Shadowfeathers

Hello! Welcome!
You will receive differing views here on that subject.
My view is that there's nothing wrong with women wearing pants as long as the pants are modest...the same with dresses, skirts, blouses, shirts, etc...
Modesty of the apparel in how it adorns a lady is the essential key...not the make of the apparel.
(1 Timothy 2:9-10) In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Uncle George has gone to Glory. Please now be in prayer for the family. They are mostly all saved, and we know he was as well. But the grief is still very real.

Brethren,
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy  2:1 and 2
May we pray that God will bless President Donald Trump and those in authority over us.
May we pray that President Trump, and our civic leaders, will be protected as they lead our country and to give them courage to abide by the Constitution of the United States of America and to do the will of God in matters for the betterment, and safety, of our country. 
I want to thank God for President Trump, and those in authority over us, and pray for their well-being.
 
http://video.foxnews.com/v/5290700957001/?#sp=show-clips
 
Psalm 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
 
May God bless all of you.
Alan

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came
 
'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
 
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
 
When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
 
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!
 
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
 
In the Book of Life which He held in His Hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here", My head hung in shame!
 
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.
 
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
 
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after ALL!
 
Source Unknown.

I Was There
I was there when this little baby girl was born. I saw that her mommy and daddy didn't really want her because they wanted a boy. The little girl was ever so lonesome knowing somehow that she didn't make her parents happy. She sat on the meat-market steps and watched the cars go by on the highway. She tossed pebbles and played catch alone with a little rubber football. As I watched, I saw an elderly gentleman come along. There were few words exchanged between the little girl and man, but somehow a lot was said as the man took the time to play catch with the little girl.
She was like a shy little fawn, quiet, and never wanting to cause trouble for anyone. Animals brought the little girl comfort in her sadness, and she truly loved them. Curled up at night in her bed on the top of a triple bunk, she loved each of her little stuffed animals; not wanting any of them to ever feel left out or unloved. She'd pray for all the animals of the world and she would weep silent tears, as she pleaded with God to be merciful to them, so that they wouldn't suffer. She was indeed comforted imagining the stuffed animals loving her back. I can only imagine the size of the jar that God holds, full of this child's tears.
I continued to watch as this little girl grew. She had Jesus with her, I knew, but I also knew she didn't feel like she was special even to Him. There were times when I'd see the young teenage girl waiting all alone, praying for the phone to ring, desperately hoping that someone might be thinking of her. I could see too, though I'm sure she didn't realize it, that she would always do her best to treat and love others in the way she herself needed to be loved.
I was there when this young woman got married. I was there when her babies were born. The love she had for each one of them was such that none of them should've ever felt unloved or not special. She adored those children, and worked ever so hard to be a mom that would bring blessings to her little ones. She taught her babies all she could about her Jesus, and how He loved them each one as precious, valuable, and special beings...unique in their own way, with a special purpose and job that no one else could do. All the while, I could see her starving and so hungry to know that someone loved her. As I watched, I knew she needed to be gently enveloped and cradled in the arms of her loving Saviour, but I knew too that she didn't know how to accept that love.
My heart broke as I watched her lonesomeness even though surrounded by her precious bundle of a family. I watched her pray for joy and peace, so that she could in turn give it away. I sat and listened as her fingers stumbled over the keys of the piano, and as she softly sang a favorite song of hers (Make Me A Blessing). There were times that she wanted to just be in Heaven because she felt her life was so empty of being a blessing.
Through the years I knew she prayed for a miracle; a miracle from God that her life would be worthwhile for others. When no one else could see, I saw the silent agonized tears that she wept in the dark.
Then one special day, near a holiday season, I have the very special privilege of saying that I saw that miracle tiptoe ever so quietly and gently down from Heaven and blessedly enter her heart. Even now I am stunned to remember how the miracle began seeping through her until it literally radiated out of her with rays like Heavenly sunlight. Her prayers were being answered as her heart and mind finally accepted the outstretched arms of her Creator God. What joy it gave me to see her allowing herself to be cradled and filled by His awesome, eternal, and perfect love. I could see too that she was beginning to find rest, hope, and purpose for her life as she realized that she was chosen and created and accepted just the way she was.
As I continued to watch this miracle unfolding, I so much wanted to reach out and encourage and reassure her; after all, I had "skin on". So, after all those years of watching her, I finally reached out to hold her. As I began to wrap my arms around her precious frame, I was very surprised to find....HER arms around ME.
You see, I was there, and she was ME!
Through the windows of memory, I could finally see the way God saw me. I could see that all along He had wanted me whether anyone else did or not. So with the arms that He gave me and with His Spirit within, I hugged my heart ever tighter returning His love, with mine!
I was there.     -    WWMS

