Hangups with Your Association? How Important is your Denomination to You!

It’s been awhile since I have written a blog here.  Please be aware I have two other blogs, 4 websites, Facebook, LinkIN, two Twitter accounts, etc.  It really is quite a juggling act to do them all and still have alone time with Jesus and family, etc. 

 That being said, I have struggled for months on what I’m about to share.

 

Debate - I'm right - No I'm right!

 

For starters, I don’t like titles “Charismatic”, “Reformed”, “Baptist”, “Pentecostal”, “Presbyterian”, etc. I don’t even like the title “Non-denominational”, as once I check them out, they really aren’t “Non-denominational”!!!

That being said, I have struggled with my blog name of “Charismatic Reformed.”  Should I change the title?  After much thought and prayer, at least for the time being, I feel led to keep it as is.   The reason for the name is NOT to be labeled, as much as to minister to those from these two belief systems, which I believe both have some Biblical truths and combined is a powerful Biblical mix.  Because the subject matter is not generic, but specific, i.e., Charismatic and Reformed; therefore, the audience I am mostly reaching is from those two Bible persuasions.

I hope to help the Charismatics, and I hope to help the Reformed see each other in a new light (in a positive way).  While I consider myself a “Charismatic,” I can’t stomach most of the shows of the likes of TBN or GOD channel.  But, at the same time, the gifts (tongues, healing, and others) are undeniably a part of my life (and in my Bible).  More than ten years ago I started listening and reading Reformed teachers.  Special thanks to the Lord’s instruments of R.C. Sproul, Allistair Begg, John Piper, John MacArthur, Wayne Grudem, J.I. Packer, Charles Spurgeon, Arthur Pink, Tommy (my friend in Florida), Pastor Bob (my friend in Jacksonville, FL)  and many more.  It was then that I understood I had missed out on some of the greatest Biblical truths.  I now had a much clearer understanding of the Sovereignty of God and of HIS work of salvation in the hearts of man.   Really, really life changing for me!  

So here I am, blogging for Charismatics, Non-Charismatics (Cessationist), Reformed, and Non-Reformed (Arminian), AND for anyone else who may be interested.  

I ask that you all throw down your “sticks and stones” at me or others and try to be a little more open-hearted without compromising your beliefs (if you believe them to be Bible-based).

What I hope is that I can somehow help all sides see the picture a little more clearly from different angles.   Our view may not be (likely isn’t) giving us the whole picture of our awesome God. 

Yes, all views are not true – Truth is, the elephant truly is NOT what you think it is! So with Christianity, there are many views from our given perspective, yet the entire elephant is complete truth.

 I would like to close with saying none of us knows ALL THE TRUTH.  Praise God for what you know, but be humble and honest with yourself to know you DON’T know everything.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”  I Cor. 13:12

“The Need for Illumination”

A friend of mind and I  were discussing this subject two days ago.

Little did I know it would be my devotional reading yesterday.

It’s a must read!!!

by A.W. Tozer (who I love and respect).

Special Devotion: “The Need for Illumination”

Note: My (Jim) added comments are in green brackets [  ]

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned. – I Corinthians 2:14

The doctrine of the inability of the human mind and the need for divine illumination is so fully developed in the New Testament that it is nothing short of astonishing that we should have gone so far astray about the whole thing…everywhere among conservatives we find persons who are Bible-taught but not Spirit-taught [I see this among some Reformed, Calvinist brothers]. They conceived truth to be something that they can grasp with the mind. If a man holds to the fundamentals of the Christian faith, he is thought to possess divine truth. But it does not follow. There is no truth apart from the Spirit. [ head knowledge can block the spirit from teaching us, if were not careful] The most brilliant intellect may be imbecilic when confronted with the mysteries of God. [Wow - I think I know a few like this] For a man to understand revealed truth requires an act of God equal to the original of act which inspired the text… [AMEN!]

