The point in Calvinism from which all other points flow is "total depravity"... the notion that man is too sinful and disconnected from God to choose "good" or to choose "life" and that a sinful man cannot motivate God's grace. Arminius' position is the opposite and says man can choose God and his will can motivate God. However, I believe that both positions make the same, fattally flawed assumption; both assume that faith leads directly to salvation. In reality, salvation is INDIRECT....

So I've come across a few sermons online where the pastor preachers certain theological doctrines like, Free will, predestination or dispy or reformed etc rather than a more neutral approach where one is saved by grace through faith etc. They can be pretty heavy handed even taking potshots at the other positions.

How should someone preach?

“NNE CAN COME TO ME UNLESS THE FATHER WHO SENT ME DRAWS THEM, AND I WILL RAISE THEMUP AT THE LAST DAY.” – JOHN 6:44
There are two basic ways to interpret this passage and it hinges on the words “draws” and “them.” Let’s look at the two renderings side by side:

Calvinists: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me *drags* them, and I will raise up *those who were dragged* at the last day.”

Traditionalists: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me *enables* them,...

Romans 3:11 makes this statement and some read this as saying "there is none who seeks for God at any time." However the intended contextual message might be "there is none who seeks for God all the time, or when they are going against God by sinning."

Contextually, since Paul is saying "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3"23) our third choice is most likely the inspired message.

This is a continuation of the thread titled "Catholic Who Embraced Jesus As Lord And Savior" because the first thread was closed because the number of posts reached the limit. I don't see what the problem is that I attend and am a member of the local Catholic parish on Saturday in addition to attending/being a member of the local Baptist Church every Sunday morning.

Christian giving should be done:

Cheerfully 2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Confidently Luke 6:38 give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Domestically (Familially) 1 Timothy 5:16 If any man or woman...

Over the Christmas break something in Isaiah 9 really impacted my thinking. Note vv. 6-7:

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from...

Can someone recommend a theology textbook that argues against predestination, limited atonement and election? I'm taking a theology course that asks the students to compare sources but I can only find theology text books that support Calvinist ideas. Any suggestions, Thanks!

I'm in discussion on another site with some people who are combatting a doctrine that Jesus came only to save Israel. Now, maybe I've not gotten around enough, but I'd never heard that doctrine before.

Obviously, it's false.

Just wondering if any other readers have ever heard of this doctrine, and what denomination sect, ot cult is it from.

Thanx in advance to all who respond.

Which do you hold to? What convinced you of this position? What are good resources to read about your position?