Hello brethren. I just made an account a bit ago and look forward to possibly participating in edifying conversations. I am a mid-thirties, married, father of 7 (8 in July). I am a member of a local church that holds to the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. I do hold to the Doctrines of Grace, but I have no desire to be combative. I very much dislike the term "Calvinist", even though that's what I am. I am no longer in the "cage-stage". 
I was a long-time "American Christian" that was "saved" several times as a child, then fell away when it wasn't what the cool kids were doing anymore. I believe I was about 30 years old when the Lord finally gave me eyes to see the wickedness of my sin and gave me the gift of repentance. We had been doing some church-hopping before this. When God saved me, I had a strong desire to find a church where the preacher actually used a Bible during the sermon. We found a local independent, fundamental, KJV-only church with about 15 people. We fell in love with it, but not long after the Lord started showing me things in scripture about God's sovereignty that conflicted with what was being preached. Plus, the terrible arguments from the KJV-only crowd made me want to throw away all my KJV's (even though I am KJV-preferred now). After some tense discussions with my wife, who loved this church but was willing to follow my lead, we left and began attending the church we are currently members of. Within the last few months, we were both baptized in front of our children and voted in as members. Praise God for his grace and patience towards us!
I look forward to participating and getting to know everyone.

I was a long-time "American Christian" that was "saved" several times as a child, then fell away when it wasn't what the cool kids were doing anymore. I believe I was about 30 years old when the Lord finally gave me eyes to see the wickedness of my sin and gave me the gift of repentance. We had been doing some church-hopping before this. When God saved me, I had a strong desire to find a church where the preacher actually used a Bible during the sermon. We found a local independent, fundamental, KJV-only church with about 15 people. We fell in love with it, but not long after the Lord started showing me things in scripture about God's sovereignty that conflicted with what was being preached. Plus, the terrible arguments from the KJV-only crowd made me want to throw away all my KJV's (even though I am KJV-preferred now). After some tense discussions with my wife, who loved this church but was willing to follow my lead, we left and began attending the church we are currently members of. Within the last few months, we were both baptized in front of our children and voted in as members. Praise God for his grace and patience towards us!
I look forward to participating and getting to know everyone.