4GG comes back with part 2 in the study of the Sovereignty of God.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thank You!
It's been awhile since I have wrote anything on the site, but I wanted to give credit to where credit is due. Bill's son, Ryne, is the one who has hooked us up by putting the radio show on this site and making a You Tube page for 4GG radio show. I just want to say thank you Ryne on behalf of all of us at 4GG. Even though we may aggravate one another with Michigan vs. Tennnessee and Predators vs. Red Wings, you are a great, young christian man and I, let me say we, just want to encourage you in your walk and stay focused on "the prize of the high calling of God"! We are all herefor you if you need us. So if you are reading this and you know Ryne, when you see him give him a pat on the back and tell him good job.
In The Love Of Christ,
Bryan and the 4GG Crew
In The Love Of Christ,
Bryan and the 4GG Crew
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Sola Scriptura
Sola Scriptura: The Scripture Alone is the StandardThe doctrine that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority was the "Formal Principle" of the Reformation. In 1521 at the historic interrogation of Luther at the Diet of Worms, he declared his conscience to be captive to the Word of God saying, "Unless I am overcome with testimonies from Scripture or with evident reasons -- for I believe neither the Pope nor the Councils, since they have often erred and contradicted one another -- I am overcome by the Scripture texts which I have adduced, and my conscience is bound by God's Word." Similarly, the Belgic Confession stated, "We believe that [the] holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein...Neither may we consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with those divine Scriptures nor ought we to consider custom or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God... Therefore, we reject with all our hearts whatsoever does not agree with this infallible rule" (VII). As the Scripture says,Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law....I will bow down toward Thy holy temple, And give thanks to Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth; For Thou hast magnified Thy word according to all Thy name....You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (Psalm 119:18; Psalm 138:2; II Tim. 3:14-17)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Remodeling Hell----Dr. Al Mohler
Remodeling Hell -- Americans Redefine the Doctrine
Posted: Monday, August 18, 2008 at 4:57 am ET
Is belief in hell disappearing? "Absolutely," says Barnard College professor Alan Segal, author of Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion. Segal's remark is found within a news story released by Religion News Service. In "Belief in Hell Dips, But Some Say They've Already Been There," Charles Honey traces the transformation of hell in contemporary America.
The catalyst for Honey's article was the "U.S. Religious Landscape Survey" released this summer by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The data does indicate a shift in beliefs concerning hell. In the Pew study, just 59 percent of those surveyed indicated belief in a concept of hell "where people who have led bad lives, and die without being sorry, are eternally punished."
That figure, Honey reports, is down from 71 percent "who said they believed in hell" as recently as a 2001 Gallup poll.
A closer look at those figures raises significant questions about the usefulness of the data. In the first place, the definition of hell as "where people who have led bad lives, and die without being sorry, are eternally punished" is a problem in itself. Evangelical Christians -- presumably among those most likely to believe in hell -- believe that hell is indeed where unrepentant humans will go, but that does not mean that the issue is having led a "bad" life. Evangelicals have historically believed that those in heaven are themselves no more worthy than those in hell. The crucial issue is faith in Christ, and thus the formulation used in the Pew study would confuse many evangelicals.
Nevertheless, no informed observer will doubt the central argument of Honey's report. Americans are redefining the doctrine of hell before our eyes. Honey provides a helpful survey of various beliefs concerning hell, but the most interesting part of his article concerns evangelicals.
He writes:
Skepticism about hell is growing even in evangelical churches and seminaries, says one theologian here, a bastion of conservative evangelicalism.
"In a pluralistic, post-modern world, students are having a more difficult time with (the idea of) people going to hell forever because they didn't believe the right thing," says Mike Wittmer, professor of systematic theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
"That's the biggest question out there right now: `Would God send someone to hell if they were someone as good as me, but didn't believe what I believe?"'
It was easier to believe in hell 20 years ago when missionaries tried to convert people in far-flung places, Wittmer says. In today's global village, many live next to good, non-Christian neighbors and wonder why an all-powerful, loving God wouldn't eventually empty out hell, Wittmer says.
"I've noticed in the last five years how that view is making inroads even in conservative churches, whereas five years ago it wasn't even uttered or discussed," he adds.
Wittmer's observation holds true for anyone familiar with the accommodationist tendency within modern evangelicalism. The key insight within Wittmer's comments, however, is the way he lays out the populist transformation of the doctrine. Reasoning from their own experience and emotions, rather than from the Bible, many who call themselves evangelicals are just deciding that a "good" God would not send persons to hell -- at least not anyone they know.
Undoubtedly, much of this can be traced to currents in the larger culture, where non-judgmentalism, a therapeutic view of life, and a thoroughly modern view of fairness lead many to reject hell as a place of everlasting torment and punishment for those who never come to faith in Christ.
As Professor Segal observed, "They believe everyone has an equal chance, at this life and the next." Thus, "hell is disappearing, absolutely."
