It’s About Time!!
This has been a long time in the making! Remember last time I talked about what I don’t believe regarding Calvinism? I said that it appears people think I believe that when someone comes to Christ, God must first make sure they are on the “Election List” before accepting their faith/repentance. I refuted this saying it’s not what I believe. Anyone who comes to Christ truly will be saved. This is not to say that everyone who comes is saved, for Christ Himself said there will be those who call on Him in vain. No, only those who come to Him truly will be saved.
So the question, then remains, what do I believe? If God does indeed save anyone who comes to Him, why do I believe Calvinism? Doesn’t Calvin teach that only those whom God has chosen will be saved? If you’re asking these questions, then good. I think you are starting to discover the nature of the problem. Many people reject Calvin on these grounds, and they do so to their detriment because they reflect misunderstandings about what Calvinism is. The short answer to the question is that nobody who is not already on the “Election List” will come to Christ. They cannot, for they are not elect. (more…)
Our DNA
God has for each of you a DNA - not just a physical DNA but also a spiritual DNA
This quote is from the commencement address at ICS Uijongbu, delivered by Dr. Josephine Kim of Harvard University - a former ICS graduate - on Saturday May 26, 2007 and it blew out the left side of my head! I almost couldn’t contain the outburst that welled up inside me at hearing her say this, and for the whole rest of her speech, I don’t think I hear anything she said because I couldn’t stop mulling over this quote and plumbing the depths of its implications. It is probably going to be the springboard of a long series of discussions as I intend to unpack the doctrines that have most significantly impacted my life over the last few years - that is the doctrines of soteriology as innumerated by John Calvin. Now I say it that way instead of saying Calvinism because it is not as though I believe them for any merit I see in Calvin. I simply believe these doctrines on the basis of the Bible first and foremost and the conclusions of my own logical journey through the philosophical issues - with the Bible as my filter. (more…)
Chapel - 16 May 2007
Who is my Master and What Does it mean?
Mr. Lewis
Colossians 3:23
May 16, 2007
This is a written version of the chapel message I’m going to give on Wednesday for all Sturgills who want a preview. (more…)