Predestination

[Free]

You are not allowed to tell anyone here that they are wrong. It’s a rule here. So that’s out. True or not play no role.

Non-Calvinists have been constantly doing this, so why do you only call out those you disagree with? Besides, personal insults aren't allowed either:

"From observation based on what the adherents say, either a hardness of the heart occurs or they commit intellectual suicide and turn off the brain so that they needn’t consider this problem."

You do not understand those who don’t subscribe to your theology it seems. You say things of us we DO NOT think. Do you want to understand what we think or have you made your mind what we think?

Again, non-Calvinists have been constantly doing this, so why do you only call out those you disagree with?

Secondly, those who are “predestined to be confirmed to the image of Christ” do not justify their returning insult for insult, something Christ NEVER did. That you think this is OK is telling.

At least you acknowledge their was an initial insult to respond to. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

 

[Iconoclast]

Wondering

[3. Have you read the Institutes?]

I have the institutes and use them more for reference to check when others quote him out of context, more often than not. I have an extensive library of some of the best books written outside of the bible .

[Do you go through one of the Confessions on your own, with no commentary to arrive at your own conclusion?]
No....The Confessions were mostly written before I was born.
Do I feel I have to re-invent the wheel? No...i will use those in place.
Now as to what you are asking....here is an execise I have recommended for people..take the 1689 Confession of faith....the topics.
Without looking at it....write your own, just using your bible and your own words and verses as proofs.
I do not think any one here is going to say as much, as biblically accurate, in fewer words.
try it,

1. Of the Holy Scriptures
2. Of God and the Holy Trinity
3. Of God's Decree
4. Of Creation
5. Of Divine Providence
6. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the punishment thereof
7. Of God's Covenant
8. Of Christ the Mediator
9. Of Free Will
10. Of Effectual Calling
11. Of Justification
12. Of Adoption
13. Of Sanctification
14. Of Saving Faith
15. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
16. Of Good Works
17. Of the Perseveraance of the Saints
18. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation
19. Of the Law of God
20. Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace thereof
21. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience
22. Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
23. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
24. Of the Civil Magistrate
25. Of Marriage
26. Of the Church
27. Of the Communion of Saints
28. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
29. Of Baptism
30. Of the Lord's Supper
31. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
32. Of the Last Judgement

[4. Too much writing about what non-calvinists believe... so this causes you not to Listen to what I'm posting because you just throw all of us "arminians" into the batch.]

Did it ever occur to you Calvinists have read and understood Jn.3:16? Or that we have read and considered those who oppose it?

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Non-Calvinists have been constantly doing this, so why do you only call out those you disagree with? Besides, personal insults aren't allowed either:

"From observation based on what the adherents say, either a hardness of the heart occurs or they commit intellectual suicide and turn off the brain so that they needn’t consider this problem."


Again, non-Calvinists have been constantly doing this, so why do you only call out those you disagree with?


At least you acknowledge their was an initial insult to respond to. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

No comment.

 

[Iconoclast]

Non-Calvinists have been constantly doing this, so why do you only call out those you disagree with? Besides, personal insults aren't allowed either:

"From observation based on what the adherents say, either a hardness of the heart occurs or they commit intellectual suicide and turn off the brain so that they needn’t consider this problem."


Again, non-Calvinists have been constantly doing this, so why do you only call out those you disagree with?


At least you acknowledge their was an initial insult to respond to. Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Thank you FREE for being objective enough to point out we are similar in our conduct.

 

[Free]

Thank you FREE for being objective enough to point out we are similar in our conduct.

Not that anyone should be insulting anyone else or otherwise violating the ToS...

 

[GodsGrace]

Wondering

[3. Have you read the Institutes?]

I have the institutes and use them more for reference to check when others quote him out of context, more often than not. I have an extensive library of some of the best books written outside of the bible .