There is another one not too far from Silent Minitries. The Harvest Deaf Ministries and Dr. Reginald Rempel minister to the deaf in many areas.  They have a church, Christian school, Bible college, youth outreach and their own missionaries. I have meet them personally and got to know them couple days, they are the most humble people I ever met. They have respectful to those of use who are deaf and the hearing goes there to learn sign language and communicate with the deaf. Great people... is a very nice place, and the preachin was great as wells. They also have sermon video to watch. When I first learn about them from our church that support them.
 
http://www.harvestdeaf.org/index.html
http://www.harvestdeaf.org/church/videos.html
 

Wow  
I've been receiving their newspaper year 2000
thank you

If ya have a deaf friend or know a deaf person, Silent Word Ministries is a deaf community who reach to the deaf with the Gospel.  
 
http://signthebible.silentwordministries.org/acts-2/
 
Also I get newspaper in the maibox free from them
http://newspaper.silentwordministries.org/
 

As one further checks into the ministry of Slilent Word Ministries you will notice that one of the ministries is, "Silent Word Ministries International." The International Director is Brother David Bennett. Here is the link to Bro. Bennett (it is found under, "Other sites," / "SWIM International," / "Our Missionaires."): http://international.silentwordministries.org/our-missionaries/
I am not personally acquainted with the US ministry of Silent Word, but I am personally acquainted with Bro. Bennett. I thoroughly recommend Bro. Bennett and his ministry. Bro. Bennett's personal walk with the Lord, his dedication, stand for the  truths of the scriptures, and work as an IFB missionary is exemplary. His work among the deaf people of foreign countries is his expertise. His ability to work with, and teach, foreign nationals (as observed on Taiwan), to win the deaf to Christ is commendable.
Alan

Thanks,
 

Shadowfeathers,
Thanks for informing us of the ministry to the deaf by Silent Word Ministries.
Alan

If ya have a deaf friend or know a deaf person, Silent Word Ministries is a deaf community who reach to the deaf with the Gospel.  
 
http://signthebible.silentwordministries.org/acts-2/
 
Also I get newspaper in the maibox free from them
http://newspaper.silentwordministries.org/
 

Andersonite,
Welcome!  Thank you for the testimony. We do hope that we can all encourage one another. It is our hope that you and your wife will be reconciled in the days ahead.
May God bless you.
Alan

Some people keep the ashes of their cremated relatives or pets, but life is not found in ashes, life is found in Jesus Christ, the source of all life. Everything that we cling to will eventually become dust.

Genesis 3:19 KJV
[19] In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art , and unto dust shalt thou return.

Ecclesiastes 3:18-20 KJV
[18] I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. [19] For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. [20] All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Ecclesiastes 12:7-8 KJV
[7] Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. [8] Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

But is found in Jesus Christ
1 John 5:11-13 KJV
[11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

My Christian friends, this is more than some eternal life that's far off in the future, we have spiritual life now in Jesus Christ, we don't have to wait till we die to have joy and peace that passes all understanding.

Luke 9:59-60 KJV
[59] And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [60] Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Christian friends, stop worrying about the things dead people worry about, shut off your entertainment and get busy serving the Lord.

Hey y'all just wanted some thoughts on sharing the gospel with Mormon's. I've got a old friend in prison right now that I've been writing to and he told me he's reading the book of Mormon and the Bible. His family is Mormon, and he grew up going to their church. I moved back to my hometown and started hanging out with him again, and found out he had a really bad methamphetamine addiction. My prayer for him after I found this out was that he would get arrested before things got worse. Praise the Lord! Before he got arrested I had the opportunity to have many hard talks with him about what he was doing and talked with him about Jesus. 
I'm currently writing a letter to him and just wanted to know if anyone had any advice on this. Also if anyone could pray that God would give me wisdom on what to say to him that would be awesome. My friend's name is David, and I really do believe that the Holy Spirit is convicting him but he has fallen back on his works-righteous roots. 
God Bless.

