Holy Spirit will have changed us in some way or another. Rom 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." God Bless you and your Sunday School class. Your Brother in Christ, John |
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1370 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38044 | ||
Dear Hank, The Bible does mentions elect angels 1 Tim 5:21 "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels" The KJV uses "elect" instead of chosen. John |
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1371 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38040 | ||
Dear Ed, I always considered it to be a coloful old west kind of expression. If I thought it was a filthy expression I would have refained from using it. But I'm only 56 years old. Landsakes! I had no idea. John |
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1372 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38039 | ||
Dear Hank, How do you propose to end a debate that is so fundamental to each sides understanding of God? Will calvinists agree to never mention the soveriegnty of God? Will arminians promise that they will never espouse man's freedom to choose? I seriously doubt it. I for one, find it impossible to discuss Scripture without interpreting the meaning. Sooner or later a someone is bound to ask what the writer of Scripture meant by "the world" in John 3:16 or some other verse we disagree on. Now what do we do? I believe each one of us should be informed by his own conscience. Behave to one another as courteously as we can and be admonished by Our Lord's command to love oneanother. I see nothing wrong with a vigorous debate over God's truth. If I'm wrong, prove it. If I don't have the grace to ackowledge my error, woe to me! At least my blood will not be on your hands. What Say Ye, John Reformed |
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1373 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38036 | ||
Dear Ed, Though I disagree, I am also disappointed. I felt as if we had finaly come down to the real issue, which is how God relates to man. Brother John |
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1374 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38032 | ||
Dear Hank, I'm sending to you the reply I sent to Ed. Subject: Bad Arguments Against Calvinism Note: Dear Ed, What is the question under discussion? "Bad arguements against Calvinism". Who posed the question? Zacht. Is Zacht a calvinist? No. Subject: Bad Arguments Against Calvinism Note: John You said: I guess the disturbing part of your reasoning would be that we would have to conclude from what your saying, it was God’s will for the fall of man in the garden. EdB Dear Ed, Why did you get involved in a question your sick and tired of? You'll have to answer that one for yourself, because I don't have a clue. I have no wish to impose my understanding on any one. However, how are theological arguements to be discussed without putting forth the truth as one sees it? Hank, I believe that I am being treated unfairly. Tell me please, given the suject under discussion, how in the name of sam hill, can a person reply to this Subject "BAD ARGUEMENTS AGAINST CALVISM (FOR PETES SAKE) but not mention the topic at all? John |
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1375 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38024 | ||
Dear Ed, What is the question under discussion? "Bad arguements against Calvinism". Who posed the question? Zacht. Is Zacht a calvinist? No. Subject: Bad Arguments Against Calvinism Note: John You said: I guess the disturbing part of your reasoning would be that we would have to conclude from what your saying, it was God’s will for the fall of man in the garden. EdB Why did you get involved in a question your sick and tired of? You'll have to answer that one for yourself, because I don't have a clue. I have no wish to impose my understanding on any one. However, how are theological arguements to be discussed without putting forth the truth as one sees it? God Bless Ed John |
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1376 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38011 | ||
Dear Ed, In two short notes you have managed to plunge us both into a debate that is at least hundreds of years old. The soverignty of God and the resposibility of man. Good work! Tell me, could God have prevented the Fall? He knew it would happen. Why did'nt He change His plan, or step in and prevent the serpent from entering the Garden? Or did everything that happened suit His eternal purpose? God Bless Ed, John |
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1377 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 38000 | ||
Dear Edb, I apologize. I failed to notice that the note was from you. Please check my reply to jesusman. you will find my answer there. John |
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1378 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37998 | ||
Dear Bruce, We are now getting down to the heart of our differences. Has God ordained everything that has occured or will ever occur? At this point human reason is of little value. We must go to the Word which alone is truth. Act 15:18 "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." (KJV). It's obvious given the context that, James had recognized God's eternal purpose to include the gentiles into The Body of Christ. Eph 3:11 "This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,". Paul assures the Ephesians that God's eternal purpose was fulfilled in his ministry and so not to be anxious over his current imprisonment. Heb 6:17 "In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath". His purpose never is changed nor can it be. Eph 1 3-11. What is the plain sense of this passage? I don't want to burden you with the weight of all the scripture that speaks of God's eternal purpose and the inevitability of it's accomplishment. I would prefer to hear your thoughts on what I have put forth thus far. But, to answer your question: Yes God did foreordain man's fall and all else as well. Perhaps you can do a word search on foreordination or predestination before responding. Just a suggestion. Brother John |
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1379 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37992 | ||
Dear Bruce, You misstate the calvinist position when you say: "According to Calvinism,only the "elect" are offered Salvation, and the rest of Mankind is left as being "vessels of Wrath", doomed for eternal torment in hell." We contend that Scripture teaches that the gift of eternal life is given (not offered) to the elect. Let me explain. Before a person can recieve spiritual truth he must first be regenerated. Now he has become a new creature and has the capacity to place faith in Christ. He is not compelled against his will, to the contrary, Christ has become his hearts desire and his will is now to obey his Lord and Master. John |
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1380 | Bad Arguments Against Calvinism | John 15:16 | John Reformed | 37987 | ||
Dear Bruce, Your conclusion is based on the assumption that sinful man deserves something other than damnation. Is this what the Bible teaches? John |
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