“No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief.” ~ John Calvin on Acts 2:21
There’s really a madness to my message here. One of greatest distractions, at least in my denomination, to the unity and fellowship of believers will usually find this man’s name somewhere in the mix.
In reality though, the body has been arguing over this thing called ‘free will’ for a very long time, much farther back into history than of even Mr. Calvin.
Some of these arguments have led to major divisions and severe persecution, where the disagreeing party standing against the majority status of the day faced emotional and physical punishment. In our day, it usually brings only slander and cruel words, but none the less, wrong treatment of others.
Do you think we can love our dogmas more than we love people… more than we love Jesus? There’s no doubt as to the urgency of truth, especially regarding the authentic gospel. I get that. Still, can we go to far with it?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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mtsweat
There are points on which we cannot compromise – the authority of the Word, the deity of Christ and the total efficacy of the atonement, but even these should always be debated with love and respect and a burden for the one who is misled.
Other points, such as free will, election, eschatology etc should also be debated with love and respect. We can all learn from another’s viewpoint, but love of self and self-thought will prevent us from learning and from experiencing the blessings of the Lord as we study His Word.
“Do you think we can love our dogmas more than we love people… more than we love Jesus?” Wow, I love this. True statement! I recently did a series of posts on Calvin & predestination (http://thevoiceofone.org/2013/09/23/predestined-controversy-part-2/). Though a hot topic, people left thoughtful comments. Being able to discuss & (at times) disagree respectfully can be a greater victory for the church than winning doctrinal squabbles.
My two rules (based on what Jesus said in the Bible): love God, love people. If we have something against people, then there is something standing between us and God. If we loved more and judged less, imagine the souls we could win for Jesus Christ. Great reminder. Sandy
Love your rules. Nothing need be added to those… amen.
Thanks again for another “goodun.” Blessings MT!
Thanks Keith, many blessings to you too brother.
Good questions to ask ourselves. Wait…better yet…goof questions for me to ask me. If I love The Lord with ALL my heart, soul, mind, strength, will….and then love my neighbor as easily and completely as I love myself…there isn’t much room for me to love anything else. If I fill up all the brokedness with love…in me…in others…maybe we both will be much closer to…whole.
Forgiven much, Love more. Stay alert, ready to obey:
…with a loving heart,
…through loving choices,
…for the love of the One who loved first.
As Jesus loved, love. TMLPIT
Paul’s valid description of love must be placed in context with the Lord’s rebukeathons and the reason for His rebukeathons.
True, very true. …Love loves the truth.