Rosie,
Throughout the years I have looked at various Reference Bibles.
To this date, the only one I can recommend (even with its faults), is the Old Scofield Reference Bible. I do not recommend any other Scofield Edition. All of my notes below are from the original Old Scofield Edition. 
Here are some of the reasons why I recommend it.
1. Even with his personal (perceived and undue slanderous), faults, Bro. C.I. Scofield was a man of God. One of his good traits was that Bro. Scofield wrote his Reference Bible to help saints learn the scriptures. Scofield did not write his Reference Bible for material gain.
2. In the front of the Scofield Reference Bible (among other items), you will notice two things : (1) Scofield claimed that the Reference bible was "EDITED BY" Scofield. (2) Scofield listed the, "CONSULTING EDITORS:" The consulting editors were, as a whole, godly men who really loved the Lord and loved the scriptures.
On page iv we read this very sincere and humble personal note by C.I Scofield, "The Editor disclaims originality."
In other words, Scofield was completely transparent on who had a hand in the making of the Scofield Reference Bible. On almost all of the Reference Bibles on the market today there is none, or little transparency.
Almost all of the recent Reference Bibles are made up of some committee, in some denomination, for the express reason of making money and pushing the denominational biases of the denomination or marketing committee.
3. On page v there is, "A Panoramic View of the Bible." This is worthy to be read and is the mark of a man who walks with God. I would recommend all the brethren to read it.
4. Almost all of the notes in the Scofield Reference Bible are worthy to be read and are a study in themselves. I would like to include some of my favorite notes from the New Testament. There are so many excellent notes that I can only name a few verses.
     Galatians 5:22 and 23  
     Ephesians 1:5 (two notes), 10 and 5:25
     Philippians 2:6
     Colossians 1:21
     1 Thessalonians 4:17
     2 Thessalonians 2:3
     Hebrews 5:6 and 8:8
     The beginning notes on the Book of Revelation are excellent.
     Revelation 4:1
5. Scofield uses Ussher's Chronology for all of his dating.   
6. The Scofield Reference Bible is the most respected Reference Bible to most of the brethren in the Independent, Fundamental Baptist movement.
I must include reasons why I do not agree with the Scofield Reference Bible.
1. His note # 2 & 3 & 4 on Genesis 1:1, and his reference to Jeremiah 4:23-26, are erroneous. The inclusion of the Gap Theory is a downside.
2. The occasional reference to the Septuagint (see the center reference note on Hebrews 1:6) and the rare reference to a translation issue (see the notes on 2 Thessalonians), is also a sad note.
Most of the brethren are aware of the above two problems and are not a big detriment to using the Scofield Reference Bible.
Rosie,
I do hope that the above helps us in your selection of a good Reference Bible for your needs.
Alan

Ok then - Windows 10 is great!
I love it!
There, now you have something good about it. 
Glad it seems you are sorted out.

Not respecting God’s Word:
Over the years I have come to regard those who don’t see the importance of “sticking to the KJB”, as not having a “proper respect for God’s Word”.
Respecting the Bible, is demonstrated by seeing the importance of every “jot and tittle” in God’s Word!
I remember year ago, as a young Christian, reading Luke for the first time and coming to Luke 24:39......
 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”
..... and seeing the significance of Jesus saying “flesh and bones”, instead of the term “flesh and blood”;
And I remember, remarking to a co-worker, who was a “preacher boy”, attending a local Bible college, how interesting it was, that Jesus didn’t say “flesh and blood”, because his Glorified Body did not contain any “blood”!
I remember this “student of the Bible”, lecturing me, that I was making too big of a deal, out of “these words”!  He said... “it doesn’t matter if it says flesh and bones or flesh and blood....”
This is a perfect example of “a lack of respect for God’s Word”!
 

Don't worry, only about 10 more months of Obama and everything will start getting better. Now do your breathing exercises.