That this is true within the culture at large is not surprising. But when those who claim identity as evangelical Christians begin to modify the doctrine, this should set off alarms.
No doctrine stands alone. There is no way to modify belief in hell without modifying the Gospel itself, for hell is an essential part of the framework of the Gospel and of the preaching of Jesus. Hell cannot be remodeled without reconstructing the Gospel message.
Here is a sobering thought: Hell may disappear from the modern mind, but it will not disappear in reality. God is not impressed by our surveys.
Posted: Monday, August 18, 2008 at 4:57 am ET
Is belief in hell disappearing? "Absolutely," says Barnard College professor Alan Segal, author of Life After Death: A History of the Afterlife in Western Religion. Segal's remark is found within a news story released by Religion News Service. In "Belief in Hell Dips, But Some Say They've Already Been There," Charles Honey traces the transformation of hell in contemporary America.
The catalyst for Honey's article was the "U.S. Religious Landscape Survey" released this summer by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The data does indicate a shift in beliefs concerning hell. In the Pew study, just 59 percent of those surveyed indicated belief in a concept of hell "where people who have led bad lives, and die without being sorry, are eternally punished."
That figure, Honey reports, is down from 71 percent "who said they believed in hell" as recently as a 2001 Gallup poll.
A closer look at those figures raises significant questions about the usefulness of the data. In the first place, the definition of hell as "where people who have led bad lives, and die without being sorry, are eternally punished" is a problem in itself. Evangelical Christians -- presumably among those most likely to believe in hell -- believe that hell is indeed where unrepentant humans will go, but that does not mean that the issue is having led a "bad" life. Evangelicals have historically believed that those in heaven are themselves no more worthy than those in hell. The crucial issue is faith in Christ, and thus the formulation used in the Pew study would confuse many evangelicals.
Nevertheless, no informed observer will doubt the central argument of Honey's report. Americans are redefining the doctrine of hell before our eyes. Honey provides a helpful survey of various beliefs concerning hell, but the most interesting part of his article concerns evangelicals.
He writes:
Skepticism about hell is growing even in evangelical churches and seminaries, says one theologian here, a bastion of conservative evangelicalism.
"In a pluralistic, post-modern world, students are having a more difficult time with (the idea of) people going to hell forever because they didn't believe the right thing," says Mike Wittmer, professor of systematic theology at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.
"That's the biggest question out there right now: `Would God send someone to hell if they were someone as good as me, but didn't believe what I believe?"'
It was easier to believe in hell 20 years ago when missionaries tried to convert people in far-flung places, Wittmer says. In today's global village, many live next to good, non-Christian neighbors and wonder why an all-powerful, loving God wouldn't eventually empty out hell, Wittmer says.
"I've noticed in the last five years how that view is making inroads even in conservative churches, whereas five years ago it wasn't even uttered or discussed," he adds.
Wittmer's observation holds true for anyone familiar with the accommodationist tendency within modern evangelicalism. The key insight within Wittmer's comments, however, is the way he lays out the populist transformation of the doctrine. Reasoning from their own experience and emotions, rather than from the Bible, many who call themselves evangelicals are just deciding that a "good" God would not send persons to hell -- at least not anyone they know.
Undoubtedly, much of this can be traced to currents in the larger culture, where non-judgmentalism, a therapeutic view of life, and a thoroughly modern view of fairness lead many to reject hell as a place of everlasting torment and punishment for those who never come to faith in Christ.
As Professor Segal observed, "They believe everyone has an equal chance, at this life and the next." Thus, "hell is disappearing, absolutely."
That this is true within the culture at large is not surprising. But when those who claim identity as evangelical Christians begin to modify the doctrine, this should set off alarms.
No doctrine stands alone. There is no way to modify belief in hell without modifying the Gospel itself, for hell is an essential part of the framework of the Gospel and of the preaching of Jesus. Hell cannot be remodeled without reconstructing the Gospel message.
Here is a sobering thought: Hell may disappear from the modern mind, but it will not disappear in reality. God is not impressed by our surveys.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Truly a man of God !!
it touches my heart beyond measure to see such a wonderful young man
born again by the grace of God . . .
defending the truth of the Word of the Lord , no matter the consequence !!!
may God richly bless you brother Matt -
this is without a doubt a true piece of solid Bible study ,
it is uplifting, exhorting and sharp , cutting to the marrow
we need this kind of men today
below was written in 'response' by Matt, to a article series that is run EVERY
sunday in our local newspaper , by several 'churches of Christ' -
if i can find the 'article' , i will post it too, for reference
Matt, i am honored to call you a brother in Christ !!
