4 Reasons Why I Dislike Hyper-Calvinism more than Arminianism

Today I was pondering evangelism because I’m going to be teaching on the subject soon. I was thinking of my upbringing  which was basically Arminian,  I grew up at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. I am happy to say that saw much fruit from that place. I was introduced to Jesus, taught the importance of scripture [...]

My critique of the Hunt vs Pipa debate on the Atonement

Well, today I listened to the Hunt vs Pipa debate on the atonement. Let me say that I grew up in Calvary Chapel circles, so Dave Hunt is very familiar to me obviously. I have great respect toword him for exposing many dangers facing the Church. Unfortnately he lables Calvinism as a dangerous doctrine and [...]

The Surprising Fingerprints of John Calvin on Pentecostal Theology of the Lord’s Supper, Sanctification, and Polity

Growing up Pentecostal and still considering myself a “neo-Pentecostal” of sorts, I wish to honor Calvin’s influence upon Pentecostal theology in this the year of his 500th birthday. I see his influences mostly in regards to the  Lord’s Supper, Sanctification, and Ecclesiology.
First, in regards to the Lord’s Supper, note the following from “Foundations of Pentecostal [...]

New Calvinism and Holy Hip Hop

I just finished listening to a 9Marks Audio installment where Mark Dever interview Christian hip hop artists shai linne and Voice.  I’ve heard shai linne’s “Atonement Q&A” before; it’s something like a rap catechism that’s part of his album “The Atonement.”  Shai and Voice are both theologically Reformed, and they view their work as a [...]

Why Young Folks Are Turning to Reformed Worship

This is a brief quote from the article, “Young, Restless, and Reformed” (link).
“If there’s an appeal to students, it’s that we’re not playing around,” Hughes said. “We’re not entertaining them. This is life and death. My sense is that’s what they’re interested in, even from an old man.”
I know this article and quote are old, [...]

Four Reformed Views of Christ and Culture

Kevin DeYoung links to an article by Ray Pennings about how four different Reformed camps think about the ancient question of Christian engagement in culture.  It’s short but interesting.  I’m a little surprised by the names that Pennings gives to the camps, but it looks like he explains them in a print-edition only article of [...]

A Journey With John Calvin, “Man’s Full Culpability”

Two selections from Calvin’s Institutes:
This corrupt procedure is admirably described by Paul, when he says, that “thinking to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:22). He had previously said that “they became vain in their imaginations,” but lest any should suppose them blameless, he afterwards adds that they were deservedly blinded, because, not contented with [...]

John Calvin: The Pentecostal???

This is an article from a scholar that I have much respect for, Dr. Ben Witherington, who in turn gives much respect to John Calvin even if Witherington is Weselyan. Note that Calvin may have spoken in tongues. I have bold and italicized the section which make reference to such.
John Calvin is Old, and Not [...]

John Wesley: a “hairs breadth” from Calvinism, a mile away from modern Wesleyanism?

For those who don’t know, I pastor a Church located in a strong Nazarene community. Nampa, Idaho houses Northwest Nazarene University and several large Nazarene Churches. The Nazarene church roots itself in the Wesleyan tradition. As I have gotten to know the lay of the land, many people have expressed to me their griefs [...]

American hermeneutics and slavery

After chronicling the Americanization of Calvinist and Methodist theology, Mark Noll in America’s God turns to American biblical hermeneutics, the way that Americans read the Bible, in Chapters 18-20.  Noll argues that the American approach to Scripture in this period also came from both their Protestant heritage and their revolutionary/early national circumstances.  Noll has argued [...]

Book Review of “Predestination and Free Will: Four Views”

This book is toooooo short to address this issue fairly from 4 different perspectives. I will only say that I was surprisingly appreciative of Bruce Reichenbach of Augsburg College attempt to define his views, but still reject it at the end of the day. BTW, he articulated God’s foreknowledge of future free events (Traditional Arminianism/Wesleyan). [...]

Calvinism in China

Andrew Brown, blogging at the Guardian’s website, writes about his conversation with Rev. Dr. May Tan, who seems to be a Chinese Christian from Singapore.  She explained that Reformed Christianity is growing rapidly in China among university students, which contrasts with the growth of Pentecostalism among the poor of Africa and Latin America.

And in China, [...]

Reformed, Charismatic, Credo-Baptists Taking Over “Calvinist” Banner?