Brethren,
The book, "Prayer, Asking and Receiving," was mentioned in another thread. Most people consider John R. Rice a IFB evangelist and author. Rice's book on Prayer was a blessing to me once I started reading Christian material.
Have you read his book on prayer? If you have not, would you like to read it? Is it a blessing to you? Do you consider it a book that every saint should read? Let us know your thoughts.
For those who are not familiar with the book, almost most Used Christian Bookstores have Rice's book on prayer. If not, here is the link to the Sword of the Lord: http://www.swordofthelord.com/
I personally recommend purchasing, and reading John R. Rice's book, "Prayer, Asking and Receiving."
Regards,
Alan   

I agree on the definition. I guess my point being, in matters of biblical doctrine, we must, as well, consider the character of the person who is putting forth such doctrines, to aid us. Its true that we can know doctrine is false regardless of whether we know who the author is, And really, its best that way, so we can be careful not to be lulled into careless appraisal of doctrine because we know the person and trust them. Case in point, someone showed me a sermon done by Spurgeon, (not on Calvinism), where he called Michael the Archangel, Jesus Christ. Now, while I disagree with Spurgeon on his Calvinist views, (though at least he believed strongly in witnessing), I generally agree in other areas. So that he would make such a statement was jarring, and his stamp of approval, as it were, on a false doctrine, could lure others into such falsehoods.
 In Calvin's case, we know from history that he was a wicked man with no grace, no compassion, no tolerance for anyone who held a belief different from his own-this is not to say that we ignore other doctrines and just get along, but he wasn't willing to really search the scriptures-he had his doctrine, his box for God, and rather than repudiate what he disagreed with, he would use force and torture to make others follow. Not godly. So, his life and character help, because can a man who shows no sign of regeneration, be trusted in ANY of his doctrines? If he has no leading of the Spirit in his daily walk, can we trust him to have it in his understanding of scripture?
That's all I'm saying. 

I do appreciate your last point very highly. Thank you for letting us know you position.
It seems to me that the lesson needs to be taken as a whole and not as a part. The first section, pertaining to Augustine and Calvin, was more a brief review of the main proponants of Calvinism which was necessary for the entire lesson. The lesson whould be incomplete without the introduction. And, in my opinion, since the doctrine of TULIP is a man-made doctrine, the individuals must be recognized as Paul clearly tells us in Romans 16;17, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
The writer of the article was the pastor of Shadowfeathers. And, he performed his obedience to the command of Paul to the letter and appropriatly. Also, as Ukelemike pointed out that it was relevant in bringing out the character of the individual who promoted this false doctrine. I also feel, whether wrong, or right, that I was appropriate in my response as it did detract from the article itself. Nor, did I mention you in particular but I mentioned the method of detracting from the thrust of the lesson.
Permit me to explain my motives. The method of using one small section of a lesson to throw doubt on the whole lesson is a common practice to detract from the main points. That is a common practice.

1
“EORRORS OF CALVANISM”
 
Doctrine originated by a man – Did not begin with John Calvin, (1509 – 1564)
It began with “Augustine” - (354-429)
It flourished under Calvin who greatly showed his influence in Catholicism, the Presbyterian church and the Church of Christ, as with others.
Calvanism claims that the Bible itself is the true source of this religious system.
His background was Roman Catholicism, from which his doctrine was greatly influenced, rather than from the Bible.
 
2
Five points of Calvanism
Came about actually 50 years after the death of Calvin.
These five points were first set forth in order as an expression of opposition to the five points of Arminianism.
Calvanism hangs deeply on the doctrine of “Election” - meaning; God choses some to be saved, and others to be lost, and also the doctrine of “Sovereignty” - but does not reveal the reason why.
Calvanism has been summed up by the acrostic T-U-L-I-P.
 
3
T-U-L-I-P
T – Total depravity
U – Unconditional election
L – Limited atonement
I – Irresistible grace
P – perseverance of the saints
 
4
“Amenian doctrine”
1 – Conditional election and reprobation, in opposition to the absolute predestination taught by Calvin.
2 – Universal redemption, or that the atonement was made by Christ for all mankind, though none but believers can be partakers of the benefit.
3 – That man, in order to exercise true faith, must be regenerated and renewed by the operation of the Holy Spirit which is the gift of God.
4 – That man may resist divine grace.
5 – That man may relapse from a state of grace – in opposition to Calvin's doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.
Wesleyans of Great Britain and Methodists of America are Armenian.
 
5
The Contrasts
Armenian = A, Calvanism = C
Depravity: A – Man is depraved, lost, guilty, but has been helped so that he can believe if he will.
Depravity: C – Man is totally depraved. He is dead. Depravity indicates inability.
Man's will is not free, but enslaved by sin.
 
I am a Biblicist, not Calvanist or Arminian. I believe the Bible as Authority, Not John Calvin or Jacobus Arminus.
 
