Amen Brother Jim, Amen! I do not align myself with either one of those groups. I align myself as a Christian first, foremost and always. I believe following any of those other two groups is following the words of man and at that men who have interpreted the Bible in their own way.

In Christ,
George

I am a Christian who identifies herself with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Period. God that came down form Heaven as God/man in the flesh to save a lost and dying world from their sins. He was sinless.

The KJB is my sole authority. While books written by men are great resources, I find the greatest comfort and healing in the KJV 1611 AV. My KJB plain Nelson's, with no commentaries, works just great for me. I know that it is God's Holy Word. It contains no flaws, whatsoever; therefore, it is pure, and contains all the blood scriptures that a person needs to gain entry into Heaven.

John Calvin, from what I understand...taught the "total depravity of man." Did he not teach that a person knew who was going to Heaven, and therefore witnessing to the lost was unnecessary? Correct me please...if I am wrong about this. Hypercalvinism is the extreme from of the Calvanistic doctrine, which discourages anyone to receive Christ as their personal Savior. What is wrong with that? Well...the Bible teaches "The Great Commission."

Arminianism is very far on the other end of Hypercalvinism. This diminishes the sovereignty of God and denies the eternal security of the believer. Now, that to me...sounds much like a works-based religion. No thank you. Works-based religions send people to hell. This is also like calling God a liar...and, saying that what He did when He shed His precious blood on the cruel cross of Calvary was not sufficient? We certainly know better.

I am a follower of Jesus Christ, first...and, a Fundamental Independent Baptist, second. I hold to the beliefs of the KJV 1611 AV.

Matthew 28:18-20...18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. A-men'. "The Great Commission"

This post was last modified: Thu Jan 15, 2009 11:36 AM by candlelight.

Hyper-Calvinism teaches to not witness. Calvinism does not.

Thank you Brother Jim, for that clarification. I didn't know the difference between the two. I think I know some Hyper-Calvinistic people, then...b/c they stay to themselves and won't even let anyone know where the church is. I find that strange. I used to drive a women home from my old IFB church on Wednesday nights. She was (I believe) Hyper-Calvinistic. She wouldn't get into any specifics when I asked her about her church. She wouldn't even tell anyone where it was located. I couldn't understand the secrecy.

Which one is it that teaches we are to be a living witness for Christ, that people ought to see Christ in us, and when they are drawn to us by the life they see in us, they can be witnessed to? I do not believe in going from door to door knocking on strangers doors like the Jehovah's Witlessess do, but I have witnessed to several people in my life who came to me to ask me if I could help them have that special something that they are lacking in their lives.

Matthew 5
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot ° be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

This isn't a loaded question at all is it?

I believe in the sovereignty of God in salvation and hold to election and so forth, but at the same time it should be said that Christians who hold to Arminian theology are still fellow believers and should be loved as such.

As an evangelist I find great comfort in the doctrine of election, as it means I am involved in a cause that cannot fail, but I have regard for my brethren in Christ who do not agree with Calvinistic beliefs and esteem them as higher than myself.

Kind regards to all.

Bob