[Do you go through one of the Confessions on your own, with no commentary to arrive at your own conclusion?]
No....The Confessions were mostly written before I was born.
Do I feel I have to re-invent the wheel? No...i will use those in place.
Now as to what you are asking....here is an execise I have recommended for people..take the 1689 Confession of faith....the topics.
Without looking at it....write your own, just using your bible and your own words and verses as proofs.
I do not think any one here is going to say as much, as biblically accurate, in fewer words.
try it,

1. Of the Holy Scriptures
2. Of God and the Holy Trinity
3. Of God's Decree
4. Of Creation
5. Of Divine Providence
6. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the punishment thereof
7. Of God's Covenant
8. Of Christ the Mediator
9. Of Free Will
10. Of Effectual Calling
11. Of Justification
12. Of Adoption
13. Of Sanctification
14. Of Saving Faith
15. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
16. Of Good Works
17. Of the Perseveraance of the Saints
18. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation
19. Of the Law of God
20. Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace thereof
21. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience
22. Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
23. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
24. Of the Civil Magistrate
25. Of Marriage
26. Of the Church
27. Of the Communion of Saints
28. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
29. Of Baptism
30. Of the Lord's Supper
31. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
32. Of the Last Judgement

[4. Too much writing about what non-calvinists believe... so this causes you not to Listen to what I'm posting because you just throw all of us "arminians" into the batch.]

Did it ever occur to you Calvinists have read and understood Jn.3:16? Or that we have read and considered those who oppose it?

Iconoclast,
I came upon this by chance. Maybe you did 1 and 2 from my list too.
Please TAG a member or they will never see your reply and sometimes you might think the other member never replied to you when, in fact, he never even saw the post.

Use the @ plus the person's name. If you do it right, it'll look like this:

wondering

 

[Dorothy Mae]

Not that anyone should be insulting anyone else or otherwise violating the ToS...

Why should today be different?

 

[Free]

Why should today be different?

Never said it was. It's all in the ToS. Let's just leave it at that, shall we?

 

[GodsGrace]

Wondering

[3. Have you read the Institutes?]

I have the institutes and use them more for reference to check when others quote him out of context, more often than not. I have an extensive library of some of the best books written outside of the bible .

[Do you go through one of the Confessions on your own, with no commentary to arrive at your own conclusion?]
No....The Confessions were mostly written before I was born.
Do I feel I have to re-invent the wheel? No...i will use those in place.
Now as to what you are asking....here is an execise I have recommended for people..take the 1689 Confession of faith....the topics.
Without looking at it....write your own, just using your bible and your own words and verses as proofs.
I do not think any one here is going to say as much, as biblically accurate, in fewer words.
try it,

I use the Institutes and the WCF.
I'm very careful about understanding what persons say and what they believe.
I must say that there are calvinists with slightly differing beliefs, but the main beliefs are accepted by mostly all - except for Limited Atonement; there is different theology about that so I go by what the person states they believe.

I'm also very familiar with RC Sproul, John Piper and John MaCarthur.
If I don't hear them specifically state something I DO NOT POST IT. I don't make up what I post.
I can't remember who called me dishonest on one of these threads. AFTER I posted videos. This is not what I'm used to and will not post to persons like this. It's just too humiliating.

1. Of the Holy Scriptures
2. Of God and the Holy Trinity
3. Of God's Decree
4. Of Creation
5. Of Divine Providence
6. Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the punishment thereof
7. Of God's Covenant
8. Of Christ the Mediator
9. Of Free Will
10. Of Effectual Calling
11. Of Justification
12. Of Adoption
13. Of Sanctification
14. Of Saving Faith
15. Of Repentance unto Life and Salvation
16. Of Good Works
17. Of the Perseveraance of the Saints
18. Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation
19. Of the Law of God
20. Of the Gospel and the Extent of Grace thereof
21. Of Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience
22. Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day
23. Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
24. Of the Civil Magistrate
25. Of Marriage
26. Of the Church
27. Of the Communion of Saints
28. Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper
29. Of Baptism
30. Of the Lord's Supper
31. Of the State of Man after Death, and of the Resurrection of the Dead
32. Of the Last Judgement

I could respond to all of the above. So?
I think of the WCF as I think of the CCC - I happen to know Catholic doctrine.
There's a lot in the CCC that is just beautiful and should apply to every Christian.
Then there are teachings that are beyond what the bible taught...but at least they admit to using other sources; the ECFs - which is not such a bad idea, BTW.