6
Election
A – God elected those whom He foresaw would believe.
C – God's election rested solely in His own sovereign will. It is not based on anything foreseen in man.
Redemption
A – Christ died to provide salvation for all. Those who believe will be saved.
C – Christ died to provide salvation for all and to secure and guarantee salvation for the elect. Faith is necessary to salvation, and faith is certain since the means as well as the end are secured. This is known as particular redemption and sometimes called limited atonement (a poor term).
 
7
Obedience
A – Man can obey the gospel call or disobey and reject. God's grace is not invincible, but can be and often is rejected and thwarted by man.
C – Man can obey the gospel called or disobey, but God makes certain that the inward call to the elect is willingly obeyed. God's plan of election is invincible and will not be thwarted.
Security
A – Believers can lose their salvation. (Armenius was uncertain about this.)
C – True believers (elect) are eternally secure.
 
8
Questions of Mystery!
How can God be sovereign and how can man be responsible?
How can there be responsibility without ability?
How can limits be placed on an infinite sacrifice?
Great preachers have strongly emphasized both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
You might be surprised that C. H. Spurgeon leaned toward Calvanism, although he strongly disagreed with the doctrine of limited atonement.
 
9
TOTALLY DEPRAVITY
The phrases of Calvanism appear nowhere in the scriptures – Gen. To Rev.
Depravity equals inability. Man, being dead, does not have to ability to believe, or call on God for salvation.
This necessitates both Unconditional Election and Irresistible Grace.
From the canons of Dort declare: “Therefore all men. . .without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit. . .are neither able nor willing to return to God. . .nor to dispose themselves to reformation.
This statement is an expression of human opinion without biblical support.
Question: How is it that a person is unwilling to do what he is unable to do?
 
 
10
The Bible teaches that man is morally corrupt (Jer. 17:9. Rom. 3:10-18).
That he is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1).
That he is spiritually blind (1 Cor. 2:14).
But is does not teach that man cannot respond to the Gospel.
Just the opposite, the Bible teaches that Christ gives light to every man, (Jn. 1:9)
He draws all men to himself (Jn 12:32),
He convicts men through the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8).
God calls men to salvation through the gospel, (2 Thes. 2:14),
And He has ordained that the gospel be preached to every creature (Mk. 16:15).
 
11
Unconditional Election
They teach that some are elected by God to go to heaven, and others are elected by God to go to hell.
They use Jn 6:37 - “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
But vs 40 explains vs 37. It is God's will that every one that believes on Christ will be saved.
The ones that the Father gives to the Son are those who believe on Him.
 
12
They use Jn. 6:44
“No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
A threefold problem: 1 – Christ said He would draw all men to Himself (Jn. 12:32, 1:9)
2 – The Bible says God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4, 2 Pet. 3:9), those who are rejected are those who reject the truth and do not believe. (2 Thes. 2:10, 12)
3 – God draws men through the gospel (2 Thes. 2:14, and the gospel is to preached to every man. (Mk. 16:15)
 
13
They use Acts 13:48
“And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as man as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
But verse 46 explains: “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”
It was because they did not believe, not because they were not chosen.
Calvanism confuses such words as: Election, Predestination, and foreordained.
It is man who “elects” to believe. It is God who predestines all who do believe, to eternal life. It is God who, in His foreknowledge, knows who will believe, and thus foreordains them to eternal life. (Jn. 3:16)
Belief is the key word: (1 Pet. 2:6, Jn. 11:25, Jn. 6:47, Mk. 16:16, Jn. 3:36, Jn. 3:15-18).
Call is another key word: (Rom. 10:13)
 
 
 
14
Limited Atonement
God loves all men (Jn. 3:16)
God desires all men to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9)
God has commanded that the gospel be preached to every person (Mk. 16:15)
Jesus was a ransom for all men (1 Tim. 2:6)
Jesus tasted death for all men (Heb. 2:9)
Jesus provided propitiation for all men (1 Jn. 2:2)
Jesus bought even unsaved false teachers (2 Pet. 2:1)
The iniquity of all men was laid on Jesus (Isa. 53:6)
If the first part of Isa. 53:6 is universal, the second part can not be limited.
 
15
Irresistible Grace
 
It is clear that God extends Grace to all men, but it is man who rejected that Grace.
 