Conservative Christians in this day are stumbling over this truth. We need to reexamine the whole thing. We need to learn that truth consists not in correct doctrine but in correct doctrine plus the inward enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. [How many are doing this today - it can be a trap with those skilled in teaching and speaking] We must declare again the mystery of wisdom from above. A re-preachment of this vital truth could result in a fresh breath from God upon a stale and suffocating orthodoxy. – By A. W. Tozer The Pursuit of Man, 76-77,84.

From Arminian to Reformed (life changing material)

In my last blog I gave some history of the beginning of my journey to being Reformed.

The rest of this journey I will share about materials  God has used to change my life.     Note: This takes for granted that Bible is and always will be the most inspired and life changing book ever!

I will try my best to keep them in Chronological order.

The following material reflects where my spiritual journey has taken me (as to material) since 1998-2010 and it will not reflect your journey, but I still feel these books (and DVD’s) are worth your consideration if you have not read them.

1. Chosen by God – By R.C. Sproul   (Read in 2002 and passed on to Bob of www.biblefood.org to see have him tell me what he thought).

2. Tell the Truth – By Will Metzger  (Great, great book on Evangelism)

3. The Holiness of God – By R.C. Sproul (DVD or Book they will give you a great insight into the Holiness of God).

4. Not Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World – By John MacArthur (Sobering, life changing, wake up call)

5.  Finally Alive – By John Piper (Clearest presentation on being Born Again)  Note somewhere in 2000′s learned of Piper.

6. Evangelism and Sovereignty of God – By J.I. Packer ( Short, easy to read and great book on Evangelism from Calvinistic side).

7. Pleasures Forevermore – By Sam Storms (This is a great primer for Pipers “Desiring God” so I hear).

8. The Fogotten Spurgeon – By Iain H. Murray  (Gave me more insight and respect for my favorite of all ministers).

9. Sovereignty of  God – By A.W. Pink  (This was very strong on the Sovereignty of God and how it effects all areas.  Honestly not my easiest read but well worth it.  A must read!!!  He pulls no punches and makes no apologies for the truth).  NOTE: Get longer version, some take out parts of the book.  The one I have is from BakerBooks – 269 pages.

10.  Amazing Grace (DVD Series) – The history and theology of Calvinism DVD – By many ministers (This was the best 4 hours and 17 minutes I made time for)

As for Reference books:

1.Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine – By Wayne Grudem (some will disagree with me on this one, but to me this is the best one volume Systematic Theology book ever.  I love it!!!)

2.  Treasury of David – By Charles Spurgeon  (Don’t get abridged – you want it ALL! Just love going to this for gems from the Psalms).  Get 3 volume or 7 volume set!

My story from Arminian to Reformed

I was saved in 1975, but that doesn’t mean I was always being fed properly.  As a matter of fact, I now know I wasn’t.  It wasn’t until my exposure to Reformed teaching that I started to see I hadn’t been told correctly how to study the Bible or discern truth from error, etc.  I was taught from scriptures here and there, throw them together, and wow, you have a doctrine or belief system.

I was Arminian from 1975 to 1998, yet no one told me I was Arminian.  Why don’t Arminians every mention their roots go back to Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609).  Even if they think it’s biblical, be honest about being Arminian and who was instrumental in bringing about those teachings. Since my exposure to Reformed teachings, I have heard a lot about John Calvin as well as other Reformers.  Some think my (Reformed beliefs) stand or fall on Calvin.  But, in truth, while I am pleased to know about his role in Christian history; on the other hand, I could care less about his being perfect or NOT!  What I do care about is getting a proper biblical view of the Bible.  I am NOT a Calvin follower.

Interestingly, out of my early years under all Arminian influence, to this day, I thank God for some great books I read during that time.

