Discussion.

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Studied in theology for decades, member of the OPC Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Studied the Synod of Dort, read Calvin's commentary throughout the Scripture from cover to cover, Westminster Confession of Faith large and short catechism, Heidelberg, etc etc.,.. . I haven't a clue what you might believe was misunderstood. However, my emphasis was not Calvinism.

So now you are a Jew?

Very much correct, a lot of time things are not articulated until controversy occurs. For example, the Nicene Creed was revised a few times and each time another section was added as matters surfaced throughout time. Likewise, Arminius and his followers were tried and their controversy was the cause and reason the Synod of Dort called them to trial and/to settle said controversy. Throughout church history referring to the universal catholic church controversy became pivotal moments in doctrine let alone the history of the catholic church: synergism vs. monergism, the Five Solas, Arminianism and Calvinism. Arminianism wasn't necessarily the doctrine before Calvinism but rather the controversy by which the Synod of Dort responded and the Synod findings developed later coined Calvinism and the Five Points of Calvinism.

Shalom

 

[Christforums]

@Earth Wind and Fire "So now you are a Jew?"

What do you mean by Jew?

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

So now you a Jew? What am I missing? You should hook up with Archangel( a member of the board) … he has a masters in Hebrew and I believe Greek also. So if you are an OPC guy then you a trained in Systematic Theology but what do you know of Primitive Baptists beliefs or the Grace Churches? I don’t believe you are versed in there doctrinal variations to strict Presbyterian (non Baptist) theology

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

@Earth Wind and Fire "So now you are a Jew?"

What do you mean by Jew?

Jew… your information in your profile states your faith is Jewish. If so, what type?

 

[Christforums]

So now you a Jew? What am I missing? You should hook up with Archangel( a member of the board) … he has a masters in Hebrew and I believe Greek also. So if you are an OPC guy then you a trained in Systematic Theology but what do you know of Primitive Baptists beliefs or the Grace Churches? I don’t believe you are versed in there doctrinal variations to strict Presbyterian (non Baptist) theology

Interesting, you imply Jew or the other yet Jews: Jesus, Disciples, Apostles, early church. I am a beginner in Hebrew and as well know persons that have achieved degrees in Hebraic languages including Aramaic and Arabic but such affiliation provides little advantage.

I have no knowledge of the specific churches you referenced, but if I may ask, after having moved in an area where synagogues are scarce, I plan to tend a Lutheran church this or next Sunday. I ask for prayers in finding a corporate place of worship.

Shalom

 

[Christforums]

Jew… your information in your profile states your faith is Jewish. If so, what type?

And was why I asked you what was meant by Jew. If Judaism means from Jews and Judaic means Jewish then the once Christian sect could by definition considered "Jewish."

Having already stated what I know or do not know pertaining to irrelevant content about Calvinism I was merely opening up the opportunity for you to expound and define what Calvinism and Jew means to you as if it was known.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Interesting, you imply Jew or the other yet Jews: Jesus, Disciples, Apostles, early church. I am a beginner in Hebrew and as well know persons that have achieved degrees in Hebraic languages including Aramaic and Arabic but such affiliation provides little advantage.

I have no knowledge of the specific churches you referenced, but if I may ask, after having moved in an area where synagogues are scarce, I plan to tend a Lutheran church this or next Sunday. I ask for prayers in finding a corporate place of worship.

And I couldn't care less about what you believe, abrasive as you are. I am not here to win or compete for your approval.

Shalom

And you are military? What branch?

so you are a searcher then? Glad you didn’t select the OPC … they are in their own world as far as their biblical interpretations are concerned. Lutherans of any stripe resemble Roman Catholics, or at least I felt that way when I visited with them.

I mentioned Archangel because he is very advanced in language studies and a Pastor (think SBC) so he would be in a good position to advise you

 

[Christforums]

And you are military? What branch?

so you are a searcher then? Glad you didn’t select the OPC … they are in their own world as far as their biblical interpretations are concerned. Lutherans of any stripe resemble Roman Catholics, or at least I felt that way when I visited with them.

I mentioned Archangel because he is very advanced in language studies and a Pastor (think SBC) so he would be in a good position to advise you

No longer a member of the OPC (in good standing), but among Christendom the specific church and doctrines of the OPC I consider most theologically consistent and orthodox.

