My Faith Journey
Where it all began As a sophomore in high school, I was ‘born again’ when I accepted Jesus as my
Where it all began As a sophomore in high school, I was ‘born again’ when I accepted Jesus as my
Similar to where one might have been when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, or when JFK was shot, or
Observing a known story line from a different perspective can bring about some thoughts I hadn’t heretofore considered. My bride
(Revisiting my most popular post) This is the title to one of my first posts after starting this blog. I
Well, it appears that a new reprobate is under construction. Congratulations! God has unconditionally determined from the foundation of the
From just about the first moment I entered Tracen Alameda in August of 1974, it was obvious that anyone from
Everyone experienced various ‘moments’ during boot camp whether physically demanding, frustrating and maddening or others laugh-out-loud funny. We were a
This particular verse has bothered me for quite some time. I don’t know for sure, but as I read the
I’d enlisted in the Coast Guard and was now deeply entrenched into this little excursion called boot camp. I was
I recently spoke with someone espousing an Open Theistic perspective. I’m likely more inclined to accept Open Theism. But that’s
I generally agree with Mike that it simply makes more sense to be theistic than atheistic. Something that I’d appreciate
I recently picked up this book on the ‘for sale’ table in our local library. Apparently this book, for whatever
Is the End Result Always God’s Doing? What difference does it make whether one is an ardent Calvinist or, like
Perhaps there’s more to know. However, after listening to some of Childer’s podcasts and interviews on deconstruction, I’m struck that
The truth is, I’m troubled by the discordant conclusions from well-meaning people in books, sermons and Bible studies. Everyone reads
I have been a long time ‘lurker’ of the FB group, Soteriology 101 in which there is much discussion of
In a FB forum, a Calvinist posited: [A] common misconception from [everyone in this group] is that a Calvinist won’t
The topic of discussion was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A quote from J. I. Packer followed, “To know that nothing
Of late, I’ve been trying to come up with an analogy to express why God may not be as intimately
Question: How many Calvinists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: None as it’s up to God to
I stated to a Calvinist that per the doctrine of election, it was a small percentage of people that God
Mrs. Robinson posted in a FB forum: [A] common misconception from [everyone in this FB group] is that a Calvinist
Someone defined compatibilism as a reconciliation of the theological proposition that every event is causally determined, ordained, and/or decreed by
Dave Hunt is a favorite Christian author of mine, and the author of many books including What Love Is This?
The more of John Calvin’s writings and teachings I see the less I like them. His emphasis as to sovereignty
Given the previous post where John Piper seems to be wondering whether he is saved, I thought it would be
John Piper, perhaps the de facto articulator of Calvinist doctrine today stated at the Ligonier National Conference in 2000, “No
I’m currently re-reading John Piper’s book, A Sweet and Bitter Providence and am reminded that Piper is a hard determinist.
Calvinists often site Eph 1:4 as “proof” that God chosen certain individuals from “the foundation of the world”. As I
Just an observation … but in a Calvinistically leaning church I used to attend, the Sunday population has dwindled from
Repent or Perish? Really? You actually said this? After listening to the audio (noted below) … I’m calling this for
I am often frustrated with the Calvinistic overview that people bring nothing to the table as to salvation because no
There are times when I’m more confused and troubled as to what I believe with respect to Christian faith. Variance
Per WordPress statistics, the most popular post I’ve written – by far – was, The Will of God Will Never
Dave Hunt and James White, in a heated back and forth exchange, cobbled together one of the best books to
As much as I’m troubled by the doctrine of unconditional election, I think I’m even more bothered with the belief
Kids can be challenging. Yet, we love them. We’re concerned for them, and we do the best we can for
I’ve seen some of Todd Friel’s videos. He’s the host of Wretched Radio and is VERY Calvinistic in his theological
What Mrs. Robinson posted: Remarkable passage regarding God’s sovereignty. Exodus 34:24 – “For I will drive out nations from you
The conversation with a Calvinist went something like this: Calvinist: Repent and believe. This is the same message of the
I’ve never liked the phrase – fear of the Lord. And maybe that’s the best translatable word to use. Still,
Simple is often better. The more one has to abandon the common-sense reading, the more likely it is wrong. Let’s
Sometimes I experience a “Yes – that makes so much sense!” moment as I read something – such as these
It’s curious that Calvinists I know and interact with are adamant they’re part of Team Elect and don’t seem to
This almost sounds like a headline from The Babylon Bee; A Calvinist finally admitting that God, in fact, decrees all
I don’t know – perhaps this comes under the heading of let your ‘Yes’ mean yes and your ‘No’ mean
I’ve never understood Romans chapters nine to eleven to be, per se, about individuals. As I read it, Paul defends
It’s disappointing, and perhaps even a little depressing, to realize that what was thought to be an outlandish – maybe
When I first viewed the video in which Dr. Zachariades claims that God enables or precludes someone from committing adultery
S. Michael Houdmann wrote an article for the Christian blog, “Got Questions”, addressing why he believes some people so passionately
I found the recent post (noted below) by Mrs. Robinson as to “Christianity and the Narrow & Lonely Path” interesting.