My new (new to me) insight into the Bible all started in 1998. During lunch break, at work, I would go out to my car and listen to Christian radio.  This day in 1998 I came across a very intellectual minister, at first his intellect was almost too much for me, but I kept listening almost every day at lunch.  Finally I said to myself, “Wow this guy is really teaching some good stuff!  He was different from the preachers I had “learned” from over the years. The program was “Renewing Your Mind” by R.C. Sproul. So that was the beginning. Then he had a guest speaker “Allistair Begg” on a two-day radio broadcast on “Perseverance of the Saints.” Wow never heard that before.  Note: I had heard “once saved always saved” from the Baptist and “you can lose your salvation” from the Pentecostals, but this ”Perseverance of the Saints” was different. I had to get the tape (cassette), so I ordered it and listened to it many times. Time went on, just me in my Arminian world except for R.C. Sproul’s ”Renewing the Mind” radio broadcast and that Allistair Begg tape on “The Perseverance of the Saints”.

Next, in 2000, I had an interesting email with the man who took www.biblefood.com just when I wanted to register it.  So, I was stuck with taking www.biblefood.org. My disappointment with him taking my web name (he didn’t know) led to an exchange of emails and then to meeting each other. This guy knew the Bible!!!  We became close friends, and I wrote him often and met with him many times over the years.  He never mentioned many preachers, but he taught different.  He was teaching the same stuff as Sproul and Begg (though he didn’t follow either of their ministries).  To this day we are still close friends and visit and email each other (he is still one of my most respected Bible teachers).

Then in 2001 I meet this pro poolplayer.  All he talked about was Jesus and he knew a lot of stuff I hadn’t heard from his angle.  We became friends and he started feeding me lots and lots of tapes by this preacher, John MacArthur.  I had heard of him, but really didn’t know anything about his ministry or teachings. With all the tapes and conversations with my new friend AND searching the scriptures I started to take what John MacArthur taught very seriously.

From there, my journey in Christ has taken me from Arminian to Reformed.

We’ll conclude my journey by sharing in our next blog some books that were put in my life, books that the Lord has thus far used in my life and journey, and hope they may bless you, too.

Until then, be blessed (Eph. 1:3).

Starting 2011 right…

As I reminisce over 2010, there are many great things to think about and some not so great moments (from a human perspective). But one thing never changes and that is the Holy Scriptures (the Bible). They changed my life 35 years ago and continue to do so daily. It is a fresh word from God EVERY day!

Of no other book can it be said that it is LIVING!!!

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12

As we enter into the New Year, I encourage you to consider reading the Bible in one year.

It will take you approx. 15-20 minutes a day to read the Bible in a year.

Note: This is reading time! Studying will be in addition to the reading (I believe we need both).Life will get busy, but it will be worth it. Do it with joy and excitement NOT as a DUTY. 

I would like to share 2 links by a friend of mind who has a large group from all of the word that read and comment on daily readings.

One link will give you an OT, NT, Proverb, and Psalm reading every day. This this a FREE group with 12,000+ members (73+countries).

To JOIN this group FREE go to: http://www.oneyearbibleblog.com/welcome-to-the-one-year-bible.html

With the other link you read the Bible in Chronological order (I’m doing this for the first time).

To JOIN this group FREE go to: http://www.chronologicalbibleblog.com

That’s one way to start the year right…I look forward to another year in my journey in Christ and in sharing with you.

The growing numbers of Reformed Charismatics worldwide!

Some people find it quite strange this combination of “Charismatic” and “Reformed” in the same sentence, as they look at it as an oxymoron.

Charismatics for the most part don’t understand what Reformed doctrine teaches, and if they do know, they can’t conceive someone believing in Reformed (Calvinism) doctrine; it just doesn’t make sense after an Arminian up bringing.    I know I was one of them,  “Charismatic only, and not Reformed.”  For one thing, those in the Arminian camp don’t even think about being Arminian and don’t usually refer to themselves as “Arminianist,” and likely don’t even know who Jacobus Arminius is.  But the Arminian influence is strongly there even if they don’t know the origin of their “belief system.”

