Where have all the Calvinists gone?

[puriteen18]

Into New Hersey's Cookies and Creme! (never mind my silliness)

Just wondering if there were anymore out there.

I saw the Liberated Lutheran thread and thought we needed one too.

Maybe we can get some Psalms going or give some Biblical arguments against early heresies (or modern ones). You know all those wonderful things that we Calvinists are best at. (my silliness again)

Anyway, looking forward to meeting you. :wave:

[II Paradox II]

Just wondering if there were anymore out there.

I saw the Liberated Lutheran thread and thought we needed one too.

heh... it seemed like the Lutherans were taking over last week... :)

Anyways, I am a reformed baptist, though I attend presby churches from time to time as I have many friends who go there (my favorite pastor to listen to is Tim Keller, a PCA guy from back east).

ken

[PNG]

Yo :wave: I'm glad to see Puriteen started a new music thread, too, as the last one got shut down.

Maybe we can get some Psalms going or give some Biblical arguments against early heresies (or modern ones).

I dunno. Ive noticed that seems to be a very difficult thing to do on this forum.

[Gabriel]

Yo :wave: I'm glad to see Puriteen started a new music thread, too, as the last one got shut down.



I dunno. Ive noticed that seems to be a very difficult thing to do on this forum.
Those involved usually end up fighting with one another. I would love to see these discussions return, though.

Pick a subject and feel free. I would only ask that you carefully read the rules link at the bottom of this page as well as any sticky threads concerning any ammended rules.

[Metanoia02]

Where have all the Calvinists gone?

Maybe they were predestined to be somewhere else!?

[Isaiah 53]

Maybe they were predestined to be somewhere else!?
LOL!!! ^_^

PEACE IN CHRIST!!

[Ron S]

Calvinists are a mystery to me.

Calvin claimed that since salvation is by God's grace, and God is all-powerful, God knows who will and who will not be saved.

So I deduce that people subscribing to such beliefs may dedicate their lives to Calvinist Christianity, and never know whether or not they are predestined.

[Jason1646]

Into New Hersey's Cookies and Creme! (never mind my silliness)

Just wondering if there were anymore out there.

I saw the Liberated Lutheran thread and thought we needed one too.

Maybe we can get some Psalms going or give some Biblical arguments against early heresies (or modern ones). You know all those wonderful things that we Calvinists are best at. (my silliness again)

Anyway, looking forward to meeting you. :wave:

Still lurking ... http://www.fccmerrnh.org/images/scared.gif

~Jason

[Terri]

Still lurking ... http://www.fccmerrnh.org/images/scared.gif

~Jason
:D

[Holy Warrior]

:wave:

I'm a Presbyterian!

[BBAS 64]

Still lurking ... http://www.fccmerrnh.org/images/scared.gif

~Jason
:cool:

BBAS

[Ron S]

There are a couple of us here (http://www.christianforums.com/t90194)

[Lotar]

I feel sorry for the Calvinists on this board, I think the Lutherans are the only ones here who don't feel it's their life's purpose to convert you from "the dark side" :D

[puriteen18]

heh... it seemed like the Lutherans were taking over last week... :)

Anyways, I am a reformed baptist, though I attend presby churches from time to time as I have many friends who go there (my favorite pastor to listen to is Tim Keller, a PCA guy from back east).

ken
I too am a 1689er (don't let the Presbies find out).

My favorite preacher is Mr. Paul Washer of Heart Cry Missions. Definately the Johnathan Edwards of our day.

You can hear his sermons at http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=1

They're wonderful.

[puriteen18]

I feel sorry for the Calvinists on this board, I think the Lutherans are the only ones here who don't feel it's their life's purpose to convert you from "the dark side" :D
Thanks, from the Dark Side.

[Jason1646]

I too am a 1689er (don't let the Presbies find out).

Plagiarist. ;)

~Jason

[Holy Warrior]

I'm a good Presbyterian :)

Ron, I read the thread you pointed to. I don't mind honest questions, but it really winds me up when people start going on in such a vindictive manner- they know you won't respond in kind, and if you do, they've got one over on you.

Ah well, I suppose it's just one of life's little trials :sigh:

[puriteen18]

Plagiarist. ;)

~JasonI think the Assembly of 1689 put it this way

"we have no itch to clog religion with new words".

See, it sounds soooo much better that way. :holy:


If it helps most of my fellow Southern Baptists enjoy to call people like me "Deep-Water Presbyterians", a name which I have grown fond of.

