Major in the majors and minor in the minors
Posted on | March 10, 2010 | No Comments
You have often heard the assertion communicated from the pulpit, “major in the majors and minor in the minors.” It is a vague proclamation practiced in the Christian church today, in order to encourage unity and discourage divisions within the Body of Christ. I believe the Word of God is clear on the subject of “unity” within the fellowship of believers. However, I also believe that the local church should be willing and able to provide an accurate position of what it considers doctrinal majors. The major doctrines are usually never really defined, at least in my experience. Quoting from a founding Pastor of a large movement, “It is our desire not to divide God’s people over non-essential issues. This is not to say that we do not have strong convictions. When the Bible speaks clearly, we must as well. But on other issues we try to recognize the Scriptural validity of both sides of a debate and avoid excluding or favoring those in one camp over the other.” Concerning Calvinism he states, “When you take hard stands on these non-foundational issues, you’ll just empty your church of all of those who have Methodist, Nazarene, and other Arminian-influenced backgrounds. Why would you want to do that?”
In other words it is ok to be an Arminian, but not ok to be a Calvinist. It is ok to have strong convictions concerning Arminianism, it’s just unacceptable to have those same convictions when it comes to reformed theology. I have come to understand what they mean by “major in the majors and minor in the minors.” It is very simple, major in Arminianism and minor in Calvinism.
When it comes to the central aspect of the Gospel , mainly the atoning work of the risen Christ, these same churches become passive on the subject. Let us not be fooled, this is the dividing line. There can be no compromise on the atonement, for it is the central doctrine of the Christian faith. What means did God choose to accomplish His purpose? The Father, Son and Holy Spirit together concurred to a division of labor in which the Father did the planning, the Son did the accomplishing and the Spirit did the applying. They all agree to the means of redemption. Who are the objects or persons of God’s plan of salvation? The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in accord on the objects of salvation. Those whom the Father chooses (John 15:16, Mark 13:20), the Son redeems (Jn 6:37-39) and the Spirit seals (Eph 1:13). When we view the extent of the atonement in the light of God’s entire plan of salvation, it becomes clear that Particular Redemption is the only possible position which does justice to the unity and continuity of the plan of salvation. Universal Redemption usually pictures the Father choosing only some and the Spirit saving only some, but the Son dying for every person. This view of the atonement becomes irreconcilable. There is disagreement as to the objects of the plan of salvation by the Godhead. This discrepancy demolishes the unity and harmony of the plan of redemption, but God’s plan is one consistent harmonious whole and this truth points us to Particular Redemption (limited atonement, definite atonement). We see then that the doctrine of the atonement is a foundational issue and is not to be viewed as a non-foundational, as most would have it.
Recently, my family and I have come to these conclusions. We have made a very difficult decision to part ways from our local church due to the fact that we can no longer major in Arminianism and minor in Calvinism. As the pastor plainly put it “you are wearing a black tuxedo, and everyone else is dressed in a white tuxedo.” God has been glorified through this experience, this is not to say that mistakes have not been made, but the Spirit of God has been at work. He moves and guides His servants as He chooses. We rest in the sovereign work of Christ and not in the sovereign work of man. My family and I would much rather be correct when it comes to the Gospel, for God can make us more loving in a moment, but it can take a lifetime to preach an accurate Gospel. The Jehova Witness and Mormon churches are filled with loving persons inclined to fulfill acts of kindness, but they are sincerely wrong when it comes to the Gospel. Is the bride of Christ headed in the same direction? May God help us in the preservation of His true message.
J.C. Ryle Quotes
Posted on | February 24, 2010 | No Comments
I started following this blog a while back and have since come to love it! Really…the daily quote waiting in my inbox every morning is not only encouraging, but most importantly, God honoring.
Given recent happenings and the season of my life currently, this mornings quote pretty much stopped me in my tracks. I guess if you subscribe to chance, you would find this amusing. Me? I simply praise a very big, very omnipotent, immensely omnipresent Sovereign Lord who is forever acting in the lives of His children.