drive on , sir, drive on
*******
I write this e-mail to you with all the love in my heart. I would like to respond to a recent article you put in the standard, entitled "Are sinners saved by works." There is no good deed we could ever perform that would commend us to God. For you see even "our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment." (Isaiah 64:6) Ephesians chapter two verses 8-9 clearly says "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not as a result of works so that no one may boast." "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). "Not because of works but because of Him who calls." (Romans 9:11) Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith." (Romans 3:24) So you see it is by grace alone, through faith alone, based on the work of Christ alone. Of course genuine faith and repentance go hand and hand. You cannot have true faith and it not cause you to repent, nor can you trust in Christ alone for salvation without repenting. So sinners are saved when they respond to the gospel call in repentance and faith. We are saved unto good works. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) Now let's look at some of the verses you cited in your article and see if we can put them into context. The point of James 2:17-26 is not to show how works play into God's plan of salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ completed that on the cross. If that's not enough, then none of us will make it. Rather, the point of the text is to show that genuine faith is demonstrated and proved by works. Back up a few verses. Don't miss that important phrase in verse 14 "...if someone says he has faith... Can faith save him." The answer of course is no. We know that not everyone who says they have faith actually has faith. That's the point of the text. "But someone may well say, "You have faith but i have works show me faith without works and i will show you my faith by my works." (v.18). Faith without works is dead. It is true. It cannot save. Not because of a lack of works but still because of a lack of real faith. When Abraham was counted righteous it was years before he offered Isaac on the altar. "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." When he offered Isaac up it proved he believed God, thus his faith was perfected and the scripture was fulfilled. (v.22 and 23.) The faith he is talking about in verse 24 is the vain, dead faith he started with in verse 14. You quoted Matthew 7:21 to support your work-based gospel, but again if we put it in context it proves just the oppostie. Look at the following verse " Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord Lord', did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons and in your name performed many miracles. or many wonderful works as king james says." So we see condemnation is not based on a lack of works. These folks our Lord says done many wonderful works in His name, they even professed faith in Him. (v21) But yet he said "I never knew you, depart from you who practices lawlessness." Why is that? Because, "He saved us,not on the basis of works which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit" They never experienced regeneration. Thus they were inable, in their fallen state, to produce true faith and repentance.(Rom. 8:7) You see even faith and repentance are gifts from God.(Ephesians 2:8, 2Tim. 2:25) So what is the will of the father? That men be born again and come through Jesus alone for salvation. You quoted Romans 2:13, but why would you take that so far out of context. The point of Romans is obviously not that works of the law saves. "because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20) 2 Thessalonians 1:8 says those who "obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." What is the gospel? Paul tells the church at Corinth the gospel he preached to them.(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) He preached the work of Christ, not the work of man, as the gospel. So what does it mean to obey the gospel. It is to obey the gospel call, our Lord said "repent and believe the gospel". (Mark 1:15) You said even belief is a work of man and said to look at John 6:29. Well I did. Let me share with you what it says, "Jesus answered and said to them, "this is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He has sent." I pray that you would take time to search these things out for yourself. We are commanded not only to study but to get these things right "Be diligent to present yourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."(2 Tim. 2:15) I think the main difference between what you believe and what i believe is that you believe works produces salvation. Whereas, I believe salvation produces works. My prayer is that God would lead us both to the truth of His word. May God bless you. (all scriptures i quoted are from the NASB version of the Bible) *******
born again by the grace of God . . .
defending the truth of the Word of the Lord , no matter the consequence !!!
may God richly bless you brother Matt -
this is without a doubt a true piece of solid Bible study ,
it is uplifting, exhorting and sharp , cutting to the marrow
we need this kind of men today
below was written in 'response' by Matt, to a article series that is run EVERY
sunday in our local newspaper , by several 'churches of Christ' -
if i can find the 'article' , i will post it too, for reference
Matt, i am honored to call you a brother in Christ !!
