A headline in a recent Christian Post article read, "Calvinism Not to Blame for Southern Baptist Decline, JD Greear Says.
The article went on to say "J.D. Greear, who was a strong contender for president at the recent Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, says it's unfair to blame declining baptism numbers in the SBC on a resurgence of 5-point Calvinism in Southern Baptist life.
On the program today I will be joined by John Samson to talk about the Sovereignty of God in Salvation
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“ Great Sermon! ” Justin, using your analogy of the doctor leaving the medicine on the porch: would the doctor be a "bully" if instead he went inside the house and gave the medicine to his patient, ensuring it was truly taken and in the right amount,the patient was improving, etc? Remember, some patients are too sick to take a pill.
Then why call the Lord a "bully" for rescuing sinners from a far, far greater peril, an eternal one? The fact is that Jesus Christ is a Savior, a Rescuer. He truly rescues, not theoretically but actually. He doesnt just leave His salvation "on the porch," as it were. He goes in and rescues the ones who are dead in trespasses and sins and (get this) unable to save themselves, unable to take the medicine. And God does not just make us well, He "made us alive"! Eph 2:5 He has chosen His people from eternity past. See Romans 8:29-30 foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified
Justin Ray Bernal (7/12/2016)
from Merriam, Kansas
“ Great Sermon! ” Why is this so hard to get through? :-/ Obviously He Chose us in him before the foundation of the world, but not until we receive him and believe are we sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, and are "in Christ". Again Gods free gift of salvation is offered FIRST, and Jesus died for ALL the sins of the whole world but not until you RECEIVE him are you "in Christ" Hey I've been Chosen for many things in this life but that didn't mean I received anything. weather chosen or not that act of receiving was on me. Answer this Calvin, what came first in Cornelius' Salvation? It was by 'HIS' prayer's and 'HIS' alms brought forth as memorial FIRST and then was Heard, Seen and Remembered by God! Don't pretend that you got the Bible all figured out friend, much has yet to be fulfilled.
John Samson (7/11/2016)
from Peoria, Arizona
“ Great Sermon! ” Justin, both sides would agree on the necessity of receiving Christ - that is not in dispute. What is in dispute is which comes first, man's act of receiving or God's act of causing the new birth. The very next verse (John 1:13) informs us that our receiving of Christ is due to the fact that we were born of God (an act of God). The verse states that man's will was NOT the deciding factor, but the new birth was.
Justin Ray Bernal (7/6/2016)
from Merriam, Kansas
“ Great Sermon! ” Your dying with a deadly disease and your house has been quarantined the doctor delivers you the Cure and leaves it at your doorstep in a box, if you don't open the door and receive the box with the cure you will die in your disease. However if you open the door and and by free will choose to accept the box and RECEIVE the cure inside you will live and no longer will you die in your disease, therefore you have been given a cure and a choice, to accept and receive the free gift of life that Jesus offers you, who are dead in your trespasses and sins, or not accept and receive God's free gift of salvation. AGAIN John 1:12 reads "But as many as RECEIVED him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". Why won't you RECEIVE God's free gift friend, Jesus is calling, even all who are dead can hear his voice, you can answer the door... "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me"
once again (7/6/2016)
from okc
“ Great Sermon! ” Justin, can a dead man do anything?
Justin Bernal (7/5/2016)
from KS
“ Great Sermon! ” 1. Acts 10:4 Calvin - no explanation under TULIP for Cornelius' salvation "...And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God."
2. Matthew 23:37 No explanation under TULIP for Gods Irresistible Grace. This is the Lord Jesus Christ were talking about who's Grace was resisted, careful. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"
3. Ephesian 1:4 and John 1:12 Calvin thought that because the elect were chosen before the foundations of the world that it was already a done deal, but we are not in Jesus Christ until we receive Jesus Christ. He missed this act totally, yes indeed, and that act is we must RECEIVE him first. God can't make us receive his son, he is not some cosmic bully. So I disagree that we cannot RECEIVE the proverbial "life saver" because John 1:12 can't read any more clear than what it states "But as many as RECEIVED him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" we also must believe, another act God won't force us to do.