There are a lot of synods among the Lutherans. The particular church here that is Lutheran was unfamiliar, but the statement of belief seemingly has been published theologically solid. Mind you, any quarks in the congregation can always become a deterrent. Because a creed is stated by the church in solidarity life can be made miserable by any individual members and their interpretation of said creed.

I have studied among locals at the time from Missouri synod, Lutherans which are considered among the most Conservative in Lutheranism.

@Earth Wind and Fire, the Lutherans if like Roman Catholics want to place any man on the cross (not specifically Jew), then I haven't any objections. There are two types of people in the World, Nailers and Hangers; Romans were skilled at two things: paving roads and Damascus steel.

Shalom

 

[Christforums]

And you are military? What branch?

I am an Air Force Veteran. And you?

Nice to meet you, if you do not mind me using an elemental acronym, E.W.F. for your name. Thank you for editing your last posts as it was rather short and abrasive. You're much more clearer now for all intents and purposes.
Shalom

 

[Christforums]

So if you are an OPC guy then you a trained in Systematic Theology

Last night I ordered Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem as a book large in size read long ago but leant out and not returned (expensive hardcover to replace). Yes, well read and systematizing Scripture has sort of been my method for answers. For example, writing all verses down on a given topic such as soteriology, covenant, etc.

And if I may ask which theological camp are you? Theologically, I am: Protestant (Five Solas), Calvinist, Covenant, and Amillennism. However, today I am exploring Judaism from my Reformed Christian roots. And I must say, the Rabbinical teaching of Judaism is more precisely defines what I believe today then I had then decades ago. With respect to language, Ancient Hebraic languages are different than modern Hebrew both of which I am in study of today. I can read both Ancient and modern Hebrew, however, comprehension is another topic.

Shalom

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I am an Air Force Veteran. And you?

Nice to meet you, if you do not mind me using an elemental acronym, E.W.F. for your name. Thank you for editing your last posts as it was rather short and abrasive. You're much more clearer now for all intents and purposes.
Shalom

Marines long time ago. In retrospect, I should have went into the AF.

 

[Christforums]

Marines long time ago. In retrospect, I should have went into the AF.

Come on now, I wound up at the Marine Recruiter office after my service in the USAF. Kick some @ss, no regrets. No blood guilt! The grass seemingly was always greener from the other perspective USAF or USMC.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Last night I ordered Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem as a book large in size read long ago but leant out and not returned (expensive hardcover to replace). Yes, well read and systematizing Scripture has sort of been my method for answers. For example, writing all verses down on a given topic such as soteriology, covenant, etc.

And if I may ask which theological camp are you? Theologically, I am: Protestant (Five Solas), Calvinist, Covenant, and Amillennism. However, today I am exploring Judaism from my Reformed Christian roots. And I must say, the Rabbinical teaching of Judaism is more precisely defines what I believe today then I had then decades ago. With respect to language, Ancient Hebraic languages are different than modern Hebrew both of which I am in study of today. I can read both Ancient and modern Hebrew, however, comprehension is another topic.

Shalom

Many years ago now I was dating and going to marry a women who was a conservative Jew so she was insistent that any kids be raised as Jews… so I was going to convert. Back then, I was born Roman Catholic so what the heck. I took courses in , in what it was to be a Conservative Jew blah blah. But it was never going to work so we slit up. Years later, while driving home in a snow storm I began listening to George Whitfields sermon, Method of Grace and I suddenly realized that Christ payed a dear price for my salvation. Wow, I never ever felt that way, not as a RC, not as an almost Jew… they were just religions, but this was transforming from the soul.

Then I began searching, I thought that if Whitfield was a Methodist Calvinist that I should explore both groups. Methodists today are not what they were then( very liberal) so that didn’t work. Calvinists well I wanted something more structured & conservative so I tried the OPC but they were so rigid in there doctrines that I had to reject them. During the course of that time I visited various denominations but could not find that spiritual connection till I met the Primitive Baptists… that’s a whole different church but they are predominately in the south. Don’t google them because you won’t get the correct review… I can send you links, they are sovereign Grace & providence beliefs orientated, not works based ( which appears to be popular today).

