Bob from England

There is no biblical contradiction between being an "independent Baptist" and listening to occasional ministry from the Berean Call. However, seeing it causes you such serious offence for me, as an "independent Baptist", to listen to such a ministry, it would be better for me to withdraw from this forum. Adieu.

The Berean Call conference is going on, at present, in Oregon. Has anyone been following this? https://www.thebereancall.org/conference

We are born of God when we trust Jesus. This idea, that some people have, that we are born again first, then trust in Jesus does not have Biblical warrant but I'm bemused by it. Where do they get it from?

Reply to Alan: Many thanks, dear brother, for your kind and encouraging comments, this is much appreciated

You may be interested in an article I've written about Watchman Nee. One may not agree with all of his theology, but I learnt a valuable lesson when reading his biography http://bobhutton1.blogspot.co.uk/

Further to the comments above I link to an article that looks at this in a fair, and balanced way, before coming to the conclusion that Simon was saved, but in need of repentance: (I don't necessarily, endorse everything on the web site) http://www.gracelife.org/resources/gracenotes/?id=70

Reply to wretched: You have made a valid point, brother. The strict Calvinists say that Foreknowledge is an act, but those who hold to Foreknowledge Election believe foreknowledge is an attribute, ie, that God knows everything beforehand and He knows who will accept Christ, in accordance with that foreknowledge He then elects. This is the line taken by Dr Noman Geisler in Chosen But Free. I'm going to do some research on Corporate Election as it looks interesting.

I know that Calvinists teach Unconditional Election, but what is Corporate Election? How does that differ from the Foreknowledge Election view? I'm genuinely asking this without wishing to be controversial.

You are absolutely right, dear brother. There is no way to account for the existence, and survival of Israel outside of a working of God. Humanly speaking, Israel should not have come into being in May, 1948 and having done so, should have been wiped out. However, as God has His hand upon that nation, and the Jewish people, all attempts to eradicate Israel are doomed to failure. Thank you for reminding us of this, the Lord bless you.

Many thanks for your helpful reply. When I first read this back in the 1970s I thought that he wasn't truly saved. However, as I've looked into my own heart and life, and seen how many times I've come short, I can see that, yes, he was truly saved but in need of repentance which he duly exhibited.

In Acts 8 we read of one Simon the Sorcerer, who made a profession of faith but was then rebuked for a serious failing. Was he a false convert, or was he truly saved, but in need of repentance after a fall? (Which can happen to any of us!)

The US is blessed by supporting Israel (Genesis 12 v 3) and I say that as a Brit. I truly wish the UK would support Israel but there is a great deal of anti-Semitism in the UK. When the shameful vote took place in the UN last December the US abstained (due to Obama stepping in and stopping the veto, wicked man) but Britain's action was even worse by voting against Israel. This is due to people like Alan Duncan, a foreign office minister (and a sodomite) who has a strong anti-Israel bias.

It's my pleasure, Alan. I believe that in these days of apostasy and declension, we need to encourage one another. Regards Bob

I'm sure that Tithing is a good principle and I certainly wouldn't decry it; however, I'm not sure we can teach it as an obligation that must be obeyed. In my view we should encourage believers to seek the Lord and ask Him to direct their whole lives, including their giving to His work.

This is the most powerful, and encouraging, sermon I've ever heard about our Spiritual Warfare and I share it with you, dear brethren, for your spiritual blessing: http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/love-worth-finding/christian-warfare-608139-full.html