drive on , sir, drive on
*******
I write this e-mail to you with all the love in my heart. I would like to respond to a recent article you put in the standard, entitled "Are sinners saved by works." There is no good deed we could ever perform that would commend us to God. For you see even "our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment." (Isaiah 64:6) Ephesians chapter two verses 8-9 clearly says "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not as a result of works so that no one may boast." "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). "Not because of works but because of Him who calls." (Romans 9:11) Being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith." (Romans 3:24) So you see it is by grace alone, through faith alone, based on the work of Christ alone. Of course genuine faith and repentance go hand and hand. You cannot have true faith and it not cause you to repent, nor can you trust in Christ alone for salvation without repenting. So sinners are saved when they respond to the gospel call in repentance and faith. We are saved unto good works. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) Now let's look at some of the verses you cited in your article and see if we can put them into context. The point of James 2:17-26 is not to show how works play into God's plan of salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ completed that on the cross. If that's not enough, then none of us will make it. Rather, the point of the text is to show that genuine faith is demonstrated and proved by works. Back up a few verses. Don't miss that important phrase in verse 14 "...if someone says he has faith... Can faith save him." The answer of course is no. We know that not everyone who says they have faith actually has faith. That's the point of the text. "But someone may well say, "You have faith but i have works show me faith without works and i will show you my faith by my works." (v.18). Faith without works is dead. It is true. It cannot save. Not because of a lack of works but still because of a lack of real faith. When Abraham was counted righteous it was years before he offered Isaac on the altar. "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." When he offered Isaac up it proved he believed God, thus his faith was perfected and the scripture was fulfilled. (v.22 and 23.) The faith he is talking about in verse 24 is the vain, dead faith he started with in verse 14. You quoted Matthew 7:21 to support your work-based gospel, but again if we put it in context it proves just the oppostie. Look at the following verse " Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord Lord', did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons and in your name performed many miracles. or many wonderful works as king james says." So we see condemnation is not based on a lack of works. These folks our Lord says done many wonderful works in His name, they even professed faith in Him. (v21) But yet he said "I never knew you, depart from you who practices lawlessness." Why is that? Because, "He saved us,not on the basis of works which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing and regeneration of the Holy Spirit" They never experienced regeneration. Thus they were inable, in their fallen state, to produce true faith and repentance.(Rom. 8:7) You see even faith and repentance are gifts from God.(Ephesians 2:8, 2Tim. 2:25) So what is the will of the father? That men be born again and come through Jesus alone for salvation. You quoted Romans 2:13, but why would you take that so far out of context. The point of Romans is obviously not that works of the law saves. "because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in his sight; for through the law comes the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20) 2 Thessalonians 1:8 says those who "obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." What is the gospel? Paul tells the church at Corinth the gospel he preached to them.(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) He preached the work of Christ, not the work of man, as the gospel. So what does it mean to obey the gospel. It is to obey the gospel call, our Lord said "repent and believe the gospel". (Mark 1:15) You said even belief is a work of man and said to look at John 6:29. Well I did. Let me share with you what it says, "Jesus answered and said to them, "this is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He has sent." I pray that you would take time to search these things out for yourself. We are commanded not only to study but to get these things right "Be diligent to present yourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."(2 Tim. 2:15) I think the main difference between what you believe and what i believe is that you believe works produces salvation. Whereas, I believe salvation produces works. My prayer is that God would lead us both to the truth of His word. May God bless you. (all scriptures i quoted are from the NASB version of the Bible) *******
Monday, August 4, 2008
Freedom----Valley of Vision
FREEDOM
O Holy Father, thou hast freely given thy Son,
O Divine Son, thou hast freely paid my debt,
O Eternal Spirit, thou hast freely bid me come,
O Triune God, thou dost freely grace me with salvation.
Prayers and tears could not suffice to pardon
my sins,
nor anything less than atoning blood,
but my believing is my receiving,
for a thankful acceptance is no paying of the debt.
What didst thou see in me?
that I a poor, diseased, despised sinner
should be clothed in thy bright glory?
that a creeping worm
should be advanced to this high state?
that one lately groaning, weeping, dying,
should be as full of joy as my heart can hold?
that a being of dust and darkness
should be taken like Mordecai from captivity,
and set next to the king?
should be lifted like Daniel from a den
and be made ruler of princes and provinces?
Who can fathom immeasurable love?
As far as the rational soul exceeds the senses,
so does the spirit exceed the rational in its
knowledge of thee.
Thou hast given me understanding to compass
the earth,
measure the sun, moon, stars, universe,
but above all to know thee, the only true God.
I marvel that the finite can know the Infinite,
here a little, afterwards in full-orbed truth;
Now I know but a small portion of what
I shall know,
here in part, there in perfection,
here a glimpse, there a glory.
To enjoy thee is life eternal,
and to enjoy is to know.
Keep me in the freedom of experiencing
thy salvation continually.
O Holy Father, thou hast freely given thy Son,
O Divine Son, thou hast freely paid my debt,
O Eternal Spirit, thou hast freely bid me come,
O Triune God, thou dost freely grace me with salvation.
Prayers and tears could not suffice to pardon
my sins,
nor anything less than atoning blood,
but my believing is my receiving,
for a thankful acceptance is no paying of the debt.
What didst thou see in me?
that I a poor, diseased, despised sinner
should be clothed in thy bright glory?
that a creeping worm
should be advanced to this high state?
that one lately groaning, weeping, dying,
should be as full of joy as my heart can hold?
that a being of dust and darkness
should be taken like Mordecai from captivity,
and set next to the king?
should be lifted like Daniel from a den
and be made ruler of princes and provinces?
Who can fathom immeasurable love?
As far as the rational soul exceeds the senses,
so does the spirit exceed the rational in its
knowledge of thee.
Thou hast given me understanding to compass
the earth,
measure the sun, moon, stars, universe,
but above all to know thee, the only true God.
I marvel that the finite can know the Infinite,
here a little, afterwards in full-orbed truth;
Now I know but a small portion of what
I shall know,
here in part, there in perfection,
here a glimpse, there a glory.
To enjoy thee is life eternal,
and to enjoy is to know.
