The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Conundrum Thread

Isha

Many might be surprised to learn that some of the Reformers themselves had disagreements on issues such as these.
I will relate something that I read (this is from memory, so please feel free to correct any errors) about John Knox and John Calvin.
John Knox visited John Calvin in Geneva and during one Lord's Day, John Calvin was playing a game of bowl (perhaps this is called bowling today?). To which John Knox was quite perplexed that Calvin would play this on the Lord's Day.
My point in mentioning this, is not to pick sides on who was right. But, to mention that if two giants of the faith such as these two could be on opposite sides on a matter like this one, it does not mean that there is something wrong with the faith of either one of them.
Neither should we assume that there is something wrong with the faith of others who may disagree with us.

Yes there are areas to which we have cause to rebuke or loving try to restore the faith of someone else. But I think we need to be slow to judge.
I believe 2 Timothy chapter two, particularly verses 22-26 have some wise words to which we all can learn from.

Tom

Tom,
You made the point so much better than I. Sometimes the words are not there for me. I understand that there is disagreement but why does it have to be so sharp concerning things that may not be an indication of anything?

The nature of most people is to be quick to judge. But if you have been around Reformed forums such as this one for a while, there is some very good reason to understand that sentiment.
These days the effects of movements like the Emergent Church, Willow Creek Association, and many other groups that are subtly destroying the doctrinal truths in the Church, make people who stand for biblical truth quite suspicious.
I have even talked to Christians that say they have never even heard of movements like these, but unfortunately it is clear by what they say that their thoughts have been influenced by these groups. (Read the Beth More thread for an example)
There is a so called Reformed Church in the city I live in, that I considered joining, until I found out they were members of the Willow Creek Association. I actually enjoy being with the pastor of that Church and when talking about a subject like the doctrines of grace, him and I have so much in common. But for whatever reason, although he says he doesn’t agree with everything Willow Creek believes, he still believes that their philosophy is compatible with Reformed theology.
Of course I am not saying that these movements are the only reason why some Reformed Christians are skeptical of others, but it is certainly a major cause.

I have to admit, that I struggle sometimes with the differences between being discerning and be judgmental.

Tom

Dear Brethren


[color:"0000FF"]THE WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM

Q117[/color]. How is the sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?

[color:"FF0000"]A.[/color] The sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.

This thread, or should I say threads seem to have taken a few twists from the original topic of whether a ballet dancer can as a christian pursue dance. I am concerned however that you should find the Lord's Day to be of such a burden that you would rather seek your own entertainment i.e. watching a bunch of oversized, testosterone-driven guys playing ball games, over the worship of God.

Boanerges quote may be helpful here: If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself. Augustine of Hippo

It seems that this has gone way but to take it a step further, I will suggest you read about the Sabbath here: http://www.the-highway.com/c_praxis.html Then scroll down to the heading of “The Sabbath” where you will find a variety of articles on this subject. Also, you might benefit from reading several of the sermons by Jonathan Edwards on the Sabbath question here: http://the-highway.com/Sermon_library.html They are the first three sermons at the top of the page under Edwards.

William

Just to make it clear, I am in agreement with what the Westminster Confession says on this issue. Though I have to admit that I have had jobs in the past that required me to work on Sundays (I was a hotel manager). Thankfully I am no longer in a job that requires me to work on Sunday.

However, it appears to me that you are avoiding my previous posts.

Tom

I may be wrong, but I don't remember reading anything about people watching foot ball on the Lord's day.

Tom

see here

Isha

I am sorry to have ignored you posts I have been juggling caring for my mother and work. If the Lord wills I will get back with you with something a little more kindly written and then perhaps we can move on and grow in the "grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen."


.

Thanks

You are welcome!

Thanks. I may have come off a bit more upset than I actually was. This has such a different dymanic. The pace is slower which takes getting use to. Take you time. I am not leaving. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/coffee2.gif" alt="" />

Edited: Fixed misplaced ending "quote" tag.

Well William the only thing you have proven here is that Mary had hair long enough to be used as a towel for the Savior's feet. If your taking this verse and extrapolating it to say that Eve was created with exactly the same length of hair then I must say your exegesis is eisogesis. The Scripture is silent on the matter of Eve's particular appearance and where the scripture is silent I believe it is best to be silent.

Now if your trying to make a statement on how long a woman's hair should be according to Biblical standards then by all means present your case but I suggest we start another topic because I do believe we have strayed off topic. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Man give a guy some warning I was in the middle of my lunch! Right now that burrito doesn't look too good. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/puke.gif" alt="" />