Well … Mrs. Robinson … you’ve certainly done it again … posting a Calvinistic defense of unconditional election into a
I looked through scriptures referenced in your blog post (noted below) defending God’s sovereignty and unconditional election. I don’t know
You wrote in the Facebook Soteriology 101 Discussion group, “There are so many crystal-clear passages declaring God’s sovereignty over men
I’m certainly not qualified to comment on aspects of scripture when one delves into the Greek or Hebrew. By necessity,
A medical “itis” is never a good thing. The same thing could be said as to a theological “itis” Maybe
A Calvinist friend sent this out via a FB post: Dear friends – perhaps you’ve noticed that I haven’t posted
Mark 11:24 – Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and
Sometimes you just have to laugh! This was sent by a friend who’s “on the other side” when we discuss
Calvinists obviously have their tenants and beliefs, but I sincerely doubt they understand why so many express serious disagreements with
Calvinist says – If anyone ends up in hell, it’s because they deserve to be there on account of their
I understand well the concept of Total Depravity. I reject it. Part of reason I reject Total Depravity – I
This post is a follow-on to a previous conversation from my previous post. Maybe it’s just me. But I’m sensing
On a non-Calvinist FB forum, a Calvinist asked the question: If God allowed or permitted evil acts, the denial of
A Calvinist recently asked me why I have such antipathy towards the Doctrines of Grace. I responded how I find
I was recently corresponding with a good friend as to the deconstruction of my Christian faith. As is, this friend
Someone stated on a Facebook forum, “Anyone who believes that man’s will is entirely free, and that he can be
It’s been my experience that for Calvinists to comport with their doctrines, many verses can’t simply be read ‘as is’
It’s been nearly four years since I’ve posted anything on this blog. In a manner of speaking, things have kind
Christian Doctrine – Who’s Right? How Can We Know? As much as I like to write, I don’t think of
Calvinists often use Eph 1:4 as “proof” that God elects or otherwise choses specific individuals for salvation from “the foundation
I’ve always understood that Calvinism’s doctrines (TULIP) are essentially in logical order. For instance, one must be totally depraved and
An article about how sinful we are led to this comment: But also we will see that if it had
A recent article I came across was entitled, The Beginning of Sin. The link has been posted below for convenience
The Ballad of Mike & John by Carl Ganzel Now there once were two fellers who were not the best
It was incredibly interesting over this past Christmas holiday to have observed, what I believe to be, a huge commonality
There was recently a discussion in which common grace vs special (or saving) grace was bandied about. Curiosity got to
An analogy as to unconditional election: A father recently brought his identical newborn twins home from the hospital. For reasons
Dear Jim, I too have been a greeter at church. All too many greeters, however, seem content to sit at
I appreciate your comments about having been attracted to a woman not your wife as well as what you experienced
If anything, Jim, you are consistent in your absolute belief that EVERYTHING that has ever happened to ANYONE is not
Dear Jim, Well, with your views on God’s will, I’d say that you’re in good company. I’ve read books from
“I agree, just because I hate something doesn’t mean it’s false.” That was my opening line responding to a Calvinist
I recently read this D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones quote which is certainly a tenant of unconditional election within Classical Calvinism.
