[Steve54]

Pardon the cheeky reference to a line from a movie, but it seemed apropos. Reason being is, at times, I wonder who I am, and wonder if it matters along with wondering what and why people ask me some of the things they do. As of 3 years ago I know I have given myself wholly over to God through Jesus Christ, I know that the KJV is the real deal hands down, I know I have a one of the best Bibles out there for study (Thompson) and just bought a Ryrie this very evening as my Christmas gift to me because of you folks here so that is covered, got a Strong's and ESword, and I love the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Here is the thing...I love to study and research as I ponder God's word and have used as a part of my study the teachings of John MacArthur. I use his study Bible (NKJV until recently because Thomas Nelson figured it would sell better than what John uses, the NASB) and recently was given his complete commentary as a gift. Now, I do not use the text of the NKJV, but the notes only. What does this make me? Calvinist? Arminian? Pre or post millenialist? A dispensationalist (John refers to himself as a "leaky" dispensationalist...whatever that means)?

Does it matter and why are people asking me these things? Does it matter that I have been using these study aids? Can anyone give me some insight into this?

[stephanos]

Originally Posted by Steve54

Pardon the cheeky reference to a line from a movie, but it seemed apropos. Reason being is, at times, I wonder who I am, and wonder if it matters along with wondering what and why people ask me some of the things they do. As of 3 years ago I know I have given myself wholly over to God through Jesus Christ, I know that the KJV is the real deal hands down, I know I have a one of the best Bibles out there for study (Thompson) and just bought a Ryrie this very evening as my Christmas gift to me because of you folks here so that is covered, got a Strong's and ESword, and I love the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Here is the thing...I love to study and research as I ponder God's word and have used as a part of my study the teachings of John MacArthur. I use his study Bible (NKJV until recently because Thomas Nelson figured it would sell better than what John uses, the NASB) and recently was given his complete commentary as a gift. Now, I do not use the text of the NKJV, but the notes only. What does this make me? Calvinist? Arminian? Pre or post millenialist? A dispensationalist (John refers to himself as a "leaky" dispensationalist...whatever that means)?

Does it matter and why are people asking me these things? Does it matter that I have been using these study aids? Can anyone give me some insight into this?

John is as leaky of a dispensationalist as one can get. He is the champion of Lordship Salvation these days, so I would mark him and avoid him.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17 KJV)

Here are some links, from David J. Stewart (the watchdog against LS and its false teachers), on some of the things you've mentioned.

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False.../macarthur.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False...ce_refutes.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False...tion/proof.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books..._salvation.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False...on/foolish.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False...n/lordship.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False...on_exposed.htm

http://onetruegod.wordpress.com/cate...xposed/page/2/

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Wolves/kirk_cameron.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Wolve...hurs_words.htm

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible...rthur-lame.htm (on your commentary)

Concerning Calvinism and Arminianism; they are both wrong. However, Calvinism is the king of heresies in my not so humble opinion. You know the story of Adam, Eve and the serpent right? How that Eve blamed the serpent, and Adam blamed Eve? Calvinism at it's logical conclusion blames God.

What you need to do is focus on that King James Bible and let your title be King James Bible Believer.

I will also add, so as to not sound to hypocritical, that on my Facebook page I call myself a Pretribulational, Premillennial, Free-Grace Dispensational, King James Bible Believing Baptist. *PHEW*

For Jesus' sake,
Stephen

[Steve54]

Now that was an interesting departure. I felt like the guy was petitioning that I go straight to hell with not even a stop to bow my knee. When people go off on someone like that it makes me want to look in their closet, under their bed, or in the trunk of their car. I must say a few things...first, and maybe this is true because I am new at this, I have done some listening to John in my growth and read some of his stuff and have to say that I have never come across anything that would put that big a bee in my bonnet. I mean, it would be great if he would come to the Light and use a KJV. What I did see was a lot of little blurbs taken out of context and commented on. Anything can seem bogus with that approach...even the Bible. Second, I have come up in a "front line" ministry and there are plenty of things I have experienced from working with "experienced and long-time" followers that would lead me to believe that they haven't read all the parts of the Bible yet. Third, I don't have very much trouble understanding the Bible. I like study and reference Bibles, hence my interest in the notes and commentary. Anything that has to do with history is what I am looking for. I'm a fairly sharp cookie and have been to the circus a couple of times, so getting the drop on me isn't as easy as some might think. Besides, God tells me a lot of stuff, and I know it is Him because I can verify what I am hearing by checking it in Scripture...the KJV one...

Guess I better cancel that Ryrie Bible I ordered tonight.

"John MacArthur clearly teaches that every believer is NOT assured a home in Heaven."

Well...he said that on his web tirade, and, I guess that makes me condemned because I can walk into just about any church today and show you a whole bunch of folks that say their believers who'll beggin' for water alongside that rich guy. I gotta work at it everyday...the adversary doesn't let up just because someone says "thank you, Jesus". Spiritual warfare is as real as anything I have ever experienced in my wildest dreams and worst nightmares. There's that thing in Romans 8.31...keeps me going, and the very nanosecond I forget that Scripture is the day...well...I guess I'll be leaning on my own understanding.

Is this guy one of those once saved always saved guys? I've heard of them...

I heartily agree with you, Stephen, in that the bottom line is study. I know that is true because I read somewhere that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

And I have no more of an idea as to what lordship salvation is than I know about driving a nuclear submarine...