 Reformed (Calvinist), on the other hand, know they are Reformed (for the most part) and call themselves “Calvinist” and know who John Calvin is.    But many Calvinist aren’t quite sure what to think of these “Reformed Charismatic” believers or are set out against it.  I have lost some “potential” friends over this.   From my view of this and being I have been Charismatic and Reformed for  a decade now,  I see the future of Charismatic AND Reformed as growing and not going away.

If someone were to say, you have a choice, you are either Charismatic or you are Reformed; in other words, implying you can’t be both.    I would honestly have to say I can’t give up either.  Both TOGETHER have made a life changing difference in my life.

For awhile I was feeling pretty alone being Charismatic and Reformed, so I am blessed to find that I’m not the only one who has come to this conclusion and that MANY others have, too. 

Today, I would like to share 2 video clips of others who, too, have had their Charismatic beliefs and Reformed beliefs come together. 

Terry Virgo interview  – Click link  for video —> http://vimeo.com/12953637

Matt Chandler interview – Click  link —> http://vimeo.com/11720167

For more links on Charismatic Reformed ministries:
Sovereign Grace Ministries
New Frontiers International
Grace Churches International
Grace Network
Association of Charismatic Reformed Churches
Word & Spirit Churches International

My closing thoughts:

First,  let’s my share my thoughts on being Charismatic.   For starters, I denounce any affiliation with any of the charismatics that we find in our modern day that condone or encourage what I consider charismatic craziness (such as barking like a dog, gold dust, angel feathers, unscriptural angelic visitations, etc.).  This kind of stuff just turns my stomach.  But I do believe that the gifts (Greek  – Charisma – grace gifts) are for today and include such things as tongues, healing, miracles, etc.  I do NOT  believe that tongues and other gifts have ceased. I believe if I was given a title, it would be a “conservative and cautious” Charismatic.

Secondly, as a Reformed believer I believe in the “doctrines of grace” (also known by many as “Calvinism” – not my title of choice), which includes the sovereignty of God, predestination, election, the 5 Solas of the Reformation, as well as other things (BIBLE truths).   After almost 25 years in the Arminian mindset, as to my view of God, I then became exposed to those who are of the “reformed” view.  It was foreign to me at first, but now over 10 years later I am so grateful for those whom the LORD put in my path to show me much of what I did not see in the Holy Scriptures.  Now, the Word of God is clearer to me and I find a new and fresh excitement in God’s word.    
NOTE:  I do not believe in “hyper-calvinism” (period). 

That being said, since I still believe in the “gifts” and that God is doing the same miracles, etc. that He did in Jesus day (and before), and since I still find no scriptural basis for many in the Reformed tradition that believe that tongues, healing, miracles, etc., have ceased.  Thus, this puts me in the Charismatic-Reformed category. 

My hope is that through this blog, today’s interviews, and my continued writings on this subject matter, that people will at least have some insight into the Charismatic-Reformed beliefs.  I don’t claim to be an expert on this as many have been “charismatic” and “reformed” longer than me.  I also have no desire to cause unnecessary debates. A matter of fact I refuse to have any part of unloving debating; however, sincere questions are always welcome). 

To this day I am blessed with many Non-Charismatic friends who are Reformed (and I enjoy their fellowship), and to this day I still have “conservative” Charismatic friends who are not Reformed (and I enjoy their fellowship).

Thanks you for taking the time to read my blog.

My life as a former Arminian and a cautious Charismatic!

All my Christian life starting in 1975 I was an Arminian before I even knew what that meant.  As an Arminian, I have been a Catholic (when I got saved), Regular (Independent) Baptist, Southern Baptist, Assemblies of God, Word of Faith Movement, Calvary Chapel…  Some of these groups may have a Reformed group in them, but in my case they were all Arminian. 

Then around 1989 this all started changing after listening to R.C. Sproul on the radio, then having some new “reformed” friends.  This was the beginning of learning from  some great reformed ministries and ministers, i.e., John MacArthur, John Piper, Alistair Begg, Wayne Grudem, Iain Murray, C.J. Mahaney, Donald Whitney, James White, John Stott, Sam Storms, J. I Packer, etc., as well as the classic authors: Charles Spurgeon,  Arthur Pink, Jonathan Edwards, etc.