There isn’t any doubt as to the human spirit. It is depraved. There are none righteous. All have sinned. All
A Calvinist pastor from a church I used to attend put this comment up on Facebook: “If a child doesn’t
What follows is an as-best remembered rendering of a recent discussion with a Calvinist friend (CF) as to the use of
We periodically receive a catalog from Christianbook.com. My bride occasionally purchases items from them. Kind of on a whim, I
It finally ‘hit me’ during a discussion with a Calvinist regarding unconditional election. I sensed my Calvinist friend (CF) didn’t
A recent discussion followed a somewhat a predictable path. I was (again) told that 2 Peter 3:9 was written to
I’ve previously written how my understanding of Eph 1:4 is significantly different from what I hear and understand Calvinists to
I recently added a post to the effect that for many, limited atonement is the lynchpin of Calvinistic doctrine. That
I recently purchased the book, Soteriology Simplified, which states on the back cover that, “All men are both responsible and
Just received news that Tommy Flint, 82, has passed away in Nashville TN. As a high tribute to his gentle and
Calvinists claim something called limited atonement – the reconciliation of God and “the elect” through the sacrificial death of Christ
I like the insight Jerry Edmon offers with regard to the Calvinist’s understanding of predestination wherein: If predestination is true,
That Calvinism and Arminianism emanate from the same “source material” (i.e. the Bible) has always been problematic to me. Readers
Fundamental to the reservations I have regarding Reformed doctrine is the concept of unconditional election. Perhaps I’m deluding myself, but
It’s been several months since leaving the church I had attended for ~12 years. Part of me thought that I
I’ve certainly had my fair share of discussions and disagreements with Calvinists. As often as not, or at least within
I finally shared with some friends the faith-struggles that I’ve been experiencing which have led me to leave the church
Dear Pastor, It’s no secret that I’ve been a “conflicted Christian” since coming to this church more than twelve
Here’s a second look regarding a recent post on a FaceBook forum in which the author was trying to show that
I recently came across someone on a FaceBook forum supporting Calvinism. He stated, “The Bible nor Calvinist do not hold
Two obviously flawed candidates – a crook or a creep. Say what you will, but I sense that for many
Every Calvinist I know is adamant they’re part of Team Elect. To which, Calvinists simply can’t understand those who struggle
I recently encountered a guy espousing the belief that Romans 9, as viewed from a perspective of “systematic theology”, proves
A newsletter came in the mail that began: “The days we are living in are so different from the days
A lot of politicians end speeches with ‘God bless America’ and other similar sentiments. However, when John Kasich, after suspending
A recent comment from a Calvinist friend caused me to pause: “Our salvation is a combination of divine sovereignty and
A number of years ago I read Garry Friesen’s book, Decision Making and the Will of God and found it
Who knew that the minor half of the dynamic duo was a theologian? Robin sums up Sander’s book in rather
This post came about as a response to a ten page term paper written by a friend. I regret I’m
This is a book written to help Christians understand God’s will in the life of the believer. The first 66
A recently published book entitled Gifted Mind is an interesting read about the life-story of Dr. Raymond Damadian. He is
I’m not sure that the local church I attend is declining, per se. However, it’s safe to say, however, that
Got my year-end WordPress stats indicating which posts received the most visits during 2014 (listed by popularity): The will of
It has felt as though the fog on this faith-journey over the last couple of years is so thick that
Today’s sermon was based on the familiar passage of Luke 2:8-20. Two verses in particular popped out at me (NIV) –
It’s been some time since I visited Christian Clarity Review and was surprised that there hasn’t been a posting for
A couple of weeks ago we noticed water leaking out the bottom of our water heater. NOT good. Trips to
I have experienced two layoffs in my working years and currently work for a company that four years ago employed
With the “fiscal cliff” looming, I rather like this comparison of the federal budget fiasco currently underway to a typical
An interesting blog post asks whether conditional election or unconditional election has more Biblical basis. The author goes on to