Ecclesia Reformata et Sempre Reformanda! (I meant that towards the Reformation in the SBC)

[II Paradox II]

I feel sorry for the Calvinists on this board, I think the Lutherans are the only ones here who don't feel it's their life's purpose to convert you from "the dark side" :D
heh... all I could think of when I read this was the star wars theme song starting up in the background as we walk in room bearing our dog eared edition of the Institutes... ready to torture the rebellious arminians with our sovereignty proof-texts until they give up and join us as well...

"we find your lack of faith... disturbing..." (darth vader) ;)

ken

[II Paradox II]

I too am a 1689er (don't let the Presbies find out).

My favorite preacher is Mr. Paul Washer of Heart Cry Missions. Definately the Johnathan Edwards of our day.
hmm.. nice, I'll have to listen to a few. I love Edwards though. His work on religious experience is definitely the best out there.

ken

[Breetai]

I feel sorry for the Calvinists on this board, I think the Lutherans are the only ones here who don't feel it's their life's purpose to convert you from "the dark side" :D

Speak for yourself...

[puriteen18]

hmm.. nice, I'll have to listen to a few. I love Edwards though. His work on religious experience is definitely the best out there.

ken
Have you read his Religious Affections? I just bought it, but haven't been able to really get into it.

[II Paradox II]

Have you read his Religious Affections? I just bought it, but haven't been able to really get into it.
That was the one I was talking about. I got the two volume "Works of Jonathan Edwards" a few years back and this was included with it (unfortunately in maddeningly small 7 point type...).

Anyways, I would highly suggest reading it when you get the chance. It is very insightful...

ken

[orange]

What youm talk about?

[orange]

It is your church that agree with homosexuals?? It is big sin. If you talk
you mush have a right on it, Have you a right?? I dont give you so right, if you protect "homuss".And God dont give you so right to speak.
You would say who are you to give me rights?? But this idea/question cant save you from God and from me.

[puriteen18]

It is your church that agree with homosexuals?? It is big sin. If you talk
you mush have a right on it, Have you a right?? I dont give you so right, if you protect "homuss".And God dont give you so right to speak.
You would say who are you to give me rights?? But this idea/question cant save you from God and from me.
Uhmm,, If you are asking whether Calvinists accept the act of sodomy as okay, I must say that any true Calvinist would most definately oppose it as an abomination.

I can't really understand your English though. Sorry...

[sola fide]

I too am a 1689er (don't let the Presbies find out).

My favorite preacher is Mr. Paul Washer of Heart Cry Missions. Definately the Johnathan Edwards of our day.

You can hear his sermons at http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=viewdownload&cid=1

They're wonderful.Did someone say Jonathan Edwards? Anyway, I too would be a Calvinist.

Oh how you remind me of my SBC days :) . I was on staff at a founders church at way too young of an age (I would still be too young). The problem was, half of the church members were pure outright John Hagee/Adrien Rogers lovin' dispensationalists, most of whom believed in a mid-trib rapture. You should have seen them all when we went through our series on eschaetology. I got to cover postmillinialism, that received a very "interesting" reaction.
Anyway, it was a founders church, but some of the church members thought the main "founder" of the SBC was R.G. Lee *budum bum*. Thank you, thank you, you're a wonderful audience.
Anyway, my pastor and I would jokingly say to one another at the end of a hard day, paraphrasing Martin Luther, "help us St. John of Geneva and we will become Presbyterians" ;) .
Guess what.....We did :clap: !
We live a time zone away from each other now but we both ended up as Presbyterians nonetheless. I don't think it had anything to do with St. John of Geneva though, I think it was more divine providence ;) .

I'm sorry, I just had to share that.

Grace.

[pcwilkins]

Whats a Calvinist? Someone who believes in Free Grace, and Grace alone? That'll be me, then!

PCW

[Ron S]

Whats a Calvinist? Someone who believes in Free Grace, and Grace alone? That'll be me, then!

PCW
By your definition, we are all Calvinists.
Christianity is based upon one God in three persons, all powerful and ever-living.

I personally appreciate Calvin's work. He was obviously disciplined and intelligent. There is little way in his work which could be considered un-biblical.
He took Christianity and adapted it to his own way of thinking. I don't think he did anything evil, contrary to the opinions of some members posting in the Apologetics threads.

