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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Opus 2011-133, The Calvinians Strike Again

This morning I attended a Baptist church.  Like many churches today, it did not admit that on its sign or in its bulletin.  If you listen long enough, though, it is obvious.  I enjoy the worship.  It is a church that is not afraid to declare truth.  The preaching is strong.  Too bad I am an Arminian.

Today was a beautiful example of the confusion in Calvinist ranks.  The sermon was taken from Luke 14:11-24.  It was the parable that tells of a man giving a dinner and everyone cancels at the last minute so he invites everyone to come.  It was an evangelistic sermon.  People were being invited to the table.  At one point the pastor made a big point of how he might remove you from his guest list if you didn’t come, God never would.  He was very clear about once your name was down you were part of the family.  He spoke to those who had once known Jesus but had drifted away.  He said something to the effect that you are a Christian but you have not been to the table recently.  It was very heartwarming except he totally ignored the last verse of the parable.
(Luke 14:24 KJV)  For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
This last verse tends to undermine several points of his doctrine.  This seems to be a grace that is resistible and a perseverance that is not guaranteed. 

I believe that Calvinists will make it to heaven if they repent and believe.  That is true of any theological group.  I don’t have a hard time with Reformed theology because they are going to Hell but because you have to twist and strain so much to make it fit the full counsel of scripture.

Eternity is going to be a very long time because it will take that long to straighten each other out.

homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.