Not going to Church???

[easternstar]

We used to have someone on this board who subscribed to all six points of Calvinism - bet you would love his church!

I didn't know there were six, thought there were only 5, as represented by the T-U-L-I-P acronym.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I was just using that as an example of how our culture has changed in terms of perception.

I am 57 years old. When I see a man wearing a suit I think of lawyers (if in church I think "pretentious", not dressing modestly). But I am accustomed to sports jackets and view that as appropriate. I also view blue jeans and a nice t-shirt as appropriate.

But my point is many do not share that cultural perception. Older people may view blue jeans as inappropriate. Younger people may view a coat and tie inappropriate (lacking modesty).

I never trust anybody wearing a suit. Why? I am not really sure. I guess I connect suits with trial lawyers trying to score a win (maybe I have watched too much Law and Order).

I agree that we should not dress provocatively. But I also think our dress should be modest.


Anyway, my point was not about how we dress. My point was that we cannot cling to our preferences at the expense of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

How bout sweats and a tee shirt. I’ve been wanting to do that.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I was just using that as an example of how our culture has changed in terms of perception.

I am 57 years old. When I see a man wearing a suit I think of lawyers (if in church I think "pretentious", not dressing modestly). But I am accustomed to sports jackets and view that as appropriate. I also view blue jeans and a nice t-shirt as appropriate.

But my point is many do not share that cultural perception. Older people may view blue jeans as inappropriate. Younger people may view a coat and tie inappropriate (lacking modesty).

I never trust anybody wearing a suit. Why? I am not really sure. I guess I connect suits with trial lawyers trying to score a win (maybe I have watched too much Law and Order).

I agree that we should not dress provocatively. But I also think our dress should be modest.


Anyway, my point was not about how we dress. My point was that we cannot cling to our preferences at the expense of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Undertakers wear suits… that’s goes thru my mind. Let’s see what Bad Bunny wears tonight.

 

[JonC]

How bout sweats and a tee shirt. I’ve been wanting to do that.

That is fine. I really do not care about what people wear. But leave the fuzzy slippers at home.

 

[Ben1445]

That is fine. I really do not care about what people wear. But leave the fuzzy slippers at home.

If it doesn’t matter, why let their slippers bother you?

 

[JonC]

If it doesn’t matter, why let their slippers bother you?

Tongue in cheek. They really wouldn't bother me. I do not care what people wear.

My preference is blue jeans and a shirt (I wear a button up shirt because my button up shirts have a pocket and I have to carry reading glasses).

But I have no preference about what other people wear.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I could....depending on whether they are preaching the gospel or their theology. But I would never consider being a member of that church.

Tom did…and he even pastored one in California.But it begs the question just what church would you belong to. Give me a thumbnail sketch if you please.

 

[easternstar]

There are very few PB churches around here. The closest one, about 30 miles, closed a few years ago. It was bought and turned into a 'cowboy church'.

 

[JonC]

Tom did…and he even pastored one in California.But it begs the question just what church would you belong to. Give me a thumbnail sketch if you please.

I would belong to a Baptist church. This would be a church that is active in the ministry. As I live in a multi-ethnic area I would look for a church that is not specific to one ethnicity. I would want to see evidence that God is working in and through this church.

Regarding doctrine, I would be very hesitant to belong to any congregation that insists on extra-biblical theology (I do not believe Calvinism, Free-Will theology, Penal Substitution, etc) should be a part of forming the identity of a Baptist church.

In fact, I do not believe that there is a legitimate thing as a Reformed Baptist church, or a Free-Will Baptist church, as the clarification negates an important Baptist comcepts. They are not true Baptists.

I would be more inclined to attend a church with Calvinists, Arminianists, and Free-Will inclined Baptists who do not insist the whole adopt their understanding.

In other words, I look for a church that teaches God's Word rather than any sects understanding of what may be taught by His words.


Preferences - I do not mind hymns, but not the traditional music. I love how an organ looks (those big pipe organs) but do not care for the sound. Kinda makes me sleepy. My preference is contemporary worship music.

