The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum I need a layman's apologetic for Reformed theology

Dear friends,

It's great to be a member of such a thoughtful, edifying group. I hold to Reformed theology but attend a mainline evangelical (Arminian, premil, dispensational) church for reasons that I won’t go into for the sake of this post.

I have found that many people in the congregation are open to discussing theological matters and not opposed to Reformed or Lutheran thought. There is no "party line" that members must adhere to--or quite obviously I would not be there.

My purpose is not to oppose or be critical of the preaching and teaching, but rather to present Reformed ideas in an open, give-and-take forum. I was not "converted" so to speak, from mainline evangelicalism to Reformed theology, but rather came to a gradual appreciation of Reformed thinking through my own exposure to it.

Last Sunday, for example, the message was based on Matthew 7:13-14, the "narrow gate" passage. As often happens in Arminian churches, the message ended with an altar call (sort of) challenging listeners to choose the narrow gate. "You’re at a fork in the road, my friend. One path leads to eternal destruction, and the other path leads to life. Which will you choose?" Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Again, my purpose is not to refute or cause division. As a layman who is not seminary trained, I can't defend the Reformed perspective with the acumen and precision that a trained theologian or pastor would be able to. My understanding of Reformed theology is largely from White Horse Inn broadcasts, Modern Reformation magazine, and various and sundry other books that I've read in my spare time. So where do I begin? Is there reading material that the group can suggest?

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

Relztrah

Welcome to the Highway. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/hello.gif" alt="" />

The Highway has several articles that should assist you to continue to reform. However, I have never seen a non-reformed Church when Reformed teaching was introduced to be 100% agreeable to it. Expect tension and even worse (don't be surprised, though the "problem" is presently no-existent). Many items concerning Arminianism and the like have been discussed here before and thus you may find the search feature useful. Of course, we enjoy good discussions as well, so please post some ... As far as books, Berkhof's would be great.

Hello and welcome to the forum Relztrah! Take it from me as a fellow layman, me thinks you've come to the right place. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I had attended a PCUSA church for a long time and so I can identify with the mainline evangelical arminian aspect very well. We had some prior pentecostal and baptist brethren in that congregation so I can also identify with the premi and dispyism also. I have been a deacon and involved with several ministries, so it seems we have something in common.

You say Premil and dispinsational, so I'm thinking Baptist... so you might not be in a very liberal arena. I don't know. But it does sound like your at least in an arena where your free to share your faith without fear.


This is where I ask you if your absolutely sure about this statement. How long have you been sharing your reformed ideas with others in your church? I had found that at first when I started to share my reformed faith people were curious, but after a while people started to tune me out. So I tell you this because I just want to be ready for some opposition.


This is a really good way to approach what God is calling you to do in my humble opinion. I believe that it takes time for people to really get a grasp on the idea that there is another doctrinal belief then that of the mainstream evangelical church. So I believe that it is always good to go about this type of ministry with a humble and loving heart.


Amen brother, I don't believe in alter calls either. This is what had happened to me also. As my knowledge grew in reformed theology, I was able to discern what it was that was bothering me about the way the PCUSA was doing "church." Believe me brother, although I'm very sad to admit this, it doesn't get any easier to see error. It something I've learned to not get totally upset about, but it still hurts. So I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in the way your feeling and thinking.


Whoa there, hold on just a minute! Don't think for one minute that just because you don't hold a degree that it's not your place to speak up for the Lord. This is what God is calling you to do. I understand what your thinking, but let me just re-assure you that if you truly embrace the reformed faith then you can defend it. It might take you some time to learn your faith better, but trust me, you can do and you can do it with authority. Just because your a layman doesn't mean you can't take a stand on issues. But with saying that.... you have stated that your purpose isn't to refute or cause division. I have a question about this, why is ecumenicalism so popular? Don't get me wrong, I believe that we as brothers and sisters in Christ need to minor doctrinal differences behind us and join together, but Arminianism isn't a minor doctrinal difference in my opinion. There is a reason for division and it's due to erroneous doctrine. Let me ask you this? If it were a Roman Catholic church we were talking about, would you be so open to compromise?


The White Horse Inn broadcasts are excellent. If you like Michael Horton I would recommend this book by him.

Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Embracing the Heart of the Gospel

Here are some other books that I would recommend for your situation that won't cost you and arm and a leg.... well all but one. The first one on this list might set you back a little. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

NIV Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible

Summary of Christian Doctrine

The Points of Calvinism

What is a True Calvinist?

City on a Hill - highly recommended.

Knowing God

Willing to Believe

Grace Unknown

Evangelism & The Sovereignty of God.

I hope this helps..... also and of course, there are many great articles here on The Highway and also Monergism.com

Y.B.I.C,

Dave.

Relztrah,

How refreshing it is to say hello to a fellow believer.

I noticed that both Dave and Joe warned you of the opposition that you are sure to find. You might be surprised when the "openness" at your Church turns to animosity and possibly even bitterness. In my experience with nearly the same scenario, I did feel that I was being "put out" and that I was alone. It is amazing how much resistance there is among "Christians" to the doctrines of Grace.


I wish you the best and I will pray that the Lord gives courage in your attempt to breach the brick wall that you are most probably about to encounter. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Banghead.gif" alt="" />

I highly recommend Pilgrim's essay "By Grace Alone?" for one of your resources.

http://www.the-highway.com/grace_Pilgrim.html

I also believe that there is a very good reason why the Lord put you where you are, at this time.

Denny

Roms 3:22-24