Calvinists use persons too...but they teach doctrine that is gnostic in nature - predestination is a gnostic belief that was abolished from the early church within decades after Jesus ascended.

It doesn't matter if the 1689 uses short paragraphs to explain deep concepts - it matters that they are biblically correct. I don't believe all of them are.

[4. Too much writing about what non-calvinists believe... so this causes you not to Listen to what I'm posting because you just throw all of us "arminians" into the batch.]

Did it ever occur to you Calvinists have read and understood Jn.3:16? Or that we have read and considered those who oppose it?

You yourself told me what John 3:16 means to you.
We don't agree on what it means.
Instead of reading it SIMPLY, you put your spin on it.
We would never agree on what it means.

 

[GodsGrace]

Iconoclast

Sorry to bother you about this but the way you reply makes it difficult to differentiate between what YOU write and what the other member writes.

Do you need help on this?

Use the REPLY button at the lower right hand side.
Go to the end of the sentence you wish to reply to.
Use the ENTER key...to create some space.
Write what you want to write.

Continue on down, etc.

 

[Iconoclast]

Wondering

[5. I keep hearing I don't know calvinism. There's a disconnect between calvinism and how you THINK of it. There's a layer of sweet sugar thrown upon its teachings or you could not but be horrified by this God of calvinism if you would open your mind to it.]

You keep hearing that because when you want to be critical of it [which you have a right to] You hardly give an accurate view of it first, then be critical of it.
If a cal posts a link to the 1689cof...then quote it , word by word...THEN..OFFER WHAT YOU BELIEVE. How about try that, and see what happens ?

[6. I make a statement, asked to prove it because I'm dishonest, i post the actual persons saying it on YOUTUBE! and it's still not enough! So how would You feel?]

I give you credit for that attempt. Many felt you did not understand what they were saying so you put your own spin on it.

 

[GodsGrace]

[I ran through what you posted.
I won't be contributing to this thread although I would like to and here's why...]

Okay...lets see what you offer here.

[1. It's truly impossible to have a reasonable and intelligent conversation with you and I don't want anymore personal insults.]
Wondering......do you think that goes both ways? If you offer some sarcasm, or disparaging comments...should you be shocked when you receive some "return fire"?

I might get sarcastic now and then but I do not make disparaging comments.
I do my very best to address the topic at hand and not the person. I don't even know the person, why would I attack them?

If you are going to poke a stick in the eyes of Calvinists with comments that question their salvation, or their knowledge, I do not think you should be upset if it comes back to you.

I NEVER question someone's salvation. You're getting me mixed up with someone else. Poking sticks in people's eyes probably doesn't work to well either.
I also do not question someone's knowledge although I have asked a member or two to please study a topic more but I won't give examples - it's never done to belittle.

What comes back to me is that I state what calvinism teaches - and I'm told that's not what it teaches.
I've really become tired of this which is why I post very little in calvinist threads these days.

On the other thread about cultural interaction we went back and forth pleasantly.
Why was that? If you look...there was not offensive attack either way.
I can do that, and in fact prefer that as being more biblical 2 tim2:24-26.
As a truck driver ,I can also do the other way, and can get under your skin, if that is what you want. Sadly, I can do that very well. Let's put it this way. A sincere, non attacking question will get a sincere biblical response. You might not "like" the answer, but it will be honest.

I'm always like I was on the cultural interaction thread. You just didn't feel attacked because we agree a lot on that topic. The attitude should always be the same, whether one agrees or not. In fact it's one of the Terms of Service. There is no need for unpleasantness.

2. I see now where some of the problem lies...
You read a lot from persons that explain away the illogical beliefs of calvinism. I read a lot too,why do we arrive at different conclusions?
Indoctrination.]

Since I was first saved, I always read the bible first, make my own outlines first.
I cross reference as many other verses as I can to let the bible interpret itself.
Before I knew or heard anything about doctrine, church history, Calvin, Arminius, puritans, reformers, I believed the core of what is known as Calvinism.
Reading eph 1. told me God is God, He is in complete control, and we are not God, and we are not in complete control.