I’m filing stacks of paper that have surrounded my desk and noticed an odd disclaimer on our church’s quarterly giving
Recently I pondered whether delving into the Old Testament Torah would help bring about some understanding to Calvinistic/sovereign grace issues
Apparently, and for the 2nd time, a comment I’ve made in response to a blog post hasn’t been accepted. Sorry,
For He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Well, apparently so according to a post I recently came across (see source below). A comment I wrote in response
I made a feeble attempt in my previous post to incorporate some simple algebraic logic to help understand the wording
A week or so ago I had to set the alarm to 4:00am. Truly, I’m not a morning person and
It’s been nearly a year since I’ve posted anything much less done anything to move beyond my “Calvinist Divide”. To
I recently received an email which stated: From time to time I lurk on your blog. Interesting thoughts. From what
My Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Went (source unknown) How do I know that my youth is
Phil 2:3 in my NIV says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others
A friend recently indicated his doubt as to whether God is suprised by anything. I’d previously come across Gen 6:6
A Facebook friend recently posted this comment, “We may cast the die, but the Lord determines how it falls.” I
I recently had a conversation with an atheistic Facebook friend about the nature of grace. By his own account, “JH”
I while ago I responded to an atheist friend’s Facebook comment about blaming Republicans for (at the time) the failure
dit dit dit dahhhh dit dit dit dahhhh dit dit dit dahhhh CQ CQ CQ (that’s ham radio jargon for,
As I understand it, a lunchtime crowd at a Canadian shopping mall food court was surprised and delighted when over
I hereby congratulate myself on the just-created weekly award of – drumroll, please – “Worst Arminian in the World“. I
A rather pathetic title for a hissy-fit between a Calvinist named Timothy Elder Jr at Christian Clarity Review and one
Even though my father suffered from Alzheimer’s for nearly 10 years, it’s still a surprise when I’m told that dad has
I am saddened to hear of Joni Eareckson Tada’s breast cancer and only wish her the very best with her surgery
Some words should simply never be placed next to each other. Two words that I’ll try not to use together
Thankfully, neither my daughter who was driving this car or the driver of the other vehicle were seriously injured. However,
An interesting article from the Christian Science Monitor related to the resurgence of Calvinism can be found here.
It’s been a while since I’ve delved into any Arminian/Calvinist stuff. Perhaps a break was needed. Sometimes, however, other things
This post came about from comments written by myself and two others elsewhere on this blog. For the sake of
I think I have a condition. I think it’s called Calvinitis. Hopefully it’s not contagious. Calvinitis is the inability to
All too often I’ve had discussions with people who are “seeking God’s will” about something. Trying to think through how
After my little (upheaval) with Christian Clarity Review, I looked for other Calvinist perspectives on the earthquake tragedy in Haiti.
A recent blog post (here) started with the comment: Quick: for the preservation of history, count all the Calvinists in
Irrespective of my struggle with Calvinistic thought, I couldn’t help but enjoy a bit of levity when I came across
Now, there’s a question I’ve never have thought to ask. However, in this video (here) Pastor Mark Kielar put the
So far as I can tell – all things Calvinist have to go through election and to that end, I’m
Below is a letter I wrote after hearing a sermon on “How Can I Know the Will of God?” Dear
I was referred to this video for a Calvinist perspective that John 3:16 is more accurately interpreted “all who believe”
To my Calvinist brethren Charles & Timothy, My delay in responding to the comments each of you has posted (here)
Dear Timothy, I wasn’t able to make the formatting work in a comment on a previous post and so I
Have you ever applied TULIP logic to a statement made by a Calvinist? Thomas Schreiner, who contributes a Calvinist view
A good and dear friend who writes on matters of faith and religion for the Louisville Examiner recently posted an
Towards the end of a recent sermon, barriers to Bible study including “I don’t know how” and “I’m not motivated”
I recently saw an on-line story (noted below) about Carrie Prejean – the former beauty pageant contestant who some think
A blog was set up on our church’s web site to allow for comments on the pastor’s summer sermon series.