Cain for instance: (Gen. 4:6-7)
 
The world before the flood: (Gen. 6:3)
 
Israel of old: (Rom. 10:21)
 
Israel of Christ's day: (Matt. 23:37, Jn. 5:40)
 
Jews of Paul's day: (Acts 13:46)
 
16
Perseverance of the Saints
This, of course, means that one has to persevere in order to stay saved. It is a denial of “eternal security”.
A denial of eternal security, means that salvation depends on man to hold out, rather upon God who gives it. In other words: Eternal does not mean eternal, etc. and grace is not grace.
Eph. 2: 8-9 – We are saved through faith (believing), by the grace of God – not of ourselves.
Faith comes before salvation, (man responds to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, by grace).
Faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
 
17
A Summary
If God elects only certain ones to be saved and others to be lost; if one cannot resist the Grace of God, if there is a limit on the atonement made by Christ; there would be no need for Missionaries, no need for the church, no need for preaching the gospel, no need for the great commission, no need for visitation programs, no need for soul-winning, no need for repenting, no need for study the word, no need for printing and handing out tracts, no need for believing.
And God would be lying when he says: “Whosoever will may come”. And, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Most Calvanist are probably saved, but just confused on the Scriptures.
 
 
 

1
“EORRORS OF CALVANISM”
 
Doctrine originated by a man – Did not begin with John Calvin, (1509 – 1564)
It began with “Augustine” - (354-429)
It flourished under Calvin who greatly showed his influence in Catholicism, the Presbyterian church and the Church of Christ, as with others.
Calvanism claims that the Bible itself is the true source of this religious system.
His background was Roman Catholicism, from which his doctrine was greatly influenced, rather than from the Bible.
 
2
Five points of Calvanism
Came about actually 50 years after the death of Calvin.
These five points were first set forth in order as an expression of opposition to the five points of Arminianism.
Calvanism hangs deeply on the doctrine of “Election” - meaning; God choses some to be saved, and others to be lost, and also the doctrine of “Sovereignty” - but does not reveal the reason why.
Calvanism has been summed up by the acrostic T-U-L-I-P.
 
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T-U-L-I-P
T – Total depravity
U – Unconditional election
L – Limited atonement
I – Irresistible grace
P – perseverance of the saints
 
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“Amenian doctrine”
1 – Conditional election and reprobation, in opposition to the absolute predestination taught by Calvin.
2 – Universal redemption, or that the atonement was made by Christ for all mankind, though none but believers can be partakers of the benefit.
3 – That man, in order to exercise true faith, must be regenerated and renewed by the operation of the Holy Spirit which is the gift of God.
4 – That man may resist divine grace.
5 – That man may relapse from a state of grace – in opposition to Calvin's doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.
Wesleyans of Great Britain and Methodists of America are Armenian.
 
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The Contrasts
Armenian = A, Calvanism = C
Depravity: A – Man is depraved, lost, guilty, but has been helped so that he can believe if he will.
Depravity: C – Man is totally depraved. He is dead. Depravity indicates inability.
Man's will is not free, but enslaved by sin.
 
I am a Biblicist, not Calvanist or Arminian. I believe the Bible as Authority, Not John Calvin or Jacobus Arminus.
 
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Election
A – God elected those whom He foresaw would believe.
C – God's election rested solely in His own sovereign will. It is not based on anything foreseen in man.
Redemption
A – Christ died to provide salvation for all. Those who believe will be saved.
C – Christ died to provide salvation for all and to secure and guarantee salvation for the elect. Faith is necessary to salvation, and faith is certain since the means as well as the end are secured. This is known as particular redemption and sometimes called limited atonement (a poor term).
 
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Obedience
A – Man can obey the gospel call or disobey and reject. God's grace is not invincible, but can be and often is rejected and thwarted by man.
C – Man can obey the gospel called or disobey, but God makes certain that the inward call to the elect is willingly obeyed. God's plan of election is invincible and will not be thwarted.
Security
A – Believers can lose their salvation. (Armenius was uncertain about this.)
C – True believers (elect) are eternally secure.
 
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Questions of Mystery!
How can God be sovereign and how can man be responsible?
How can there be responsibility without ability?
How can limits be placed on an infinite sacrifice?
Great preachers have strongly emphasized both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
You might be surprised that C. H. Spurgeon leaned toward Calvanism, although he strongly disagreed with the doctrine of limited atonement.
 