 

[JonC]

I didn't know there were six, thought there were only 5, as represented by the T-U-L-I-P acronym.

There are only 5 (the Five Heads). But Piper used 7 (added "best of worlds" and reprobation).

Those 2 additions are logical conclusions.

No Baptist actually holds all 5, except they re-write (leave off) some of the "Doctrines of Grace".

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

That is fine. I really do not care about what people wear. But leave the fuzzy slippers at home.

How about Crocs? Come on now, we gots ta enliven this here place before it chokes out.

There are very few PB churches around here. The closest one, about 30 miles, closed a few years ago. It was bought and turned into a 'cowboy church'.

Lots of Vomit… Yeah oh oh oh….Just reminiscing

 

[JonC]

How about Crocs? Come on now, we gots ta enliven this here place before it chokes out.

Crocks are fine. They are holey.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

How about Crocs? Come on now, we gots ta enliven this here place before it chokes out.

Lots of Vomit… Yeah oh oh oh….Just reminiscing

I would belong to a Baptist church. This would be a church that is active in the ministry. As I live in a multi-ethnic area I would look for a church that is not specific to one ethnicity. I would want to see evidence that God is working in and through this church.

Regarding doctrine, I would be very hesitant to belong to any congregation that insists on extra-biblical theology (I do not believe Calvinism, Free-Will theology, Penal Substitution, etc) should be a part of forming the identity of a Baptist church.

In fact, I do not believe that there is a legitimate thing as a Reformed Baptist church, or a Free-Will Baptist church, as the clarification negates an important Baptist comcepts. They are not true Baptists.

I would be more inclined to attend a church with Calvinists, Arminianists, and Free-Will inclined Baptists who do not insist the whole adopt their understanding.

In other words, I look for a church that teaches God's Word rather than any sects understanding of what may be taught

And soo… where do you find that church brother? Churches are fractured into their own doctrines, so let’s rewind this whole thing.

What you are suggesting is a challenge.. it changes structures. And that’s uniquely dangerous (to many who support the status quo). Who will rebuild this idea… actually that’s revolutionary. And that’s dangerous .

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

There are very few PB churches around here. The closest one, about 30 miles, closed a few years ago. It was bought and turned into a 'cowboy church'.

You probably live in the SW

 

[JonC]

And soo… where do you find that church brother?

I go to a church like that. They are not difficult to find in my area.

You mention these doctrines that divide. The only reason they divide is too many churches are concerned about theory and approach the faith as an academic exercise.

There are churches with life, that apply God's Word rather than theorize about it.

But perhaps not in your area....you need to move down here with me. We can wear crocks and sweatpants together.

 

[atpollard]

But perhaps not in your area....you need to move down here with me. We can wear crocks and sweatpants together.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I go to a church like that. They are not difficult to find in my area.

You mention these doctrines that divide. The only reason they divide is too many churches are concerned about theory and approach the faith as an academic exercise.

There are churches with life, that apply God's Word rather than theorize about it.

But perhaps not in your area....you need to move down here with me. We can wear crocks and sweatpants together.

I had plans to move to Orlando but my wife died in November, I have a year to pay off my House in Jersey. My son & family have moved to Bend Oregon so I’m still stuck in this Rat Race for the interim and I miss my grandkids Deeply.

Now Oregon is expensive .. as expensive as NJ. Plus it’s very secular, it pervedas.

Anyway, I can’t worry about that… but I really do like the Primitive Baptists in Florida.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

You must be a Tekton and a rather old one.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I think radically and am always impressed by my Lord Jesus. A revolutionary philosopher, a mystic, a strategist & prophet all rolled into one. He belongs to everyone… a cosmic Christ. He chose transformation from within. And I will add He is a realist. As a church I’m looking to the body of Christ for repurposing… but I don’t rely on church for my spiritual purpose and salvation… it’s Christ who is Lord…the kingdom of heaven is W/I you. So then deconstruction is the key, radical thinking.

 

[easternstar]

You probably live in the SW

SE