My confidence in my new and wonderful insight into the Bible and seeing a Reformed/Calvinistic viewpoint (Biblical) was slowly growing.  Initially, ALL my new friends and all I read were all Non-Charismatic or even Anti-Charismatic,  but I knew my Pentecostal/Charismatic beliefs still had merit.   I thought I was an oddity, i.e., Charismatic AND Reformed (we’ll get to that later).  Being from a mostly Charismatic and Southern Baptist background for years, I was a closet Reformed Christian.  I’m out of the closet (like here), but I still don’t push it on all my Arminian friends.  Then, in   around 2006/2007 I started to get bolder on my Reformed beliefs, and now I won’t pastor an Arminian church as I did in the past. 

I am still friends with many Arminian believers, and now many Reformed/Calvinists, as well as some Charismatic’s, but it wasn’t until a few years ago I found out that I was not alone in being Charismatic and Reformed.   I found out about others who believed just like me “Charismatic” AND “Reformed”  ministers such as: Sam Storms, C.J. Mahaney, Adrian Warnock, Terry Virgo, Wayne Grudem, Matt Chandler, Joshua Harris, and others.

As I close, all I can say is I praise the Lord for who He is!!!  Which has never been so clear until I learned Reformed/Calvinistic teaching, which is really teaching the Bible!

Watch this wonderful video clip on this subject:

Just click on any of the following words and the video will come up.

Matt Chandler on being a reformed charismatic without much of a seatbelt from Adrian Warnock on Vimeo.

Love to hear from you all

“True Conversion – Making Our Salvation Sure” Part 2 of 2

(inspired from a message by Ray Comfort)

 Like I said in part one, the purpose of this teaching is NOT to scare you out of your salvation, but to help you have a clear presentation of the gospel, and to give you an understanding that all who say they are “SAVED” may indeed not be saved, that’s why their lives have never changed.  A life touched by Jesus is a changed life!

In all this, I want the true believer to remember the keeping power of the LORD for His children.

John 10:28 (no one will snatch us out of His [God’s] hand);

Heb. 13:5  (I will NEVER leave you…);

Phil. 1:6 (…He has has begun a good work in you will complete it…)

Today, I want us to start this blog by looking at :

4 Soils – Reveal the Response of Man’s Hearing the Word.

Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23  Parable of the Sower.  Preaching the gospel – 4 different responses.

In Mark 4:13, Jesus in discussing this parable with His disciples says, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?  Jesus emphasizes the importance of this parable, and then goes into exact detail on what it means. YET, people have disagreement on what it means.  Personally, I think part of the misunderstanding is that we want to think that anyone who “hears” the word and has any response whatsoever is saved (i.e. stony and thorny ground), but this is not true.  Let’s take a look at these 4 soils.

Soil one:   Wayside Ground (unreceptive) Hard surfaces – due to constant foot traffic (seed does not penetrate).  Does not understand.  These are the people who obviously don’t receive – These people we know didn’t get saved.

Soil two:   Stony Ground (insincere-wrong motives) – Very shallow root system.  Immediately receives with joy/gladness, but when faith is tested ((tribulation/persecution), immediately falls away. These are those people who at first act like they have had a salvation experience, but time reveals their true spiritual state, and they too bear no fruit and soon fall away.

Soil three:  Thorny Ground – Cares (Lit. distractions) of this world, deceitful riches (Mark 4:19 adds “…desire for other things”) choke the seed and it becomes unfruitful (Luke 8:14 adds “…bring no fruit to maturity”).  These again look like they had a salvation experience, but they fade away and bring no fruit to maturity.

Soil four:   Good soil – Hears AND Understands (Luke 8:15 says, “…with a noble and good heart, keep it…”) Bear fruit, some 30, others 60, others 100.  Notice ALL on the Good soil 1. HEAR  2. UNDERSTANDS 3. KEEPS IT.  All good soil people hear, understand, and keep (i.e., bear fruit), though at different levels. Slow growth might be better than quick growth and crashing!!!