Keep me in the freedom of experiencing
thy salvation continually.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Human Intellect or God's Grace
I have been sitting at my house all day long and pondering on alot of things today. So I am going to put this topic out there to try and reason the scriptures together as we are called to do. Salvation... Is it scripturally based that both God and man are present in the process of regeneration, new birth, being born again, however you want to word it, to the point that without the other, God's grace and human intellect, that there can be no salvation? And please I do not want any opinions, I want scripture! This is not a minut topic! This is the foundation on which you base your interpretation of all scripture and how your doctrine is compared with the Word of God, as false or truth. There is absolute truth in the Word! So the answer has to be one or the other...either God gets all the glory or man shares the glory, in the process of salvation? Which one is it? In The Love of Christ and Truth!
who i am - a Christian's languish in todays world
there are those who , will read this and dismiss it -
i post this to give some idea of who i am , and what i believe
1. i was born again , in a methodist church at the age of 12, in hilham, tn
i was baptized in a local river by immersion and have tried to serve
the Lord ever since; its been an interesting walk - i have let God down
numerous times , for this i am sorrowful -
2. i prefer to hear expository preaching of God's Word, the Holy Bible, 1611
king james version. as opposed to feel good, how can i be a better person or live a better life ;
the Bible is what men need and to be born again in Christ . period .
3. i study as much as i can , i place a priority on the Word first. then church history, then greek language, then books by godly christian men , like spurgeon, owens, packer, piper, sproul, macarthur, calvin, luther, hodge, pink, walvoord, augustine, vos, watson, etc.,
4. i believe what the Word says , is truth . and its my responsiblity to conform to it, not conform it to me .
5. i believe that its equally important to walk a christian life - and conduct myself as a christian according to the Word .
6. i think preachers should be men; that deacons should be men, that women should keep silent in church and learn at home. all of this done according to scripture
7. i think its improper and unwise for men to have 'friends' who are women; its improper for me to call another mans wife or a single woman , even if they are christians, or to meet with them alone, or be in an compromising position with them if it can be helped .
for a woman who is married to approach me , ALONE , no matter the reason i s , biblically wrong; i take this from Aquila and Priscilla, approaching the apostle Paul to correct him.
8. i think christians are called to witness to their co-workers and friends; not invite them to church, but to share the Gospel with them .
9. i think the local church is for the christian; non-believers should be VERY uncomfortable in a godly Bible believing church. if they do attend , they should have already HEARD the Gospel from whoever invited them. and they should continue to hear it , until they leave or are converted. if they just walk off the street , they should have the Gospel shared with them after the service, immediately . that is a christians priority
10. i believe that most modern churches are too focused on feel good, fluff that detracts from the Gospel being preached;
11. i am for cutting out WHATEVER COMES in between the Gospel being preached . even if thats songs, trips, meals, special events, youth church, whatever. if it delays, prevents, waters down, thwarts, or inhibits the Word of God being preached , stop it
12. i am not for separate youth churches or youth leaving the main body of believers and doing their own thing ; this is unbiblical and not necessary ;
13. i believe in hard , determined study of God's Word; to no end - and personally cutting out whatever i need to , to get that done; if it means no TV then so be it.
14. i detest all sin but these specifically attack the family - the foundation of the Church and a sacrament that God himself setup ; i hate divorce; i hate adultery; i hate homosexual sin.
15. i believe that there is SOLID DOCTRINE in the Bible and it CAN be learned and understood. 16. i believe in erring on the side of God; being conservative
17. i believe in the doctrines of grace; and the apostle Paul's doctrine, well really, Christ's doctrine. total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, perseverance of the saints. all for God's glory alone.
18. i believe that the Law, in the Bible, is used to show our condition before God and the Gospel is used to show the good news that God has provided for those that will believe.
19. i believe in witnessing to ALL who will listen;
20 i believe in evangelizing to ALL who will stand still
21. however, i will not cast my pearls before swine; i will not lie , nor coerce, nor NOT PREACH THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD.
22. i believe in raising my children in a Godly home - under Bible precepts; in prayer hoping the come to the Lord , being given the gift of repentance .
23. i believe that God is sovereign and provident , still today , right now as i type this
24. i believe His ways are higher than mine(praise God) - and for His glory alone and NOT due to something i did , or something He saw in me, and a beyond any reason why known to me , He chose to grant me repentance and the ability to believe His Word , some 25 years ago. i love Him for it and will try my best to serve Him ;
25. i believe sin is still sin; and this is the great death of the world- no amount of psycho bable or drugs, or music, or any other thing will remedy that - men and women are continously and exceedingly sinful and that is THEIR NATURE . until God changes it , they will continue in sin.for they can do nothing else. and this should be our focus - preaching and witnessing
so there you go .
i post this to give some idea of who i am , and what i believe
1. i was born again , in a methodist church at the age of 12, in hilham, tn
i was baptized in a local river by immersion and have tried to serve
the Lord ever since; its been an interesting walk - i have let God down
numerous times , for this i am sorrowful -
2. i prefer to hear expository preaching of God's Word, the Holy Bible, 1611
king james version. as opposed to feel good, how can i be a better person or live a better life ;
the Bible is what men need and to be born again in Christ . period .
