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For those of you looking for the weekly Bible Study I apologize I will post it later in the week.
mtnmamaof4 asked a few questions in a comment to a previous post. I will I'll try to answer them here
Dear MtnMamaof4:
Sorry it took me so long to respond I had gotten busy at the end of last week.
You asked for some resources I'll lay out 3 areas which cover different aspects of the Reformed Faith.
1. Calvinism vs Armenianism
A video I really enjoy and lays out in pretty straightforward terms is one called Amazing Grace:The History & Theology of Calvinism it is available from www.nicenecouncil.com it's a great video that explains the differences between Historical Calvinism and Armenianism it is excellently done and has segments with the pre-eminent reformed theologians. It explains the differences and explains the errors using the Bible as it's source for resolution of all conflicting points of view. It explains the History behind some of these differences that were around from the time of the early church in one way or another. Another great introduction to Calvinism is Easy Chairs, Hard Words: Conversations on the Liberty of God it's a very easy read it is done as a dialogue as a young man explores seeks answers to exactly what Calvinism is, he meets with a Pastor who explains that it is Biblical Christianity.
2. Covenant Theology vs Dispensational Theology
The Other area of the Reformed Faith is Covenant Theology vs. Dispensationalist. A great book on this is Wrongly Dividing the Word of Truth: A Critique of Dispensationalism by John Gerstner and Don Kistler. as well as a Book simply titled Dispensationalism by Keith Mattison.
3. Baptism
The final issue is the one that can sometime be most contentious and where as the others are differences with people outside The Reformed Faith the last divides Reformers and it is the issue of Covenantal vs. Professional Baptism. I personally believe in Covenantal Baptism but I would never question the faith of those who are Reformed Baptists, while I might disagree on this issue I still see a commonality of the main issues of faith. I should state quite quickly that many make false assumptions about Paedo-Baptism based on their own understanding of Baptism. I'll address a few quickly Paedo Baptism in the way it is understood by the reformers is not a regenerative baptism it is NOT a sign of Salvation but rather a mark that the child is part of God's Covenant people, if you look at the Old Testament you will see that the 2 are different there are people marked as being part of Israel (God's Old Testament Covenantal People) yet God cuts them off . Think of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram spoken about in Numbers they in both cases they experienced some covenant blessings but they were severely judged by God and were not save, but we in no way can say they were not part of Israel. The other objection is that it is Romanist to this I would say no because of the understanding of what the act of Baptism does much like the Lord's Supper is Different from the Mass so is Covenantal Baptism and Roman Baptism, also that is a poor excuse for not accepting something are we to use the same argument to reject the Trinity? So Books I would recommend on this subject are:
Christian Baptism by John Murray a classic on the issue of Baptism
To a Thousand Generations: Infant Baptism—Covenant Mercy for the People of God this is also has some great information to explain Covenant Theology vs Dispensationalism
Bible Study
Lastly you asked for specific Bible Verses or a specific Bible Study, finding verses is easy because I would say Read Genesis 1 to Revelation 22 because the whole Bible supports Reformed Theology because Reformed Theology is that of the Bible, the whole Bible taken in it's entirety not basing our beliefs on a few selected portions but on the whole History of Redemption and Salvation as laid out in the Bible. Now as for a specific study I have 2 suggestions that might go hand in hand take The Westminster Confession of Faith there are 33 chapters the link I included has the scripture proofs read a chapter a day read what it is saying you will see from the proofs what is being said is supported by Scripture like wise take the Westminster Shorter Catechism read through the questions and answers read the scripture proofs. This will be a great study in and of itself that will surely edify you. You could likewise do this with the Documents from the 3 Forms of Unity of the Dutch Reformed Churches. The Confessions and Catechisms are well thought out an well laid out to give you a good understanding of Truth and how to Apply it in your life. Remember these documents are not a replacement for The Bible but are A Resource/Guide to better understand the word of God. In fact I'm sure the writers would be outraged at the thought that a person might hold their authority higher than scripture, they meant them as a faithful summary of the Truth not as a replacement for The Truth.
If you need help finding a church in yoiur area I can probably help I've been able to help friends do that in the for places I've never been. But I'll leaave you some advice from Charles Spuregon;
"It is important join a church - but don't go around looking for the perfect church. However , if you do find one that is perfect , join it quickly. But remember - as soon as you join it, it will cease to be perfect."
Yours Truly,
Brian
The Reformed Homeschooler
Category: Ask The Reformed Home Schooler
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