Featured Does what is actually true really matter to you?

I have always been of a mind to be convinced from scripture my beliefs are in error. So, yes, truth really does matter to me.

Truth exists apart from me and apart from you. My beliefs may be wrong or your beliefs may be wrong. Additionally, we cannot both be correct but we can both be wrong.

peace to you

 

The fact is that most are here to be heard, not to listen.

*hear

 

I suspect we agree on much more than not. We just don’t debate unless we disagree.

peace to you

 

The Lord’s supper was initially a fellowship meal of believers to proclaim the death of Christ, reminding them of His sacrifice. Paul warns that if taken in an unworthy manner it could lead to sickness and death.

I would allow any who desired to fellowship with us through the supper to do so, but always admonished everyone that examine themselves beforehand, to seek forgiveness from God and to be focused upon our Lord.

I do hope that pleased God, as that was my intent.

peace to you

 

I don’t think I’d reduce God to 1 + 1 = 2. There is more to consider.

Scripture tells us the truth of God’s existence should be obvious from His creation. We also know from scripture the effect of sin in the lives of humans has caused them, everyone, to reject this revelation of God found in creation.

Additionally, God is Spirit and we are flesh. He exists in a place we cannot access in this life, with the very rare exception of God’s supernatural intervention as in the case of Paul and John being taken to the third heaven.

peace to you

 

Oops, can’t help myself.

Right, I think it’s important to know what others believe. Not only that, but to accurately repeat what they believe.

I find most of the time we aren’t debating what others believe, but a caricature of what they believe or of what we believe.

I remember a few years back someone started posting on BB that John MacArthur was teaching a works based salvation. Of course, JMac explicitly states what he believes (Lordship Salvation) is not a works based merited salvation.

So we spend all our time saying “you believe works based salvation” “No I don’t” “yes you do” no I don’t” yes you do”, instead of actually debating what Lordship Salvation really means.

We are currently having similar discussions about whether “faith” is a work.

peace to you

 

Man. That's true. I thought the world of JMac and his writings on Lordship Salvation had a big part in convincing me that there was something to this Calvinism stuff. I was blown away when I read a book on God's sovereignty written by top Calvinist academics of today that completely dismissed JMac's views.

I also have actually read a lot of Puritans and what they said was not even close to what the internet Calvinist warriors are saying. And if you really want a shocker, read Augustine himself. I'm not saying he's Catholic. But he wouldn't last a second in most Reformed churches today either.

Also, I have found that there is more diverse opinion among Calvinists than between a lot of moderate Calvinists and regular Baptists.

And the most helpful thing I have discovered is that most people's opinions are much more affected by the group that they perceive as being important to be member in good standing of than any real evaluation of the truth of the positions.

 

Ever read the first discussion board?

Go to the book of Job and see how the persons speak and ask whether anything has changed.

 

I agree.
Speaking only for myself, the times when I will speak up and strongly disagree is when I perceive that the glory of God is being diminished via the other person's assertion. I will speak up and hold my ground on the full Supremacy of God in all things. I will not waver in this because any wavering takes away from the glory God is due.

 

Have you ever read the Bible?

 

Yes Ky. But I have not yet developed sufficient self esteem to get on a forum and spout my own unique interpretation. But some have. And everyone can tell.

 

Ahh, that’s changing with the Woke “Idiot” culture.