May you also find comfort.To see the original blog it came from, click here.
“We must cast away everything which hinders us upon our road towards heaven – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life; the love of riches, pleasures and honors, the spirit of lukewarmness and carelessness and indifference about the things of God – all must be rooted out and forsaken if we are anxious for the prize. We must mortify the deeds of the body, we must crucify our affections for this world.”
~ J.C. Ryle
To say anything more would be foolish! Keep an eye on the blog. Both Paul and I are well aware quite a time has passed without posting.
The Danger of Idolizing Popular Preachers
Posted on | December 30, 2009 | No Comments
See also The Truth about Man
“Jehovah’s Witness encounter”
Posted on | December 23, 2009 | No Comments
Today 12/22/09 (My son Pauly’s B-Day) I was approached by a young proclaimed (JW) and found him to be very bold in his technique. He demanded that I roll down my window as he proceeded to discuss his Watchtower Tract Society magazines. I stopped him immediately by stating that I was a born again Christian and that we differ in our interpretations of the Holy Scriptures. I asked him why he believed in the doctrine of “Soul Sleep”, and if he would be kind enough to prove it by Scripture. We both turned to our Bibles (mine being the NKJV and his of course the NWT) to Ecclesiates 9:5.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they will die; But the dead know nothing, And they have no more reward, For the memory of them is forgotten.
Read more
Tags: Hebrew > Jehovah's Witness > Miracle Wheat > Paul Franco > Scripture
The Trinity, the Definition of Chalcedon, and Oneness Theology
Posted on | December 21, 2009 | No Comments
Originally published by James White of Alpha & Omega Ministries. All right remain his. This was published without permission, however none of the content has been altered. Enjoy!
I. Introduction
The doctrine of the Trinity requires a balanced view of Scripture. That is, since the doctrine itself is derived from more than one stream of evidence, it requires that all the evidence be weighed and given authority. If any of the foundational pillars of the doctrine (monotheism, the deity of Christ, the person of the Holy Spirit, etc.) be ignored or even rejected, the resulting doctrinal system will differ markedly from the orthodox position, and will lose its claim to be called “biblical.” For centuries various small groups have rejected the doctrine of the Trinity. In modern times these groups have frequently attracted quite a following; Jehovah’s Witnesses as the modern heirs of Arius have over 3 million people actively engaged in their work; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) are heirs of ancient polytheism and mystery religions, and nearly 10 million adhere to their teachings. A smaller number of people, however, cling to the third-century position of modalism – the teachings of men such as Sabellius or Praxeas or Noetus. Though fewer in number, it is this position, popularly called the “Oneness” teaching, that prompts this paper’s clarification of the Biblical position regarding the doctrine of the Trinity and the Person of Jesus Christ. Oneness writers strongly deny the doctrine of the Trinity. In the words of David K. Bernard,
“The Bible does not teach the doctrine of the trinity, and trinitarianism actually contradicts the Bible. It does not add any positive benefit to the Christian message….the doctrine of the trinity does detract from the important biblical themes of the oneness of God and the absolute deity of Jesus Christ.”[1]
Tags: AOMIN > Chalcedon > God > James White > Logos > Oneness Theology > The Trinity
“An Effective Atonement” Part 1
Posted on | December 19, 2009 | No Comments
Evangelicals are traditionally taught to view salvation based on an arminian type of theology. For this reason they are not used to thinking analytically about exactly how the atonement works. When asked the reasonable question, “How can the cross be a saving instrument?” The natural response given is different from the calvinist.
[The concept for the arminian is that the cross actually does not save any particular person. The death of christ satisfied the justice of God in such a way that it rendered all people savable without actually making anyone's salvation certain, because each individual is saved by their faith, not by the cross. It rendered God propitious toward everyone. The Atonement is universal, of infinite value, designed for every human being, and accomplished for all. It made the salvation of no man actual, but rendered the salvation of all men Possible, the result being in every case conditioned by faith. The supreme principle of Arminianism is conditionalism. We supply the condition (faith) that God needs before he can act by our own free will decision. In essence, the cross becomes reduced to the means by which one is saved.]