We have FOUR soils who heard the Gospel but only ONE soil was a changed life!!!

We need to face up to the fact that all who go to church aren’t saved, even all who “appear” to be saved aren’t saved!    Ex. Sheep (saved)/Goats (lost) both in the church – Matt. 25:32,33.  Wheat (saved)/Tares (lost)  again both are together, i.e. in the church – Matt. 13:36-43.  

Church doesn’t save you, no more than jumping into water makes you a fish.

I believe a good dose of severe persecution would purify the church and reveal true and false Christians – Rev.2:8-11

Preach it right:  

Getting a decision for Christ without preaching repentance, wrath (Rom. 1:18),guilt, hell is wrong.

Signs of a TRUE Convert:

A true convert will love the Word, love fellowship with other believers, love worship, care about the lost, etc.

Peter said, “to whom shall we go…” -  John 6:53-68

Without true conversion, you will go back to the world -  Some are falsely called backsliders, but were never  converted to start with.

True converts will FALL (slip) into sin – Gal. 6:1, but false converts DIVE into sin.

 Ray Comfort story:

A man comes late at night (3:00 am) to a  Senior Pastor’s house for counseling.  Then, when allowed in, he trys to kill the pastor with a 40-inch machette.  The next day another pastor says the man was a member in his church.  He says, “Another Christian doing that to a pastor.” Ray Comfort says, “Hold on a minute!”  We need to know that machete swinging, attempting to kill a pastor is a good indication that he is not a TRUE Christian.  We have to stop embracing everyone who names the name of Christ.  There are those who “claim Christ but have never been Born Again!”

We need to check our hearts.  Are you a true child of God (Christian), then you will BEAR FRUIT! 

Fruit will come forth in some portion.  It will vary in time to maturation and how much it yields – 30, 60, 100!

The bottom line is YOU WILL BEAR FRUIT IF YOU TRULY HAVE HAD A TRUE CONVERSION.

 May today’s word speak to your heart.  Feel free to pass it on to others who may be helped by it!

 Audio of this complete message as preached in Nigeria, Africa, is available at: www.sermon.net/biblefood

My prayer is that the Lord will use today’s message in your life and others,  forward or send this link to others – Thank you and God bless you (Eph. 1:3).

True Conversion – A Must Read!!!

 Note: Today’s devotion was inspired by a message I heard by Ray Comfort

The purpose of this teaching is NOT to scare you out of your salvation, but to help you have a clear presentation of the gospel and to give you an understanding that all who say they are “SAVED” may indeed not be saved, that’s why their lives have never changed. A life touched by Jesus is a changed life!

In all this I want the true believer to remember the keeping power of the LORD for His children.

John 10:28 (no one will snatch us out of His [God’s] hand)
Heb. 13:5 (I will NEVER leave you…)
Phil. 1:6 (…He has has begun a good work in you will complete it…)

Common Example: Someone said they were saved as a child, yet their lives never changed. Now they are living in the world with no intentions of changing, no conviction, no concern about their spiritual state . It can be false hope to think you are saved when you are not.  I’m not judging you, God’s Word does!!!

1. The purpose of the law (10 Commandments) in sharing the Gospel

This brings me to the first area of neglect that I feel is so important in ministering to the lost about Christ (I’m not saying it is the only way – but it is a scripture-based method). We need to use the law (especially the 10 Commandments) to show people their need of Christ.

James 2:10 says that no one keeps the law, thus, guilty of ALL. Rom. 3:19 tells us the Law holds ALL accountable/guilty (see 10 Commandments – Exo. 20), even those who maybe haven’t heard the 10 commandments. ALL have the law in them (written on their hearts). Rom. 2:14,15 

We want to see people come to a saving knowledge of Christ, but we haven’t shown them how very guilty they are before a Holy God. How can a man repent if he doesn’t know he is a sinner (guilty)?