That sounds good.
Except you understand this to mean that we have no free will.
And it doesn't state that.

Eph 4 says gave has given Pastors and teachers...they are men. A teacher has students.
I have taught in 4 churches. If a more gifted person comes, I shut up, sit down, and listen to him.
When I would prepare a lesson, I made my own notes.

I've done the same but to children and their parents.
But you always taught in reformed churches - sometimes the sentences sound the same, but they're not.

Then my first line of follow up is to see if Spurgeon preached on the main text I am using.
Almost every time he saw something that never crossed my mind. I add that to my previous understanding. Sometimes I have to change or modify what I believe.
That is healthy...it is growing in grace, not indoctrination.

But you're using Spurgeon. He was reformed.
I listen to many calvinists. There's a new one I like but I can't think of his name right now.
Do YOU ever listen to non-calvinists?
Maybe this is the difference and why the two camps have a problem speaking to each other.
I'll tell you this: The reformed have excellent speakers and church leaders.
I think we're missing this.

 

[GodsGrace]

Wondering

[5. I keep hearing I don't know calvinism. There's a disconnect between calvinism and how you THINK of it. There's a layer of sweet sugar thrown upon its teachings or you could not but be horrified by this God of calvinism if you would open your mind to it.]

You keep hearing that because when you want to be critical of it [which you have a right to] You hardly give an accurate view of it first, then be critical of it.
If a cal posts a link to the 1689cof...then quote it , word by word...THEN..OFFER WHAT YOU BELIEVE. How about try that, and see what happens ?

[6. I make a statement, asked to prove it because I'm dishonest, i post the actual persons saying it on YOUTUBE! and it's still not enough! So how would You feel?]

I give you credit for that attempt. Many felt you did not understand what they were saying so you put your own spin on it.

I am critical of calvinism. But I don't think I'm MEAN when I speak about it.
I believe calvinism changes the character of God. I thinks this is blasphemous..it's calling a good being evil.

I understand very well what Piper and MaCarthur and Sproul teach. Sproul is softer but ends up saying the same.
Piper and MaCarthur said God creates evil through the entire VIDEO.
Plus it's there, what more could I do?

Plus, it's in the Institutes, I've posted it many times.
Plus, it's common sense. IF God created EVERYTHING, even the directon the particles in the air take (as Piper says many times) then of course He created evil too - or, where did it come from?

 

[Iconoclast]

@wondering

{I could respond to all of the above. So?}

I did not ask if you could respond to it did I?
I asked if you could write your own , just using a note pad, your bible, and what you know'
In other words...could you improve upon it?

It doesn't matter if the 1689 uses short paragraphs to explain deep concepts - it matters that they are biblically correct. I don't believe all of them are.

Take a section of it go line by line, show where it is off...like this;

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification​

1._____ They who are united to Christ,

effectually called,

and regenerated,

having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection,

are also farther sanctified, really and personally,

through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them;



the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,


and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,


and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,

to the practice of all true holiness,

without which no man shall see the Lord.
( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 )

which line or phrase in totally wrong? go ahead...quote the line and offer your correction if you can.
I do not think you or anyone else can do it.

 

[Iconoclast]

Iconoclast

Sorry to bother you about this but the way you reply makes it difficult to differentiate between what YOU write and what the other member writes.

Do you need help on this?

Use the REPLY button at the lower right hand side.
Go to the end of the sentence you wish to reply to.

ok

Use the ENTER key...to create some space.
Write what you want to write.

Continue on down, etc.

that helps...I never learned to type ,thanks
On my previous posts, I put the person in black type, my answers were in blue, purple or red

 

[Iconoclast]

I might get sarcastic now and then but I do not make disparaging comments.
I do my very best to address the topic at hand and not the person. I don't even know the person, why would I attack them?



I NEVER question someone's salvation. You're getting me mixed up with someone else. Poking sticks in people's eyes probably doesn't work to well either.
I also do not question someone's knowledge although I have asked a member or two to please study a topic more but I won't give examples - it's never done to belittle.

What comes back to me is that I state what calvinism teaches - and I'm told that's not what it teaches.
I've really become tired of this which is why I post very little in calvinist threads these days.