3. i study as much as i can , i place a priority on the Word first. then church history, then greek language, then books by godly christian men , like spurgeon, owens, packer, piper, sproul, macarthur, calvin, luther, hodge, pink, walvoord, augustine, vos, watson, etc.,
4. i believe what the Word says , is truth . and its my responsiblity to conform to it, not conform it to me .
5. i believe that its equally important to walk a christian life - and conduct myself as a christian according to the Word .
6. i think preachers should be men; that deacons should be men, that women should keep silent in church and learn at home. all of this done according to scripture
7. i think its improper and unwise for men to have 'friends' who are women; its improper for me to call another mans wife or a single woman , even if they are christians, or to meet with them alone, or be in an compromising position with them if it can be helped .
for a woman who is married to approach me , ALONE , no matter the reason i s , biblically wrong; i take this from Aquila and Priscilla, approaching the apostle Paul to correct him.
8. i think christians are called to witness to their co-workers and friends; not invite them to church, but to share the Gospel with them .
9. i think the local church is for the christian; non-believers should be VERY uncomfortable in a godly Bible believing church. if they do attend , they should have already HEARD the Gospel from whoever invited them. and they should continue to hear it , until they leave or are converted. if they just walk off the street , they should have the Gospel shared with them after the service, immediately . that is a christians priority
10. i believe that most modern churches are too focused on feel good, fluff that detracts from the Gospel being preached;
11. i am for cutting out WHATEVER COMES in between the Gospel being preached . even if thats songs, trips, meals, special events, youth church, whatever. if it delays, prevents, waters down, thwarts, or inhibits the Word of God being preached , stop it
12. i am not for separate youth churches or youth leaving the main body of believers and doing their own thing ; this is unbiblical and not necessary ;
13. i believe in hard , determined study of God's Word; to no end - and personally cutting out whatever i need to , to get that done; if it means no TV then so be it.
14. i detest all sin but these specifically attack the family - the foundation of the Church and a sacrament that God himself setup ; i hate divorce; i hate adultery; i hate homosexual sin.
15. i believe that there is SOLID DOCTRINE in the Bible and it CAN be learned and understood. 16. i believe in erring on the side of God; being conservative
17. i believe in the doctrines of grace; and the apostle Paul's doctrine, well really, Christ's doctrine. total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, perseverance of the saints. all for God's glory alone.
18. i believe that the Law, in the Bible, is used to show our condition before God and the Gospel is used to show the good news that God has provided for those that will believe.
19. i believe in witnessing to ALL who will listen;
20 i believe in evangelizing to ALL who will stand still
21. however, i will not cast my pearls before swine; i will not lie , nor coerce, nor NOT PREACH THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD.
22. i believe in raising my children in a Godly home - under Bible precepts; in prayer hoping the come to the Lord , being given the gift of repentance .
23. i believe that God is sovereign and provident , still today , right now as i type this
24. i believe His ways are higher than mine(praise God) - and for His glory alone and NOT due to something i did , or something He saw in me, and a beyond any reason why known to me , He chose to grant me repentance and the ability to believe His Word , some 25 years ago. i love Him for it and will try my best to serve Him ;
25. i believe sin is still sin; and this is the great death of the world- no amount of psycho bable or drugs, or music, or any other thing will remedy that - men and women are continously and exceedingly sinful and that is THEIR NATURE . until God changes it , they will continue in sin.for they can do nothing else. and this should be our focus - preaching and witnessing
so there you go .
response to B. E.
my original entry was deleted B.E. , so bear with me here ;
if you would prefer to talk via email, i would enjoy that - since we are on opposite shifts it may be easier
in all the years we have known each other , i think that you and i can talk as Christian brothers firstly and friends secondly;
so since all i have is your response to my thread , that is deleted now , i will answer what you posted ;
Hello George. B.E. here. Just wanted to set the record straight on the inconsistencies in your blog posting.
First, the item of turmoil. Our church is not in turmoil. It is the doctrinal position you are attempting to bring into our church that is causing you to feel "turmoil" inside our church. We don't believe the doctrines you guys believe, because we as a church believe that we have rightly divided and studied to show ourselves approved unto God. Our church (including me) will continue to stand firm in the defense of ANY major doctrinal differences that are attempted to be brought into our church.
(the church, both your local congregation , and the CHURCH is in turmoil . there is no disputing that. with over 150 different denominations worldwide , that is turmoil and NOT unity for sure ;
with your local congregation , when you and other members of your congregation marginalize and look down on a fellow brother, when you ask him to 'find another church' , when a member unwittingly tells us that this member, Rich, is a NUT watch out for him... if thats not turmoil , i don't know what is ....)