[puriteen18]

Did someone say Jonathan Edwards? Anyway, I too would be a Calvinist.

Oh how you remind me of my SBC days. I was on staff at a founders church at way too young of an age (I would still be too young). The problem was, half of the church members were pure outright John Hagee/Adrien Rogers lovin' dispensationalists, most of whom believed in a mid-trib rapture. You should have seen them all when we went through our series on eschaetology. I got to cover postmillinialism, that received a very "interesting" reaction.
Anyway, it was a founders church, but some of the church members thought the main "founder" of the SBC was R.G. Lee *budum bum*. Thank you, thank you, you're a wonderful audience.
Anyway, my pastor and I would jokingly say to one another at the end of a hard day, paraphrasing Martin Luther, "help us St. John of Geneva and we will become Presbyterians".
Guess what.....We did!
We live a time zone away from each other now but we both ended up as Presbyterians nonetheless. I don't think it had anything to do with St. John of Geneva though, I think it was more divine providence.

I'm sorry, I just had to share that.

Grace.
Where did you get that "St John of Geneva" stuff. That is so funny. Can't wait to share it with my Reformed friends.

I have many times wished that I too could be a Presby. I attend their churches when I am unable to go to a "Calvinist-Friendly" (as opposed to "seeker-friendly") Baptist Church. Your church is so wonderful! I even prefer your Church government system, but just can't get over those certain Baptist convictions that started our little branch of Puritanism in the first place. Oh well, maybe we'll all be Presbies in Heaven (or Reformed Baptist :P )

As long as we stick together down here I think it will all work out though.
(besisdes we need to gang up on those Wesleyans, and can't do it alone);)

Hope none of my Methodist friends find that; I already think there on to me. I'd better keep low for a while.

Anyway I am Amillenial, hold the Reformed veiw of Communion, and, if I may repeat myself, like the Presbyterian for of Government far better than the Congregational (which by the way some RBs are getting together and starting to use)

Hmmm. Maybe we really all will become Presbyterians before it's all over.

[Ron S]

...hold the Reformed veiw of Communion...
There are several 'reformed views of communion'
Which do you hold if I may ask?

[puriteen18]

Whats a Calvinist? Someone who believes in Free Grace, and Grace alone? That'll be me, then!

PCW
It does go a little deeper than that. You could be a Lutheran or Brethren and believe in those. (By the way when God first revealed to me that election was indeed unconditional, I first though about joining one of the Brethern Churches.)

These links might help:

If you agree with this your a Presbyterian, faithful to his heritage:
http://www.apuritansmind.com/Creeds/WestminsterConfession/WestminsterShorterCatechism.htm

If you agree with this one your a Particular (or Reformed) Baptist:
http://www.apuritansmind.com/Creeds/BenjaminKeach'sCatechism.htm

And if you agree with this your a Jedi (not a Calvinist at all)
http://www.jediism.org/ (scary thing about this is that it is not a joke.)

[JVAC]

Speak for yourself...
Ok, I get it now, that took a while but that is pretty funny!

[puriteen18]

There are several 'reformed views of communion'
Which do you hold if I may ask?
Not that I know of.

There's the Catholic veiw:
Transubstantiation-that the elements actually become the real Body and Blood. Atoning Grace is recieved.

There's the Lutheran veiw:
Consubstantiation-that,while the elements stay bread and wine, Christ's Body and Blood is present with the elements. Confirmation Grace is recieved.

There's the Reformed veiw:
(no other name that I no of)- that Christ is not present in the carnal sense, but is spiritually present in the partaking of the Elements. Grace through the Sacrament bestows on us spiritual nourishment.

And the Zwinglian veiw:
Memorial-That Christ is not present anymore in the Supper than He is anywhere else. The LORD's Supper is not a Sacrament in any sense of the word. It is just done to remember the sacrifice of Jesus. No Grace is recieved.


Please do correct whatever I may have not properly explained.

[puriteen18]

oh, no the Lutherans are coming, the Lutherans are coming!

[puriteen18]

Sorry, but I had to do this.

If you look at the top of this forum, you will see that we have 1689 threads

It must be a sign!

[JVAC]

oh, no the Lutherans are coming, the Lutherans are coming!
I thought my ears were burning ;) .


Nothing could have prepared you for this....