1,500 per month
Posted on | December 16, 2009 | No Comments
Every month, 1,500 pastors leave the ministry.
It’s true. One thousand, five hundred pastors leave the ministry every month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their congregations.
With the establishment of the Ligonier Academy of Biblical & Theological Studies, Ligonier will be able to fulfill a great need that exists among Christian pastors — the need for lifelong, continuing biblical and theological education. The need for direction and leadership. The hope for personal fulfillment through the glorious work of God. We are excited about the future because we serve a great and sovereign God. And we know what we are called to do.
For more info visit www.ligonieracademy.org
*found in december 2009 issue of TableTalk Magazine. All rights remain the property of TableTalk…
Looking Forward: Preparing to Meet Jesus Face to Face
Posted on | December 10, 2009 | No Comments
Originally posted December 10, 2009 | By: Noel Piper @ DesiringGod …All Rights remain property of them.
Advent is a time of looking back, remembering the faithful people who were waiting for the salvation God had promised, as 1 Peter 1:10-12 tells us.
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Then the very next verses continue by turning our eyes forward in Advent, looking toward the return of Jesus.
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Paul Washer’s Testimony
Posted on | December 2, 2009 | No Comments
Paul Washer testifying to the Grace of God. Paul talks about when he was saved at the University of Texas in Austin.
This video is 1 of around 12 videos that will be uploaded recorded from an interview of Paul Washer in San Antonio on October 26, 2009. More at I’ll Be Honest.
My Biggest Enemy Is Not Satan. My Biggest Enemy IS Jason Moore
Posted on | December 2, 2009 | No Comments
Let each of us declare war on ourselves, to the Glory of our Lord.
Romans 7:23 / 2 Corinthians 10:3 / James 4:1 / 1 Peter 2:11
Tags: john piper > Make War > Mortify Sin
Another Look: God So Loved the World, Part 2
Posted on | December 2, 2009 | No Comments
Original post + audio + video + notes, all can be found here.
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
John 3:14-18
Many people are new to Bethlehem. Some simply stop by to see what’s going on. Some have little or no experience with what we mean by preaching. I think it will help you listen to this message (and others) if I say a word about preaching.
What we mean by preaching is expository exultation.
Preaching As Expository Exultation
Expository means that preaching aims to exposit, or explain and apply, the meaning of the Bible. Every sermon explains and applies the Bible. The reason for this is that the Bible is God’s word, inspired, infallible, profitable—all sixty-six books of it. The preacher’s job is to minimize his own opinions and deliver the truth of God. Therefore, it is mainly Bible exposition—explanation and application.
And the preacher’s job is to do that in a way that enables us to see that the points he is making actually come from the Bible. If they come from the Bible and you can’t see that they come from the Bible, your faith will rest on man and not God.
Another Look: God So Loved the World, Part 1
Posted on | December 1, 2009 | No Comments
Having read and liked what Paul wrote yesterday, I wanted to link to another fantastic sermon, via Desiringgod.org, that was given by John Piper. You can see all the original stuff here:
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org
John 3:9-18
We focus today, and Lord willing next week, on one of the most famous verses in the Bible and the two verses following it that are given to clarify and support it.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
It is not hard to see why verse 16 is one of the most famous, most often memorized, most cherished verses in the Bible. Packed into this verse are the greatest realities that exist. God. Love. The world. The Son of God. Faith. Perishing forever. Living forever. Whoever—you, or not. These are the greatest things that can be. What could be more important? What could be more relevant for you right now? What could be more urgent for you or momentous for you than to know where you stand in relation to what God says to you in this verse?
