So out of minor disagreements and struggles with accepting some doctrines of the Reformed Presbyterian denomination. (PCA) I believe I align for the most part with the Reformed Baptist tradition. (Not set on the baptism issue, but it does appear there are two distinctions with in the two covenants)
So any others "reformers" coming back to a more reformed baptist tradition? Resources?
Just looking for stories or resources that would help guide my thoughts into baptist understanding. One thing that scared me away from Baptist is the lack of unity in doctrine from church to church and not knowing which baptist denomination to "align" with.
What are some reformed baptist denominations or at most Calvinistic. (I dislike the word)
Thanks,
Chris
P.S. I have no plans at this time to leave my home church, but in the coming years I may with my wife if we move or I get closer to pastoral ministry.
One of the primary differences is in the area of church polity, or how the local church is governed.
The PCA sets the doctrine from the top and all members must either agree or remain silent.
I the Baptist model, believing as we do in the priesthood of all believers, various groups can form based on agreement within the group, but not necessarily with someone's top down edict.
Thus we have reformed or Calvinistic leaning assemblies, and we have General Baptists and Free-will Baptists.
It sounds like you are more of a Baptist leaning person, i.e. shopping for a like minded assemble, rather than embracing the dictated doctrines of the PCA.
You can pretty much tell if an assemble is Calvinistic by reading the "What we Believe" statement found on most websites.
Did Christ die for all?
I've learned that the name on the door makes no difference. Does the tree bear good fruit?? If the church you are in isnt following the bible then jump ship to one that does. Even some Baptist churches don't bear good fruit. Go to a Baptist Church if you desire and observe and decide if the fruit is good or fermented.
Lack of faithful preaching from baptist pulpits I have been around. Not anti doctrines of grace, but very weak in theology with the force to preach it. Many of the baptist churches in my area have fallen into the contemporary seeker mode.
I found the truth in reformed doctrines, saw that the Presbyterians upheld this truth, and have spent three years with them. Again, I do not plan to leave at this time.
I'm not convinced credo baptism is proper nor padeo. Both sides make valid stances and I am not going to leave a church until I have a solid backing for my belief to A or B.
It's complicated but I am hoping others have been on this same path and can shed some light.
I agree with the highlighted 100%. There is rampant weak theology in Baptist circles, then to top it off some brag about their ignorance as if it is a badge of honor.
We've been down the same road which is why we are now Reformed Baptist. We simply could not tolerate the preaching/teaching that goes on in too many Baptist churches that is glaringly shallow dumbed-down theology.
When I hear a preacher say 'I am putting this message on the bottom shelf so you can understand it' it makes me want to puke, especially when he's been a
pastor for a congregation for several years. It's mostly a lame excuse and is condescending to the congregation. What I get from this statement is he hasn't done his homework and is blaming his lack of study and insight on the congregation, and, that he hasn't brought the congregation to understanding the meat of the Word. Pastors who do this should ponder Colossians 1:28-29.
We have adopted the model of becoming sensitive to sinners feelings and like/dislikes, as we want to be seen as
being the caring church in town, not the one teaching right doctrines!
Many want enough 'religion" to make them feel good, but not requiring them to make any changes in their living!
No sir.
I am baptist.
I only ever baptize believers and that by immersion.
But the Presbyterian position is not without merit.
I think we baptists like to pretend that they have no good grounds for baptizing babies when they do.
that is due to them seeing the OT baptism in same fashion as the NT baptism.. To get that, would have to make OT circumcision as equivalent as the NT Baptism, which baptists tend not to do!