:cool:

[Lotar]

There's the Reformed veiw:
(no other name that I no of)- that Christ is not present in the carnal sense, but is spiritually present in the partaking of the Elements. Grace through the Sacrament bestows on us spiritual nourishment.

Another name is "spiritual presence."

[puriteen18]

Another name is "spiritual presence."
Ahh, thanks.

How did I do on explaining Consubstantiation?

[Lotar]

Sounds right to me.

[Ron S]

I once read there was an evangelical interpretation called 'mere ... something' I've forgotten, been looking for the site but can't find it. Sorry.

I thought your explanations were very helpful thank you puriteen

[sola fide]

Where did you get that "St John of Geneva" stuff. That is so funny. Can't wait to share it with my Reformed friends.

I have many times wished that I too could be a Presby. I attend their churches when I am unable to go to a "Calvinist-Friendly" (as opposed to "seeker-friendly") Baptist Church. Your church is so wonderful! I even prefer your Church government system, but just can't get over those certain Baptist convictions that started our little branch of Puritanism in the first place. Oh well, maybe we'll all be Presbies in Heaven (or Reformed Baptist :P )

As long as we stick together down here I think it will all work out though.
(besisdes we need to gang up on those Wesleyans, and can't do it alone);)

Hope none of my Methodist friends find that; I already think there on to me. I'd better keep low for a while.


Anyway I am Amillenial, hold the Reformed veiw of Communion, and, if I may repeat myself, like the Presbyterian for of Government far better than the Congregational (which by the way some RBs are getting together and starting to use)

Hmmm. Maybe we really all will become Presbyterians before it's all over.
Ah, you sound like me a year ago. I take it you're just not convinced on infant baptism I take it. It took me a year and a half of studying that issue before I was completely convicted about it. I was actually filling the pulpit in the same SBC church I mentioned when I became convicted about infant baptism. It led to a big mess between another member and myself. Because of it I ended up stepping down and going to a PCA church with about 30 members, it's the only PCA church within about 50 miles of here. Anyway, they have been very good to me and I am teaching Sunday school there now.
Just to share another funny one with you...
The Baptist church I worked at was confessional, but it also had a church covenant. The church covenant said that we were not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages. That was the starting point of many good jokes. My friends and I had a running gag about how many names we could think of for the "evils" of alchohol. For example, Satan's syrup, beelzebub's brew, lucifer's liquid, the devil's drink, etc. Those were fun days. The church had a discussion about this being taken out of the church covenant. That was a very interesting discussion needless to say. Those, including myself, who didn't think alcohol was inherantly evil ended up losing that one. One of the members even made the argument that if you have one drink of alcohol you automatically become a "drunkard". Boy, I'm glad I don't drink. That's lucifer's liquid for you I guess:) .

Grace.

[Holy Warrior]

Ron, are you referring to 'Mere Christianity' by C.S. Lewis?

It's supposed to be very good, though I've not read it myself yet.

[puriteen18]

I once read there was an evangelical interpretation called 'mere ... something' I've forgotten, been looking for the site but can't find it. Sorry.

I thought your explanations were very helpful thank you puriteenYou're very welcome.

[puriteen18]

Ah, you sound like me a year ago. I take it you're just not convinced on infant baptism I take it. It took me a year and a half of studying that issue before I was completely convicted about it. I was actually filling the pulpit in the same SBC church I mentioned when I became convicted about infant baptism. It led to a big mess between another member and myself. Because of it I ended up stepping down and going to a PCA church with about 30 members, it's the only PCA church within about 50 miles of here. Anyway, they have been very good to me and I am teaching Sunday school there now.
Just to share another funny one with you...
The Baptist church I worked at was confessional, but it also had a church covenant. The church covenant said that we were not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages. That was the starting point of many good jokes. My friends and I had a running gag about how many names we could think of for the "evils" of alchohol. For example, Satan's syrup, beelzebub's brew, lucifer's liquid, the devil's drink, etc. Those were fun days. The church had a discussion about this being taken out of the church covenant. That was a very interesting discussion needless to say. Those, including myself, who didn't think alcohol was inherantly evil ended up losing that one. One of the members even made the argument that if you have one drink of alcohol you automatically become a "drunkard". Boy, I'm glad I don't drink. That's lucifer's liquid for you I guess:) .

Grace.
For a minute there you sounded exactly like this guy I know that left a Baptist Church (that I attend Wednesdays while at college) to go to about a 30 member PCA (that I attend on LORD's Day).