Some have experienced a false salvation, as we see in Matt. 7:18-23
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth thewill of my Father which is in heaven.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name havecast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you (in the Greek it means not even once – (thus, it is not talking about a backslider): depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Paul hadn’t know sin except the law. (Rom. 7:7) Earlier he said in Rom. 7:4 – “…Dead to the law through Christ.”

I believe without the preaching of the law (that shows us that we are guilty before a Holy God) we have produced a group of people, not just in the world, BUT IN THE CHURCH, who are not saved, but deceived into a false salvation; thus, our churches lack the fear of God (no reverence, no awe, no trembling before God).

My final thought on the LAW is found in Gal. 3:24-25 – The Law is our schoolmaster/tutor. It won’t save you but point you to your need for Christ.

I love the following quote:
“THE LAW CAN ONLY CHASE A MAN TO CALVARY, NO FURTHER” (law can’t save you!) – D.L. Moody

2. True salvation will bring forth repentance and be followed by good fruit

While salvation is not of works (Eph. 2:8,9 & Titus 3:5), the outcome of a true conversion will be repentance and fruit.

If there is no true repentance, then there is no true salvation – Acts 3:19, 26:20, Matt. 3:8
If there is no fruit , then there is no Salvation.See – John 15:5, 16; Rom. 6:20-22
Rom.7:4 – Dead to the law – married to another – Jesus Christ —>Fruit unto God

What is the fruit of a true believer (partial list, not all inclusive)?

1. Matt. 3:8, Acts 3:19 – Fruit of REPENTANCE.

2. Col. 1:10, Titus 2;11-14, 3:8 – Fruit of GOOD WORKS.

3. Heb. 13:15 – Fruit of THANKSGIVING.

4. Gal. 5:22,23 – Fruit of the SPIRIT (love, joy, peace…).

5. Phil. 1:11, James 3;17-18 – Fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS (which results because of Christ in one’s life).

I end this blog with this short story:
It is said that years back two Russian guards rushed into a prayer meeting and said, “if you’re NOT ready to die for Christ, then get out of here, and half the church left. ” They did this as they themselves were Christians and wanted to separate the true Christians from the false.

CONCLUSION:

Examine yourself to see if you are in the faith!!! If not, and this message has touched you, repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Then, get grounded in a good Bible believing church – let me know if you don’t know the churches in your area, I’ll help you find one.

In a few days I will send out part 2 of 2 of this message.

Audio of this complete message as preached in Nigeria, Africa, is available at: www.sermon.net/biblefood “True Conversion – Making your Salvation Sure!”

Please mark follow me on my blog – Thanks!

WHAT DOES A CHARISMATIC REFORMED CHRISTIAN BELIEVE?

I am always desiring to grow in the knowledge of my Lord!

(II Cor. 3:18, Phil. 3:10, Phil. 1:6) AMEN!

  

I was recently asked the question, “… What is Conservative Charismatic Reformed?…

This should have been my first blog, but that’s okay, better explained here than not at all.

If you happened across this blog, you will likely fit into one of these categories:

1. Finally, you feel you are not alone being that YOU are also Charismatic and Reformed. I pray this blog becomes a blessing to you and that you follow it and tell others about it.

BTW – Actually there are 1000’s of Charismatic Reformed believers out there, some quite well-known – That’s another blog for another time 

 2. You are Charismatic Only and think I have departed from truth,not being only Charismatic (and  wonder how I could do such a thing).  BTW – This means I don’t believe in the Arminian beliefs of the Charismatics (if you are a Charismatic you may not even know you are Arminian – but you are!). 

NOTE: Time for the Charismatics to stop looking at their Charismatic leaders and start studying the Bible and Church History for themselves written by someone not in their Charismatic Circle!!!   Read a book by a famous Reformer!  NOTE: I spent more time here because this was me for about two decades.