I'm always like I was on the cultural interaction thread. You just didn't feel attacked because we agree a lot on that topic. The attitude should always be the same, whether one agrees or not. In fact it's one of the Terms of Service. There is no need for unpleasantness.

wondering

That sounds good.

Except you understand this to mean that we have no free will.
And it doesn't state that.

Free Will if you even do a google search....is a false carnal philosophy. It is NOT biblical, no matter what theology you hold...Again...your will is bound by your nature.

But you're using Spurgeon. He was reformed.

W.....there is a reason he was reformed...the word, and Spirit. Reformed people are Christians. You speak of it as if it was an epidemic.
I have seen where some non-reformed people are a fine example of walking as believers, and I have seen where some reformed error by being the frozen chosen.
In Reformed Baptist churches that gets rebuked when it surfaces.
Have you had a chance to read Spurgeon?

Spurgeon's SermonsScripture Indexes

I listen to many calvinists. There's a new one I like but I can't think of his name right now.

Steve Lawson?

Do YOU ever listen to non-calvinists?

I am temporarily out of work these last few weeks, taking care of a work-related injury, testing and rehab. When I drive for 70 hours a week, sometimes I listen on the radio to these other men to see what is going on. Sometimes I have listened on purpose to the best of those who oppose what i believe, examing to see if they can offer biblical correction. If a person wants truth, they must attempt to do this. I have done it. I can oppose calvinists more than most non-cals could.

I use www.sermonaudio all the time it has 2.5 million free sermons online ,for free.
A two gb flash drive holds around 130-140 sermons on it, then you can delete and re use it.

Maybe this is the difference and why the two camps have a problem speaking to each other.
I'll tell you this: The reformed have excellent speakers and church leaders.
I think we're missing this.

I have taught in a non-cal baptist church as recently as 4 years ago. A handful of people knew I was a reformed baptist, but sadly many did not even know what I would consider basics of faith.
I taught them about Jesus. I taught the doctrines of grace as it would appear in the texts, but did not use sophisticated theological terms...just plain speech.
We are out in the country slightly. It is simple folk mostly.I do not feel any need to try and impress or indoctrinate. I presented accurately the main ideas held by professing Christians, but with a certain bias I am sure.

 

[Iconoclast]

I am critical of calvinism. But I don't think I'm MEAN when I speak about it.

You are not the worst, some tell out right lies.

I believe calvinism changes the character of God. I thinks this is blasphemous..it's calling a good being evil.

Calvinists start with the premise that we worship, a Holy Just God, who is perfect even within The teaching known as Calvinism.
Of course we believe Calvinism, is simply bible teaching fully expounded and understood.
When you and others make such charges.. they are rejected for that reason...If you or others could offer biblical correction we would listen, but you cannot.
In fact when we turn the tables and show how what non cals suggest is actually dishonoring to God and His word...we get accused of being unloving or rude, when in fact we speak the truth in love.
W....when you tell a JW, who denies the Trinity that he has the wrong God, are you being unloving, or Truthful ? If he then says...you are rude, or look, you are violating the terms of service...is he right?

I understand very well what Piper and MaCarthur and Sproul teach. Sproul is softer but ends up saying the same.
Piper and MaCarthur said God creates evil through the entire VIDEO.
Plus it's there, what more could I do?

Nothing exists outside of God, but Isa45:7 allows for what God has ordained to come to pass by second causes...God never sins, God never makes someone sin.
Do you understand this?

 

[GodsGrace]

I did not ask if you could respond to it did I?
I asked if you could write your own , just using a note pad, your bible, and what you know'
In other words...could you improve upon it?

Take a section of it go line by line, show where it is off...like this;

I'll just do this right now....I don't have a lot of time unfortunately.

Chapter 13: Of Sanctification​

1._____ They who are united to Christ,

Those who are being sanctified (or are sanctified) are indeed united to Christ.

effectually called,

and regenerated,

I don't believe in two different types of calling, one which would be effectual...
God calling, as predestined, those who are going to be saved by His choice.

And regenerated - I'd have to ask you WHEN is a person regenerated?
Before or after salvation?