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TOTALLY DEPRAVITY
The phrases of Calvanism appear nowhere in the scriptures – Gen. To Rev.
Depravity equals inability. Man, being dead, does not have to ability to believe, or call on God for salvation.
This necessitates both Unconditional Election and Irresistible Grace.
From the canons of Dort declare: “Therefore all men. . .without the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit. . .are neither able nor willing to return to God. . .nor to dispose themselves to reformation.
This statement is an expression of human opinion without biblical support.
Question: How is it that a person is unwilling to do what he is unable to do?
 
 
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The Bible teaches that man is morally corrupt (Jer. 17:9. Rom. 3:10-18).
That he is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1).
That he is spiritually blind (1 Cor. 2:14).
But is does not teach that man cannot respond to the Gospel.
Just the opposite, the Bible teaches that Christ gives light to every man, (Jn. 1:9)
He draws all men to himself (Jn 12:32),
He convicts men through the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:8).
God calls men to salvation through the gospel, (2 Thes. 2:14),
And He has ordained that the gospel be preached to every creature (Mk. 16:15).
 
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Unconditional Election
They teach that some are elected by God to go to heaven, and others are elected by God to go to hell.
They use Jn 6:37 - “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
But vs 40 explains vs 37. It is God's will that every one that believes on Christ will be saved.
The ones that the Father gives to the Son are those who believe on Him.
 
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They use Jn. 6:44
“No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
A threefold problem: 1 – Christ said He would draw all men to Himself (Jn. 12:32, 1:9)
2 – The Bible says God desires all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4, 2 Pet. 3:9), those who are rejected are those who reject the truth and do not believe. (2 Thes. 2:10, 12)
3 – God draws men through the gospel (2 Thes. 2:14, and the gospel is to preached to every man. (Mk. 16:15)
 
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They use Acts 13:48
“And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as man as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
But verse 46 explains: “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”
It was because they did not believe, not because they were not chosen.
Calvanism confuses such words as: Election, Predestination, and foreordained.
It is man who “elects” to believe. It is God who predestines all who do believe, to eternal life. It is God who, in His foreknowledge, knows who will believe, and thus foreordains them to eternal life. (Jn. 3:16)
Belief is the key word: (1 Pet. 2:6, Jn. 11:25, Jn. 6:47, Mk. 16:16, Jn. 3:36, Jn. 3:15-18).
Call is another key word: (Rom. 10:13)
 
 
 
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Limited Atonement
God loves all men (Jn. 3:16)
God desires all men to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9)
God has commanded that the gospel be preached to every person (Mk. 16:15)
Jesus was a ransom for all men (1 Tim. 2:6)
Jesus tasted death for all men (Heb. 2:9)
Jesus provided propitiation for all men (1 Jn. 2:2)
Jesus bought even unsaved false teachers (2 Pet. 2:1)
The iniquity of all men was laid on Jesus (Isa. 53:6)
If the first part of Isa. 53:6 is universal, the second part can not be limited.
 
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Irresistible Grace
 
It is clear that God extends Grace to all men, but it is man who rejected that Grace.
 
Cain for instance: (Gen. 4:6-7)
 
The world before the flood: (Gen. 6:3)
 
Israel of old: (Rom. 10:21)
 
Israel of Christ's day: (Matt. 23:37, Jn. 5:40)
 
Jews of Paul's day: (Acts 13:46)
 
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Perseverance of the Saints
This, of course, means that one has to persevere in order to stay saved. It is a denial of “eternal security”.
A denial of eternal security, means that salvation depends on man to hold out, rather upon God who gives it. In other words: Eternal does not mean eternal, etc. and grace is not grace.
Eph. 2: 8-9 – We are saved through faith (believing), by the grace of God – not of ourselves.
Faith comes before salvation, (man responds to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, by grace).
Faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
 
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A Summary
If God elects only certain ones to be saved and others to be lost; if one cannot resist the Grace of God, if there is a limit on the atonement made by Christ; there would be no need for Missionaries, no need for the church, no need for preaching the gospel, no need for the great commission, no need for visitation programs, no need for soul-winning, no need for repenting, no need for study the word, no need for printing and handing out tracts, no need for believing.
And God would be lying when he says: “Whosoever will may come”. And, “whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Most Calvanist are probably saved, but just confused on the Scriptures.