Reformed Minds: December 2011

"For how can the idea of God enter your mind without instantly giving rise to the thought, that since you are
his workmanship, you are bound, by the very law of creation, to submit to his authority?—that your life is
due to him?—that whatever you do ought to have reference to him? If so, it undoubtedly follows that your life is
sadly corrupted, if it is not framed in obedience to him, since his will ought to be the law of our lives."
- John Calvin

12/31/2011

Calvinism and Evangelism

The preaching of the gospel is an essential part of Christianity. Jesus commands us to do so. It is one of his last words to his disciples in Matthew 28:19, a well-known verse: “Go ye therefore... ” Simple as that. So I would like to comment on the misunderstood idea that Calvinists believe that because God elects and predestines (those words are in your Bible you know…), there is no need to preach the gospel because the elect will be saved anyways. This is one idea that people hold against anyone who is labeled or deemed a Calvinist. I hear it all the time when I explain my views on certain things without having to go over the entire Westminster Confession. So, here is the answer that will hopefully destroy the false idea that people have concerning Calvinism and Evangelism.

Calvinists believe the preaching of the gospel is the way in which the elect are called. Not only is it commanded (Mat 28:19), but it is also said by Paul in Romans 10 that it is the way that people are saved: “How can they believe if they don’t hear. How can they hear without a preacher [of the gospel]” (My paraphrase). Not only is it understood by Calvinists that they are commanded to preach, but it is taught in Scripture that this is how the elect are called, through the preaching of the Word of God (both the written word of Scripture - 2 Tim 3:15ff - and the living Word that is Jesus - John 1:1ff).

Feel free to comment or send me angry emails if you think I am wrong... Or if I have not said enough on the matter...

12/06/2011

Missions... Or Missionary...

During the past 5 years of my Christian walk, I have always felt the pull to go to other countries and help the needy and bring light into dark places. But recently I feel the Lord speaking to my heart through the Spirit. He is asking me if I want to GO... Or if I just want to LEAVE... I find it is a little of both. If you feel called to mission work, please ask yourself this question. Are you called to go? Or do you just want to leave? There are missionaries, who are called to go... But don't forget there are also missions... Test your heart and your calling. Is it missionary? Or just mission trips...