In Time’s article highlighting the “New Calvinism”, it is interesting to note that all such folks mentioned in the modern  ”Calvinistic” scene are all “credo-baptists” (those who believe in baptizing only those who actually profess Christ as Lord). Those mentioned were:

John Piper
Al Mohler
Mark Driscoll
Justin Taylor’s “Between Two Worlds” Blog

I’m not trying to drive a stake [...]

Calvinists En Vogue?

Time Magazine just released the 10 ideas that are most changing the WORLD right now. #3 on the list was…ummm prepare yourself, we’re talking about the World, not just the Church, not just America, but the third most important idea changing the world….okay I have been redundant. It is….drum roll…
“The New Calvinism”

3. The New Calvinism
By DAVID [...]

Ray Ortlund Jr. is “Truly Reformed” in the Manner I Myself Seek

The following article was written by Ray Ortland and can be found at his blog: http://christisdeeperstill.blogspot.com/

Truly Reformed
I believe in the sovereignty of God, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Solas of the Reformation, I believe that grace precedes faith in regeneration. Theologically, I am Reformed. Sociologically, I am simply a Christian – or at least [...]

“Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound that Saved a Wretch Like Me” vs. “Prevenient Grace, How Fair the Sound, that calls all Sinners Equally”

I don’t want to be totally obnoxious…but I was thinking about the beloved Hymn “Amazing Grace” and was wondering how a theological Arminian could really sing it.
Traditional Arminian theology believes in “prevenient grace”…essentially meaning that God exerts a measure of grace towards all sinners. Some would even say that God works equally in His grace [...]

Bezalel “Endued” by the Holy Spirit for Beautifying and Creating Culture + Thoughts on Reformed, Dispensational, Cessationist, Pentecostal/Charismatic Spirituality and Piety

What does God do when He wants beautiful craftsmanship?  Pours out His Holy Spirit
How does God increase IQ? Holy Spirit
How does God increase ability? Holy Spirit
How does God increase ones artistic ability? Holy Spirit
How does God equip Teachers for His people? Holy Spirit
At least, this is the obvious conclusion for God’s intended purpose of filling Bezalel [...]

Top 10 Reasons Why Calvinists Should Show More Humility

 
It is unfortunate that many Calvinists have established a stereotype of being arrogant, mean, and snobby about their theological convictions. It is for this reason that I do believe a recently converted Calvinist should be locked in a closet for a few months before speaking to anyone or commit themselves to these 10 truths and [...]

Apocalyptic Determinism = God is in Control

As I continue to work through my thesis research, I have come across a reoccurring phrase, “apocalyptic determinism”. Translated into simple language, it means “God is in control of what He is going to do”. It is the foundation for apocalyptic literature that God is in control of the future.
Some folks have a tough time [...]

“Emotional Calvinism” reaching Muslims in Turkey

                    
I was pleased that Christianity Today focused an article on Christianity in Turkey, “Jesus in Turkey” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/january/12.25.html?start=2). The article notes that Turkey is rich in the Christian tradition as the Apostle Paul planted churches there and such. When it came under Islamic rule in 1453, the percentage of Christians started to decrease. Recently, Turkey has [...]

Music Review of “LeCrae”…Calvinist Rapper Getting Crunk with Puritan John Owen, John Piper, and more…WOW!!!

 

http://www.myspace.com/Lecrae
Just listened to LeCrae’s most recent album, “When the Music Stops”. Besides getting “crunk” myself while listening, I was periodically doing double-takes with my ears as I heard some of the following words proceed from his lyrics:
“John Owen”, “Predestination”, “God’s Sovereignty”, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t”, “Missional” and MUCH MUCH more.

Movie Review of “The Guardian”, A Glorious Picture of Particular Atonement

This video gives the movie away as does what I am about to say. Kevin Costner willingly died to save Ashton Kutcher. The only consolation for Costner was to know that he was indeed giving his life to save the life of another.
Jesus, likewise, went to the cross with His sheep [...]

Book Review of John Algera’s “Signs and Wonders: A Reformed Look at the Spirit’s Ongoing Work”

A Decent Primer for Reformed Folks

I appreciate Algera’s contribution to the church in that it serves as an introductory primer for folks mainly within a RCA, CRC, or reformed background. It is easily readable and is intended for the common layreader. He intentionally connects themes with the Heidelberg Catechism and Belgic Confession, which makes it [...]