Secondly, I find it strange for a person who says that I do "not to show himself approved" to not properly quote the context of my statement. When I said that "world means world" I was referring to John 3:16. Anyone who studies scripture should know that kosmos in Greek means "world" (it doesn't say elect or an area of the world). This is in direct conflict with your doctrinal position; therefore, it's meaning has to be either changed (world doesn't really mean world) or it is just outranked with other scriptures and forgotten. Our church takes a balanced approach when defending our beliefs. We take scripture as what it says and apply it. Choosing to side with one scripture above the other in importance is not "studying yourself approved".
( i believe that we all need to pray more for the Holy Spirit to give us understanding of the Word, and to read more Bible , taking it for what it is , face value. we all have preconceived notions from prior study, or church as a youngster , etc., that influence our beliefs towards the Word. World means World, i know that. its the usage grammatically that i am talking about.
in short, being saved IS NOT the conversion experience, being born again is conversion; greek for saved is sozo , along with a few others but its the MAIN usage, it means to be saved from event like the ark saved Noah's family ; Paul tells Timothy , in 1tim4:16 "take heed unto theyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both SAVE thyself, and them that hear thee " emphasis added by me does this mean that we can be saved by taking heed of doctrine and when we talk doctrine those who HEAR us will be saved too !! surely not ) there is only one way to be born again - right ?
so when the Bible says that Christ came to SAVE the world , this is , in simplistic terms , the vehicle , the Noah's ark , that saves us from God's wrath , God's judgement (we call this atonement and redemption) ; however, each man must be born again to access that
Thirdly, the quote itself about having a certain flavor was directed more toward our pastor than to our guests.
fair enough , i was not there ; and God knows what He is doing , i do not think , after 2.5 hours of discussion, i could have stood to hear that "we will still have to prove ourselves to you and Ron Rhoady "
Fourth, when my family finally joined, we had meetings with the former pastor on several occasions as well as some church members. Yes, it is true that we were not "scrutinized under a microscope" when we joined. But our potential church members made sure that we were not bringing any doctrinal inconsistencies along with us. Get your facts straight before posting comments about something you know little about.
regarding this , i believe you misunderstood my intent ; i am talking about us, not you joining ;
while i am glad to hear that you met with the pastor, i am refering to what is happening with our group ; and our group only - why would i post something about what happened with you and your family , when like you said, i know NOTHING about it ?
if you took offense to what i said (even though it was not about you) i apologize
Fifth, am I correct that you think that I or our church does "not know the TRUTH of His Word"? If this is true, you have a very high opinion of yourself. If you did not mean to intend that meaning, disregard the Fifth comment.
this is a tough one. i believe that obviously as we walk with God and learn His ways, we have a life time of learning His Word. I HAVE NOT EVEN SCRATCHED THE SURFACE, IN MY ATTEMPT TO LEARN AND STUDY THERE IS SO MUCH TO READ AND LEARN AT TIME I FEEL OVERWHELMED BY IT
.
nor do i think have most christians. does your congregation 'know the truth of His Word?" i believe you do - is there room for more learning and more study and more prayer and more effort and more love and more time spent together and more time evangelizing and more time witnessing , etc,. ? YES i do but i would say that about EVERY church in town.
for me , i too am a studier; and stagnation is death for me ; i HAVE TO be reading and i commend you for that also. in fact, i told Bro. Josh that i long to meet with you and study together , in love, over our Lord's Word; i genuinely do - God has you and i on opposite shifts , so we must take what He gives us. but i consider you a brother and always have .
honestly, i would like to hear from you , personally , what you think of me . do you consider me a brother in Christ ?
We do agree on one point: To God alone be the Glory, forever and ever, amen
its always good to talk of God's Word and His ways - i hope that we can move forward and begin serving Him together .
B.E.
if you would prefer to talk via email, i would enjoy that - since we are on opposite shifts it may be easier
in all the years we have known each other , i think that you and i can talk as Christian brothers firstly and friends secondly;
so since all i have is your response to my thread , that is deleted now , i will answer what you posted ;
Hello George. B.E. here. Just wanted to set the record straight on the inconsistencies in your blog posting.
First, the item of turmoil. Our church is not in turmoil. It is the doctrinal position you are attempting to bring into our church that is causing you to feel "turmoil" inside our church. We don't believe the doctrines you guys believe, because we as a church believe that we have rightly divided and studied to show ourselves approved unto God. Our church (including me) will continue to stand firm in the defense of ANY major doctrinal differences that are attempted to be brought into our church.
(the church, both your local congregation , and the CHURCH is in turmoil . there is no disputing that. with over 150 different denominations worldwide , that is turmoil and NOT unity for sure ;
with your local congregation , when you and other members of your congregation marginalize and look down on a fellow brother, when you ask him to 'find another church' , when a member unwittingly tells us that this member, Rich, is a NUT watch out for him... if thats not turmoil , i don't know what is ....)