“For God so Loved the World…”
Posted on | November 29, 2009 | No Comments
If the word “world” was always used in one uniform and constant sense in the writings of the apostle John, there would be merit to the observation for universal atonement. However, the apostle John admits a variety of connotations. Therefore, the intention of it in one place cannot be the rule for the interpretation of it in another.
Definitions: 1. The whole universe of created beings Jn 1:10, 2. Sometimes, the inhabitable earth Jn 16:28, 3. Sometimes, the inhabitants of it Jn 1:10, 4. Sometimes, unconverted persons, both elect and reprobate Jn 15:19, 5. Sometimes, the worse part of the world, the wicked Jn 17:9, 6. sometimes, the better part of it, the elect Jn 1:29 and Jn 6:33,51, 7. Sometimes, a number of persons, and that a small one in comparison of the rest of mankind Jn 12:19, 9. sometimes, Gentiles as distinguished from Jews 1Jn 2:2, 10. In one place it is used (3X), and in so many senses, Jn 1:10 He was in the “world” (the inhabitable earth), and the “world” (the whole universe) was made by him, and the “world” (the inhabitants of the earth) knew him not (which is not to be understood as them all), for there were some, though few, who did know Him.
I will venture to affirm that the word “world” is always used in the apostle John’s writing in a restricted and limited sense to mean (for some only), except or unless when it is designed to mean the whole universe or inhabitable earth. There is intent in which to use the word incorrectly, for none will say Christ died for the sun, moon, and stars, for fishes, fowls, sticks, and stones. So it is to be observed that it is never used to signify every individual of mankind that has been, is, or shall be in the world, in which sense it must be proved if it is to be used in this manner and if any argument can be concluded from it in favor of universal or general redemption.
Giving True Thanks For The Living God Who Has Provided The Way!
Posted on | November 26, 2009 | No Comments
“There is no way to heaven, whatever your hopes may be, but through Christ.
There is no way to the gates of pearl but through the bleeding side of Jesus.
These are the gates of paradise – these bleeding wounds.
If you would find your way to God’s bright throne, find first your way to Jesus’ cross.
If you would know the way to happiness, tread in that path of misery which Jesus trod.
What!
Attempt another way? Are you mad enough to think that you can rend the posts, and bars, and gates of heaven, from their perpetual places, and force your way in by your imagined strength? Or do you think to purchase with your riches and your gold a foothold in paradise? Fool! What is your gold where streets are made of it, and where the gates are solid pearl? — where the foundations are of jasper, and the walls whereof are precious gems? And do you think to get there by your merits? Ah! by pride fell the angels, and by your pride you have fallen. Heaven is not for such as you!”
- C. H. Spurgeon
Tags: Charles Spurgeon > Christ's Sacrifice > Heaven > Only One Way
Truth
Posted on | November 24, 2009 | No Comments
The truth is that the way is truly narrow and few people will find eternal life. (Matthew 7:21, Luke 13:24)
This is Albert Martin preaching. Full Sermon HERE:
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- Jesus: The Only Way to God(Author: Tyler Kenney) This July Baker Books will be releasing Jesus: The Only Way to God, a short paperback by John Piper on the need for people to hear and believe the name of Jesus in order to be saved. You can buy one (or more) from us in advance at the special price of just $4.99 each. Just call 888.346.4700 on a weekday between 8 and 5pm Central Time. […]
- Sin and Sorrow in Pakistan Today(Author: Tyler Kenney)Today in the news: Suspected Islamist militants stormed an office of a U.S.-based, Christian aid agency [World Vision] in Pakistan on Wednesday, killing six Pakistani aid workers after singling them out and then blowing up the building. (Read full article from Reuters) From the World Vision website: Please pray for World Vision's s […]
- One Way a Very Public Christian Spoke(Author: John Piper) On September 13, 1980, Charles Malik gave an address called "The Two Tasks" at the opening of the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College. He was the Lebanese Ambassador to the United States. The message was so seminal that in 2006 (his centenary) it was republished with a collection of essays built around it. What strikes us as […]