 3. You are Reformed Only and you will think I am spiritually schizophrenic  and will pray for me – Thanks  or possibly condemn me     

BTW – A lot of you are my friends!

 4. You are Not Charismatic, and Not Reformed  you, too, will likely wonder how someone could believe in either Charismatic Doctrine or Reformed Doctrine.  You need to do some open-minded, serious Biblical research  – BTW – A lot of you are my friends, too.

 I think anyone reading this blog will get some insight from this and will either love it or hate it.  That’s okay as part of my Bible beliefs teach God’s divine providence, which means He had you come here for a reason 

 So back to the question asked of me “… What is Conservative Charismatic Reformed?…

 This was (and is) my answer:

 I will first look at the “Conservative Charismatic” part of my beliefs. I believe the spiritual gifts (including tongues) have not ceased with the early church, but continue on today. They are often used excessively and outside of the guidelines of scripture, and also include over emphasis to spiritual manifestations to the detriment/devaluing of the Word of God, thus “Conservative Charismatic”.

I add in “Reformed” to include those who teach the “Doctrines of Grace” and are a product of the Reformation, though some years removed and doctrinally different in areas from Martin Luther (father of the Reformation) such as John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, etc.  But I believe these men just saw into Biblical truths that were hidden during the dark ages, so it is not a man made doctrine and actually goes back to “what does the Bible say”.

I recently came across another brother who is Reformed AND Charismatic .

His blog is: http://randomreformed.wordpress.com/

 He defines a person who is Reformed and Charismatic with such ideal wording that it will become my brief statement of faith for this and other related sites (with his permission).

Here it is:

He states “…I’m a “reformed charismatic”.  Even I find it a little difficult to explain what that means, but I’ll give it a try:

• I affirm the so-called “Doctrines of Grace”, more widely known as “Calvinism”, of the total depravity of man, the unconditional election of God’s chosen, the limited atonement – or particular redemption – of Jesus Christ, the irresistibility of grace, and the perseverance (or preservation) of the saints.  Put shortly, salvation is of God and God alone.  Salvation is TOTALLY monergistic, meaning that it is a work of God alone.
•  
• I affirm the “five solas”:
  • Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone – the Bible is our ultimate authority and is in itself authoritative, deriving none of its authority from man.
  • Sola Fide – Faith alone – We are saved by grace through faith alone; works serve no purpose in our salvation itself.
  • Sola Gratia – Grace alone – Our salvation is only by the grace and mercy of our loving God.  We cannot earn or merit this salvation; it is the gift of God alone.
  • Solus Christus – Christ alone – There is no other name in the heavens or on earth by which men are saved, only the name of Jesus Christ.
  • Soli Deo Gloria – God’s glory alone – All that is, all that was, and all that ever will be exists solely for the glory of God, that His majesty, justice, love, grace, and mercy shall be made known.
•  
• I affirm the position of continuationism – that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit – such as tongues, prophecy, and healing to name a few – are active and available to believers today, as God chooses to bestow them.
•  
• I am fiercely Trinitarian; God is one in essence, yet three in personhood.  God has eternally existed in these Three – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 
• I affirm the centrality of the cross of Christ.  Jesus’ atoning, substitutionary death on the cross has redeemed us to God and is all that is needed to be in right standing with God (justified).
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• I affirm that sanctification (holiness) is a progressive process that starts at the salvation of the believer and continues until the believer dies and is ushered into God’s presence or until Jesus returns to restore all things unto Himself.

So this is what my brother in Christ (his in blue) and I mean when we put the words “Charismatic” and “Reformed” together.   I hope that helps some of you understand where I’m coming from and where I’m going with this blog.  Hope you’ll be back!

To put it even simpler.

 I am a Bible-believing Christian who wants to continually be growing in the knowledge of my Lord (II Cor. 3:18, Phil. 3:10, Phil. 1:6) AMEN!

   On the lighter side – I hope this cartoon can get a smile out of you! 

Our Jesus reigns – Let’s love one another!