Secondly, I find it strange for a person who says that I do "not to show himself approved" to not properly quote the context of my statement. When I said that "world means world" I was referring to John 3:16. Anyone who studies scripture should know that kosmos in Greek means "world" (it doesn't say elect or an area of the world). This is in direct conflict with your doctrinal position; therefore, it's meaning has to be either changed (world doesn't really mean world) or it is just outranked with other scriptures and forgotten. Our church takes a balanced approach when defending our beliefs. We take scripture as what it says and apply it. Choosing to side with one scripture above the other in importance is not "studying yourself approved".
( i believe that we all need to pray more for the Holy Spirit to give us understanding of the Word, and to read more Bible , taking it for what it is , face value. we all have preconceived notions from prior study, or church as a youngster , etc., that influence our beliefs towards the Word. World means World, i know that. its the usage grammatically that i am talking about.
in short, being saved IS NOT the conversion experience, being born again is conversion; greek for saved is sozo , along with a few others but its the MAIN usage, it means to be saved from event like the ark saved Noah's family ; Paul tells Timothy , in 1tim4:16 "take heed unto theyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both SAVE thyself, and them that hear thee " emphasis added by me does this mean that we can be saved by taking heed of doctrine and when we talk doctrine those who HEAR us will be saved too !! surely not ) there is only one way to be born again - right ?
so when the Bible says that Christ came to SAVE the world , this is , in simplistic terms , the vehicle , the Noah's ark , that saves us from God's wrath , God's judgement (we call this atonement and redemption) ; however, each man must be born again to access that
Thirdly, the quote itself about having a certain flavor was directed more toward our pastor than to our guests.
fair enough , i was not there ; and God knows what He is doing , i do not think , after 2.5 hours of discussion, i could have stood to hear that "we will still have to prove ourselves to you and Ron Rhoady "
Fourth, when my family finally joined, we had meetings with the former pastor on several occasions as well as some church members. Yes, it is true that we were not "scrutinized under a microscope" when we joined. But our potential church members made sure that we were not bringing any doctrinal inconsistencies along with us. Get your facts straight before posting comments about something you know little about.
regarding this , i believe you misunderstood my intent ; i am talking about us, not you joining ;
while i am glad to hear that you met with the pastor, i am refering to what is happening with our group ; and our group only - why would i post something about what happened with you and your family , when like you said, i know NOTHING about it ?
if you took offense to what i said (even though it was not about you) i apologize
Fifth, am I correct that you think that I or our church does "not know the TRUTH of His Word"? If this is true, you have a very high opinion of yourself. If you did not mean to intend that meaning, disregard the Fifth comment.
this is a tough one. i believe that obviously as we walk with God and learn His ways, we have a life time of learning His Word. I HAVE NOT EVEN SCRATCHED THE SURFACE, IN MY ATTEMPT TO LEARN AND STUDY THERE IS SO MUCH TO READ AND LEARN AT TIME I FEEL OVERWHELMED BY IT
.
nor do i think have most christians. does your congregation 'know the truth of His Word?" i believe you do - is there room for more learning and more study and more prayer and more effort and more love and more time spent together and more time evangelizing and more time witnessing , etc,. ? YES i do but i would say that about EVERY church in town.
for me , i too am a studier; and stagnation is death for me ; i HAVE TO be reading and i commend you for that also. in fact, i told Bro. Josh that i long to meet with you and study together , in love, over our Lord's Word; i genuinely do - God has you and i on opposite shifts , so we must take what He gives us. but i consider you a brother and always have .
honestly, i would like to hear from you , personally , what you think of me . do you consider me a brother in Christ ?
We do agree on one point: To God alone be the Glory, forever and ever, amen
its always good to talk of God's Word and His ways - i hope that we can move forward and begin serving Him together .
B.E.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Glory of Preaching the Bible.
John Calvin would've turn 499 yrs old today.
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1310_the_glory_of_preaching_the_bible/
http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1310_the_glory_of_preaching_the_bible/
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Does God's Sovereignty mean he makes me evil?
I thought this post goes along with the topic we are covering now on the show. I hope this answers alot of questions that people may have about God's sovereignty and evil.
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2007/10/does-gods-sovereignty-mean-he-makes.html
For His Glory,
Bill
http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2007/10/does-gods-sovereignty-mean-he-makes.html
For His Glory,
Bill
Friday, July 4, 2008
Founding Fathers and the Bible
Well I am new at this blog page stuff so I had typed an article but it took up half of our blog post section. So I am having to write the article in the comment section of this title/header. So please go to the comments to see the post, it will be well worth your time. And maybe next time my more experienced brothers can show me how to work this thing correctly.
In The Love Of Christ, Cooke!
In The Love Of Christ, Cooke!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Welcome
Hello and welcome to our new blog that is still under contruction. Please favorite us and stay tuned for the official opening of our blog where we will talk about biblical doctrine, christian life and other topics for the church. God Bless to all.
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