Seriously thinking about leaving this forum...

[Elect]

seekingpurity047, I truly understand your situation - I was part of another "Christian" forum for a few months before I finally totally quit and came here two days ago (weird timing, huh?). The reason I left was that 80% of the people there (rough estimate) believe in this new "Open Theism" junk being thrown around. I was blistered for my reformed beliefs and with so few reformed believers on the site, it wore me out. I would actually go to bed feeling completely dejected and overwhelmed.

Then, I came here - and while Open Theism isn't recognized as popular doctrine on CF- from what I've read there are still quite a few semi-Christian views being discussed. However, finding this reformed forum is like a breath of fresh air. I know I haven't been here for very long, but already I feel more uplifted that I can discuss and be encouraged by fellow Reformed Christians who believe in the sovereignty of God . I hope you stick around, maybe take a few days off here and there - just to stay fresh. I know that helped me some on the other forum. As others said, use this reserved area for Reformed Christians as a refuge. I know I plan to.

WELCOME! Defcon

 

[Erinwilcox]

Well, like... the thing is that people don't like reformed theology cuz it isn't really the most comforting thought (yet the most biblical bahahaha)... I dunno. I get persecuted for saying something like "God chose you for His glory" and what not... ]

I completely understand where you are coming from. However, when you say that it "isn't really the most comforting thought," I would have to say that anyone who thinks that Reformed Theology isn't comforting doesn't understand it properly. Do you not have a profound sense of peace in knowing that God elected YOU from before the foundation of the earth? That your salvation didn't just depend on your choice (in which case you never would have chosen)? Does your soul not rejoice in the utter and complete sovereignty of God, knowing that " All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28. The God of the UNIVERSE is working all things to YOUR good. When men see themselves as they are, utterly sinful and depraved, then these thoughs are completely amazing and bring such a sense of joy, comfort, and hope. So while I understand where you are coming from, remember to (I know that it's in Timothy, I just can't remember where) "Preach the Word in season and out of season." Jesus told us that we would be persecuted for following him. While others may hound you on your theology, just remember the blessings that we have in the knowledge of the Doctrines of Grace.

 

[reformedfan]

yeah, but a God that controls everything including salvation of friends & families is terrifying to those who believe the myth that getting someone to pray a prayer gets 'em into heaven. They see Arminianism as comforting & fulla hope, when it really isn't.

i think that not just election, but God's overall sovereignty is one that's a great comfort, & this is true of inmates who convert & are properly taught it as well. No sense being all agonized & in anguish over fear of the future: the sentence, their family reaction, what's gonna happen when they get out, all that jazz: if they come to know the God of the Bible as the Bible portrays Him, they are able to actually have a measure of peace in spite of the difficulties they face, knowing all was mapped out before the foundation of the world.

pretty nice.

 

[JJB]

yeah, but a God that controls everything including salvation of friends & families is terrifying to those who believe the myth that getting someone to pray a prayer gets 'em into heaven. They see Arminianism as comforting & fulla hope, when it really isn't.

i think that not just election, but God's overall sovereignty is one that's a great comfort, & this is true of inmates who convert & are properly taught it as well. No sense being all agonized & in anguish over fear of the future: the sentence, their family reaction, what's gonna happen when they get out, all that jazz: if they come to know the God of the Bible as the Bible portrays Him, they are able to actually have a measure of peace in spite of the difficulties they face, knowing all was mapped out before the foundation of the world.

pretty nice.

You know, I went to a church meeting last week for Children's Ministry, and this is what the pastor said to parents:

"Now, I don't want to put anymore pressure on you parents, but you should be more involved in helping your child through this ministry. It is an awesome ministry and we had only 2 children make decisions for Christ last year."

I was thinking -- is that the parents' fault? I guess so if you are Arminian. I am so thankful God doesn't lay that guilt trip on us!

 

[reformedfan]

he sounds pretty covenantal, except for the 'decisions for Christ' part. Covenant kids are expected to convert, the ones that don't are punished more harshly than Joe Pagan's kids for failure to do so, to those who have been given more, more is required. I don't mean to put pressure on parents, though....

 

[JJB]

Thanks reformedfan. I hadn't seen it that way. In that light, I am more at ease with the fellowship we belong to.

You know Joe Pagan, too?

 

[Scholar in training]

Liberal Christianity, when confronted with skeptical criticism, either assimilates or rolls over.

 

[Received]

am really thinking about leaving this forum cuz I have seen too much scripture mingling with societal philosophies.

Perhaps it is not so much a matter of intermingling scripture with social philosophies, but of conceiving scripture to be uphold emphasis on social philosophies. I, at least, find the command "make disciples of all the nations," to be a rather excellent point that reveals Jesus' absolute emphasis on the individual's (and thus, the church's) social intervention. If this is "post-modern Christianity" it is only a first-time willingness to follow through with the words of Christ.

Why do we need Christianity and society put together? Because the only way society is going to be saved is through the scattering out of "salt" or Christian witnesses within it. As C.S. Lewis has said, we don't need more people in the clergy, but more people out of it -- in secular organizations.

 

[JJB]

Ever read the book of Acts? It really is very exciting and came long before "post-modern Christianity".

 

[Imblessed]

seekingpurity047, I truly understand your situation - I was part of another "Christian" forum for a few months before I finally totally quit and came here two days ago (weird timing, huh?). The reason I left was that 80% of the people there (rough estimate) believe in this new "Open Theism" junk being thrown around. I was blistered for my reformed beliefs and with so few reformed believers on the site, it wore me out. I would actually go to bed feeling completely dejected and overwhelmed.

Then, I came here - and while Open Theism isn't recognized as popular doctrine on CF- from what I've read there are still quite a few semi-Christian views being discussed. However, finding this reformed forum is like a breath of fresh air. I know I haven't been here for very long, but already I feel more uplifted that I can discuss and be encouraged by fellow Reformed Christians who believe in the sovereignty of God . I hope you stick around, maybe take a few days off here and there - just to stay fresh. I know that helped me some on the other forum. As others said, use this reserved area for Reformed Christians as a refuge. I know I plan to.

Welcome Defcon, It's great to have some new faces around here!