"most people run kicking and screaming when they are exposed to Reformed Doctrine"

I find this to be the case too. It's discouraging sometimes eh? I have several friends now who all say they are Christians. I cannot say one way or the other. One is a Seventh day adventist (very legalistic) two are charismatic (which I find to be wonderful friends, but actually seem to be either intimidated by me, or sort of look down their nose at me LOL.) One of them actually did admit to me that they felt I was "stomping all over them" when we discussed doctrine. I was very suprised when they admitted that they were wrong about that.. and that they realized it was because they didn't know why they believed what they believed, and were intimidated at my "bible knowledge." Well.. I don't know the bible as much as I should.. not anywhere near that.. but it goes to show how people blindly believe what they want, or don't *want* to know the truth. This person gets very hot under the collar when I point out scriptures like Ezekiel 36.. how it is God who does all of the work, for God's glory.. and not for ours! I was happy though.. this person actually read through the passage and had to agree. Most won't even read it in front of you. They just disagree without knowing!

The other charismatic friend said they asked their pastor about reformed/calvinistic doctrine. Their pastor said, "we believe the same thing, we just express it differently." (i.e. the doctrine of perseverence of the saints) <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/rolleyes2.gif" alt="" />

Anyway.. just rambling now. I know what you're saying. Later.... Lord willing..

Michele