So, what has brought me to a point of saying I now have assurance of salvation? It’s no secret that
This is my fourth post in response to an essay written by Sam storms of Enjoying God Ministries http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/faith-and-repentance/. As
This is my third response to a Sam Stones essay, Faith and Repentance (http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/faith-and-repentance/). Mr Storms claims that the phrase
This is my second post in response to an essay entitled Faith and Repentance written by Sam storms of Enjoying
I’ve always found it fascinating to be using the same words, sharing common thoughts and themes, say, with Mormons or
An essay written by Sam Storms of Enjoying God Ministries http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com/article/faith-and-repentance/ was sent to me by my good friend and
Dear Colleen, Thank-you for your clarification regarding my “taking on” the responsibility for my justification. Reference your comment in http://martinsmercurialmusings.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/literal-vs-figurative-interpretation/
Dear Colleen, As I was putting together my last post, I thought of asking you these questions: Do you hate
Dear Colleen, My struggle with Calvinism is, in part, due to scriptural references Calvinists use and subsequent arguments made which
Below is a note from a very dear friend I recently reconnected with via Facebook. On her Facebook page, Trula
Dear Colleen, In a previous response, you referenced Jn 10:27, which in the NIV says: My sheep listen to my
Dear Colleen, Your response to my post on the simplicity of believing as outlined by the Apostle’s Creed went in
Dear Colleen, What a delight to hear from you. It’s been quite a while since we’ve written and I’ve been
When we arrived in the middle of the afternoon on a trip to South Dakota’s Badlands, it was hot, dry
Anyone traveling through the upper midwest surely knows of a certain drugstore in Wall, SD. After all, it’s next to
Although the winters are long and cold up here in Minnesota, I do enjoy the four seasons and there is
Please allow me to post a picture of our new grandson Jedidiah John Martin – born 2.1.09. All the usual
My bride recently agreed to her company’s separation package. Her future layoff along with my tenuous employment is causing some
I often sense Christians want God’s will regarding some decision they need to make. The Bible is replete with passages
Granted, this post isn’t addressing the main emphasis of this blog. Still, a good title or phrase certainly catches my
Tom Minnery wrote an article in the Sept 2008 issue of Focus on the Family’s monthly magazine entitled “How Do
A recent letter from our church’s Board of Elders confirms my sense that although many Christians seek God’s will regarding
It’s not my intention to delve into politics with this post and anyone reading my bio will sense who is
The card from my bride as we celebrate our 30th anniversary today reads: Hold on to me, and I will
There’ll be extra-credit given to anyone who remembers a rock group by this name. However, instead of being about Blind
Below is a letter that Colleen had posted elsewhere on this blog that I think lends itself to its own
The below post is a letter that a good friend and an ardent Calvinist (who just happens to be the
Intangentiality? Okay, so I made up the word. I couldn’t find it in my trusty Webster’s but maybe a little
I read with interest an article sent to me entitled, Two Views of Regeneration, by John Hendrxy that compares: Monergism
This is a letter posted on a Caring Bridge web site for a young boy with acute myelogenous leukemia: God
Who knew that a four-hour statistical process-control review meeting would help clarify my struggle with aspects of the Christian faith?
While recently searching for information on Calvinism I stumbled across a web site quoting material from The Five Points of
The following is a letter I wrote to a friend who recently lent me a CJ Mahaney DVD on sovereign
When I recently searched, again, on the “will of God”, I came across the site http://nicoleleeartistry.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/concentrate-on-this/ on which is posted,
While doing some “Will of God” searching, I happened to land on Gloria Copeland’s blog: http://heart4myhome.blogspot.com and found this 1/24/2008
“From the Experts”, pg 34 in the April, 2008 Focus on the Family magazine, a young woman is trying to
As noted before, I have been trying to determine the truth regarding a personal will that God would have for
Some time ago, I listened to John Piper’s sermon: What Is the Will of God and How Do We Know
It certainly has been my intention to write more often than I have. However, sometimes life i.e. family, job, and
The issue of God having a specific plan for each believer is something that I have been trying to understand
Author Ray Pritchard states in his book, Discovering God’s Will for Your Life, “Nothing is more comforting to the child
Over the next few days I hope to post some items related to the will of God in the life
How sad and tragic that Amanda Jax died from alcohol poisoning last October while celebrating her 21st birthday with friends
A nice post about the life, music, and influence of Larry Norman: http://4guyswhoknownothing.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/remembering-larry-norman/ Truly, he was a pioneer in Christian music
A couple of days ago I received a postcard indicating that American Pro Audio is going out of business. Even