You see Iconoclast, everything sounds just right and perfect,
except that I know what words mean in the calvinist theology -
EFFECTUAL CALLING
and
REGENERATED
do not mean the same as for other denominations.

having a new heart and a new spirit created in them through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection,

are also farther sanctified, really and personally,

through the same virtue, by His Word and Spirit dwelling in them;

I can agree with this, the Holy Spirit dwelling in us gives us the strength to obey God.
In the first sentence the "created in them" gives me a small problem, I'd have to look that up in the BCF or whichever one you used.
I have the WCF right here.

the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed,


and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified,

I don't believe the body of sin (the sin nature) is destroyed but is weakened.
Different denominations debate this and it is not exclusively calvinistic in nature.

and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces,

to the practice of all true holiness,

without which no man shall see the Lord.
( Acts 20:32; Romans 6:5, 6; John 17:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 1:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14 )

Agreed.

which line or phrase in totally wrong? go ahead...quote the line and offer your correction if you can.
I do not think you or anyone else can do it.

Those that have studied calvinism can catch words others cannot.
What did I post that YOU don't agree with?

 

[GodsGrace]

ok

that helps...I never learned to type ,thanks
On my previous posts, I put the person in black type, my answers were in blue, purple or red

I know and that's a lot of work for you too.
Hope you try the other way...

 

[GodsGrace]

wondering


Free Will if you even do a google search....is a false carnal philosophy. It is NOT biblical, no matter what theology you hold...Again...your will is bound by your nature.

No need to google search free will. Man does not have free will to fly for instance.
We're not talking about philosophical free will.
We're talking about BIBLICAL FREE WILL. No need to go on and on about this.
Biblically speaking, free will just means the possibility to choose between two moral options.

In calvinism we have to discuss compatibalist free will because of the fact that you deny that man has free will.
Describe compatibalist free will.
HOW do you understand it. Then I'll tell you how those of us on the other side understand it.

W.....there is a reason he was reformed...the word, and Spirit. Reformed people are Christians. You speak of it as if it was an epidemic.

No, what I said is that if you ONLY read the reformed, that is what you will think.
You must know the other side too.
I NEVER said they aren't Christian.
Please don't put words in my mouth, it just wastes a lot of time when I have to correct you.

I have seen where some non-reformed people are a fine example of walking as believers, and I have seen where some reformed error by being the frozen chosen.
In Reformed Baptist churches that gets rebuked when it surfaces.
Have you had a chance to read Spurgeon?

Spurgeon's SermonsScripture Indexes

What is the frozen chosen? People that don't live their faith? Those are everywhere.
I respect Spurgeon and RC...
but I can't agree with their soteriology.
(and I don't know Spurgeon as much as I know RC)

Steve Lawson?

I am temporarily out of work these last few weeks, taking care of a work-related injury, testing and rehab. When I drive for 70 hours a week, sometimes I listen on the radio to these other men to see what is going on. Sometimes I have listened on purpose to the best of those who oppose what i believe, examing to see if they can offer biblical correction. If a person wants truth, they must attempt to do this. I have done it. I can oppose calvinists more than most non-cals could.

I use www.sermonaudio all the time it has 2.5 million free sermons online ,for free.
A two gb flash drive holds around 130-140 sermons on it, then you can delete and re use it.

MaCarthur is good at doing sermons that reflect true calvinist teaching.
But I don't think listening to sermons is what's going to get deep into reformed theology.
In sermons everything always sounds good.
Joel Osteen sounds great.
Until you realize what he's actually stating...
Same with calvinism.

I have taught in a non-cal baptist church as recently as 4 years ago. A handful of people knew I was a reformed baptist, but sadly many did not even know what I would consider basics of faith.
I taught them about Jesus. I taught the doctrines of grace as it would appear in the texts, but did not use sophisticated theological terms...just plain speech.
We are out in the country slightly. It is simple folk mostly.I do not feel any need to try and impress or indoctrinate. I presented accurately the main ideas held by professing Christians, but with a certain bias I am sure.

Yeah. Well I live up in the mountains so I beat you to it!
Paul came with simple words - it's the best way.