[Luke]

Well Brother, not entirely sure where you are coming from, but Lordship Salvation has two heads. One of them is Calvinism, and stems from the perseverance of the saints teaching, that God will enable a believer to live a Holy life until the end (that in it's simplest form is truth, but I won't go into the falsities in the perserverance of the saints doctrine). The other, uglier head is that of the Arminian side, that salvation must be kept through works after salvation is recieved by grace.

Salvation is entirely of grace through faith. Faith in Christ's blood. David Stewart (the author of those articles) is a once saved always saved guy... not sure if you said that because you are not, I couldn't really follow sorry.

But I am sure you will find plenty of people here willing to defend eternal security. I doubt you could go into any church and show me anyone that you knew 100% for sure or not was going to heaven or hell. That is not something you could possibly know, and you would only be judging by the fruits that YOU would see.

I am blessed to hear about your studies.

I don't mean to sound overly critical.

I'll just say one last thing brother - John MacArthur also believes in eternal security (once saved always saved).

[Tmonk]

Throughout the Book of Romans, Paul goes over the differences and similarities between salvation through works and salvation through faith.

[Josh]

Amen Luke. Not sure what the OPs beliefs are, but salvation is by grace through faith alone, and the saved are eternally secure in Christ.

[Steve54]

Good points and I do thank you folks for piping up. This is all very confounding to a person who likes to keep it simple. If the people I read about in Scripture can be people of God, anyone can. It is up to God...not us. God asks us to do the footwork per His instructions and faith gives us works and by our works are we known because the fruit is there. God does His footwork also. The who what where when how and why of that is not for me to worry think ponder or consider but pray about and seek an answer which will come in God's time frame. If that is incorrect, God will let me know.

That little simplistic and childish thing said, I must say that I surely do enjoy this site. It is informative. I ordered a Bible yesterday, and thanks to where this site led me and some serious prayer, the order will be canceled. That saves me some time and effort, keeps my mind straight as far as how to study Scripture, and saves me 100 dollars to boot.

What's an "OP"?

Praise His Holy Name and blessings upon all...

[cb6445]

AMEN! Stephanos!

[Forrest]

Originally Posted by Steve54

What does this make me? Calvinist? Arminian? Pre or post millenialist? A dispensationalist (John refers to himself as a "leaky" dispensationalist...whatever that means)?

Does it matter and why are people asking me these things? Does it matter that I have been using these study aids? Can anyone give me some insight into this?

Hello Brother Steve. Personally, I cling to the title Christian. "...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). The "doctrine" we support and proclaim on this Forum, of course, will indeed label us. I imagine people ask "what we are" because they are attempting to see what we believe. Titles help to identify what we believe.

In saying that, I simply want to be known as Brother Forrest, a man who loves and follows Jesus Christ. We should simply prayerfully listen, diligently learn, passionately love the word, and vehemently loathe false doctrine.

I like Scott Swart's comment: The best way that I have found to study, is by book, verse by verse. I have been in I Peter for 2 1/2 weeks now, and I'm still in chapter 3. Just take it slow and find all other verses that support each other, and you will find that the Bible will be the best interpreter.

Saturate your mind with the Bible book, chapter, paragraph, verse, or word the Holy Spirit directs you to. Like sheep, we chew, absorb, store, and then bring it back again to chew some more! If I do not "hear" the Holy Spirit speaking to me in a certain passage, I move on.

I also encourage you to "see" and "hear" the Good Shepherd (the Lord Jesus Christ) in the word. I recommend that you memorize passages of scripture that specifically teach on and exalt the person of Christ; there are many: Psalm 23, Matthew 11:28–30, John 15:1–5, Colossians 2:6–10, and Ephesians 1:15–23 to name just a few.

The benefit of memorizing key scriptures is that you can go over these passages any where and any time. As you quote these passages, and meditate on each word, you will begin to discover new and refreshing insights.

As you fix your mind specifically on Christ something will begin to happen. He will become very real and intimately personal. You will begin seeing Him in the Holy Scriptures. He will become your dearest and closest friend. Each day you will start thinking more on Christ and less on yourself. At night as you drift off to sleep, Christ will be on your mind. When you wake-up in the morning, He will be on your mind. It will soon become a normal and habitual part of your daily life to think on Christ and His fullness.

It is the will of God the Father that Jesus Christ be the central focus in our life. I am not suggesting we abandon the other "doctrines" in the Bible, I am saying all truth is fulfilled in Christ. "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell" (Colossians 1:19). "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). In addition, He has the preeminence in all things. He is head of the church. He has a name above every name, every knee will bow to Him; things on the earth (all people), in heaven (all angels), and things beneath the earth (all demons). Christ is the beginning as well as the end, the Creator of all things. All things were created by Him and for Him. He is head of all principality, power, might, and dominion. All power is given to Him in Heaven and in earth. He is Lord of lords and King of kings.

And if we follow the person of, and the example of, the Lord Jesus Christ we will in turn seek the will of God the Father. "Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him" (John 8:28-29).

Finally, remember that the Spirit filled life is a life filled with Jesus Christ.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Sorry to rant...but most of all, we should love Jesus. Everything else seems to line-up when we do.

[Forrest]

By the way, the below link is a remarkable tool for Bible study. It was created by our Forum administrator and is trustworthy. I have used it for about 2 months and love it.

http://www.swordsearcher.com/