I had to check your personal page to see if you were him, but you're not.
That is so weird. Your story is basically identical. Maybe its a sign

Yep, the Baptist stance on drinking. I'd have to say I subscribe to all those little Baptists things: no dancing, no drinking, no tobacco, I do go to some movies though.


I'm not a legalist. I abstain from those things because I think they are not profitable. I have no problem with anyone doing them. I don't think that their a sin in themselves. They seem to lead to things that are not so good though, and I just think its best for me to stay away from them all together.

Just a good little Baptist boy. :holy:

Smoking is the one that does seem sinful to me though. It does destoy the temple, but I am not going to concern myself with other's temples. Just keep my convictions on that to myself.

I do drink at Communion though. I don't think I'm suppose to count that though. It's probably not good for me to joke about it either. I just trust that God will forgive me for my silliness toward religion. He knows I'm just a sinner

I never dance (except when all alone and Handel is on my CD player, but now that you know, I'll have to kill you.)


I stay away from movies that are unapropriate, but love the others.

Did you see the Luther Movie? I heard that the Lutherans got together and paid for it.

Us Calvinists, should do the same thing and have 'Calvin: the Man, the Mission, the Movie'

Doubt it would go good in the boxoffice though.

[sola fide]

I didn't get to see that movie about Luther. Hopefully I'll catch it one of these days, when it comes out on video. That would be neat to make a movie about Calvin. I could just see the shot of him protecting the Lord's table from the unregenerate.
Anyway, I think holiness of life is very important of course. I just don't understand why every major baptist confession has had a chapter on liberty of the conscience, then ever since the rise of fundamentalism, liberty of the conscience has totally been ignored.
I don't drink. I even drink grape juice in communion. But it just aggravates me to no end when a person will not concede that Christ turned water into wine, and not grape juice, and that He served real wine at communion. It's funny the lengths people will go to to try to prove their viewpoints, like totally ignore the plain and simple truth.
May the Lord bless you.

Grace.

[sola fide]

Oh I forgot! My favorite seen from "the Calvin movie" would be when he comes back to Geneva and picks up preaching on the very same verse he left off from when he left a few years prior. You've got to give it up for the man! He was committed to preaching the Bible.

Grace.

[reformedfan]

Interestingly, if you read the last few chapters someplace in Loraine Boettner's "The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination", every church in the old days was a Calvinistic, Psalm singing one. Not until the United Methodist Church embraced Arminianism in the 1850's did that heretical doctrine become the norm of the land, with it's Catholic-esqu 'man the co-equal partner of God, helping God secure the sinners own salvation.'
It was the Calvinists' trust in a sovereign God who forordains whatsoever comes to pass that led to all the old great explorations by land & sea, rather than a superstitious, 'stay home & wait till it comes out on a map' attitude of non Calvinists, & superstitious heathens.
I am so thankful to be a Calvinist, & we are all only that by God's grace alone. But for God's grace we'd be sovereignty denying Arminians, so be humble & thankful all you who knoew the truth.

[michael servetus]

In retrospect Calvin was 100% correct.

[puriteen18]

Anyway, I think holiness of life is very important of course. I just don't understand why every major baptist confession has had a chapter on liberty of the conscience, then ever since the rise of fundamentalism, liberty of the conscience has totally been ignored.

Yeah, of course we believe in liberty of conscience. Very important to us in fact. I think it is best explained here:

Confession of the Nantucket Assembly
Approved and signed by the Prebyt'ry of Elders
in the Year of our LORD
1983

Article MLLLXXXXXXIX (1/2)

Of the Liberty of Conscience

Everyman hath been priveledged from our Creator to certain liberties as to his religious conduct. We do firmly believe that man ought not to be bound by any tyrannt of the civil nor the ecclesiastical governments to worship or conduct his life after any particular creed. All should be given the freedom to be a good Baptist or not. And it is our most ardent prayer that God help those who choose the latter. Especially do we pray for these: social drinkers, theatre goers, and those who make their attendance at dances.

All joking aside I do believe that the member of the local shuch should take heed to the church's covenant, but he should understand that the covenant is man's to man. It is your covenant with your own church. It is not divinely inpsired and is not binding to all people. And we should do well to remember that we must keep our covenant with God before we keep our covenant to our church.

[puriteen18]

In retrospect Calvin was 100% correct.
Glad to hear that Michael. No hard feelings?