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Come on now, I wound up at the Marine Recruiter office after my service in the USAF. Kick some @ss, no regrets. No blood guilt! The grass seemingly was always greener from the other perspective USAF or USMC.

And you were in combat?

 

[JonC]

Come on now, I wound up at the Marine Recruiter office after my service in the USAF. . . . No blood guilt! The grass seemingly was always greener from the other perspective USAF or USMC.

Go Army!

 

[Christforums]

And you were in combat?

I served in the Persian Gulf war. First responder, Tactical Reconnaissance, at the time Desert Shield rolled into Storm. Acting Intelligence for Langley, the USAF, and the Navy pounded the ground mercilessly for days and nights, sleep deprived and in shock the enemy was in good hands, the USMC and Army swept up after us. We were first responders, the first called up, equipped and trained for night time reconnaissance, as well tactical, strategic, and intel. Formerly, F-4 Wild Weasels, perhaps the most dangerous mission objective role in the USAF. Fly over enemy territory, lead pops up like a weasel so every enemy SAM site can lock on while the trailing weasel targets SAM launchers. To invade behind enemy lines, draw fire, and survive - the history of the 363rd.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Go Army!

my dad was a Army master sarge so my brother and I got to see the cadet’s at West Point every year growing up… always told, “ A cut Above” and they were and that’s where I was destined to go. But the old man died young and never got the chance to realize my(his) dream.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

The wife’s family are Arnold’s so I could have made a career outa the USAF… should have, better education but I liked Marines at that time… what a dummy I was in those days.

 

[Christforums]

my dad was a Army master sarge so my brother and I got to see the cadet’s at West Point every year growing up… always told, “ A cut Above” and they were and that’s where I was destined to go. But the old man died young and never got the chance to realize my(his) dream.

My cousin was accepted to West Point but the Army brat he was wanted nothing to do with the Army. Needlessly said, his application was influenced by his father my Uncle over 20 years of service. Other members are also Army: father, cousins, etc., were Ranger Recon etc as well Navy. If I may, it was not a dumb decision, while most join for the G.I. Bill, I wanted to serve my country during wartime without any desire for an exchange of benefits. Too many want something in return. Young, perhaps, no doubt we could of made better decisions but the USAF was for me no mistake as I am certain neither might the the USMC be. That is, all bureaucracy aside. I went in the USAF based upon aptitude and then believed the USAF was my career. I was too mindful and should of enlisted in the USMC. The ASVAB at the time was 80% minimum for the USAF and USN, I still to this day remember a guy that scored 99 percent and was determined to fulfil the role of grunt in the Marines.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

Regarding your search, are you being spirit led? By that I mean, is the Holy Spirit really reaching out to you in a serious attempt to becoming a child of God. If so, that’s an elite position to identify with in both your temporal and eternal life. That call changes the heart, the understanding of what it means to be a child of God. I liken it to having a father who looks after his children… even when they are wayward. Then you begin to grow a conscience, a morality, a keen sense of right from wrong. My own teacher Rabbi is a very moral man…he even became vegan so as not to harm animals. He is deeply spiriting the sense his Judaism leads him, but he doesn’t have Christ to take him beyond his many traditions.

I have told you my own story of how the Holy Ghost reached out to me… the back story is that my younger brother had graduated from a Bible mill college and was committed to forcing me to commit to Christ via claiming him as Lord and Savior. Just say it, say you believe in Christ and I will be content was what he told me one night on my porch at 1am. Very irksome he was. I was a Roman Catholic at the time so yea I’m a believer so why this sales pitch to get those words outa me? If that was his goal he failed. I really didn’t take any of this proselytizing seriously. I still don’t think anyone can force spirituality on another unless it’s first given to you via Gods good grace. And I got that grace first hand that day in a snow storm driving home in bad weather conditions… where everything was slowed down and I listened to a CD sermon, the Method of Grace by George Whitfield. That sermon shamed me, made me at last see what Christ had done for my salvation. I stopped my car by the roadside and just cried.

So that’s what I mean, an experience that totally changes you… where you are present. An aha moment where you suddenly get it. It’s very life changing!