"We haven't spoken in a while. I know this. But I think a lot about how the lord used your teaching and friendship during the time I was in Brunswick. I miss you guys. I keep telling myself I'm going to visit when I'm in Brunswick but haven't. So here a delima that I am having. I started going to a church called EV last November.
I have begun to love this church emotionally, personally, and more. I have friends there and they are doing great things. But... I disagree with their doctrine. Their leadership and theology is Reformed. In the day to day preaching and life it hasn't been an issue. I feel like its a principle for me and I can't get around it. I'm Unsure what to do. I knew it from the start, but I went to a lecture about their beliefs and since then is when the pain in my stomach started. I'm feeling like I need to go somewhere else. Emotionally this stinks b/c I have gotten to know them and doing life with them. Suggestions?"
If you tell me that Jesus in an ancient history Dammed people to hell. I tell you John 3:16, that God loved the world.
II Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
If you tell me that Man does not have free will.
I'll tell you
Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live
Needless to say. The Reformers have plenty of scripture to quote in their defense. They have spent many hours studying to prove their point.
In my gut as a child of God this Doctrine of dual predestination feels wrong. I have biblical support to back my view. Others think they do also. So we peacefully disagree. I don't doubt the salvation of my Reformed brothers. I doubt their interpretation of the Scriptures just as I do many others.
God can do what he wants to do. He did harden Pharaohs Heart.
"What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position "a little lower than the angels"; and because he suffered death for us, he is now "crowned with glory and honor." Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9"
God had his chosen people in the OT. Israel. (the people of God). But then Jesus came and died for all and Gentiles (non jews) were accepted into the family.
So I can not defend this with lots of books, or big words. At this moment. I cannot support A dual election. Dual election is saying God called elect and dammed others to hell.
Thanks
Jason_M.
