Last month I was accepted into the American Baptists as a Pastor. This is a radical shift from the Independent Christian Church in both structure and in Doctrine. My turning from the Independent Christian Church to the American Baptists came through my theological shift over the past 18 months. For that period of time I have continually questioned the doctrinal beliefs of the Independent Christian Church and its overall structure of Church Governance. My questioning of my own tradition lead to months of deep study of theology and comparing 2 different vantagepoints. This study forced me to look much closer at “Free Will” theology and take a closer look at classical Baptist Doctrine which would be called Calvanism or Reformed Theology. Through this journey that was done prayerfully I discovered that Free Will Theology has many holes in its basic framework. As I dove into Reformed Theology I found a framework that matched up more closely with the biblical text than any other doctrinal stance that is in our culture today.
Since going through this shift and becoming a part of a denomination as a Pastor I have found a greater assurance of what I believe and a contentment that cannot be found in Free Will Theology. When anyone who is a Christian begins to understand what it means to be “saved by grace through faith” without any works playing a part of our salvation they should find a comfort and a joy that can only come from being as Christ-centered as one can be in this lifetime.
So much of the time people in the Church do not understand where their church stands when it comes to the area of Doctrine. What a church believes will affect everything they do and how they approach each other and God. Without a good understanding of who God is and how He works with those who are His you can easily find yourself frustrated with the Christian life. knowing good Christian Doctrine can be a liberating experience and give you a greater sense of peace. If you have no idea where your church stands then find out and see if it matches up with what the New Testament teaches. I believe with everything in me that Reformed Theology is proper Christian Doctrine. Whether you agree with that statement or not you need to have some type of doctrinal foundation that directs your relationship with God.
Oops, you should have read this: http://tominthebox.blogspot.com/2008/11/john-316-conference-finally-proves-that.html before posting. Turns out that Calvinism is dead, once and for all.
(but, take not that Tom in the Box is a satire site!)
Take care, brother. 😎
Congratulations on “trading up” to become closer to the Truth. I encourage you to continue to always seek the Truth and Christ’s true Church. Keep in mind that Reformed Theology only developed after 1500 and didn’t get everything right. Have you read any Christian theology before 1500?
Consider reading:
The Didache
First Apology of Justin the Martyr
You might also consider some of the historical epistles (letters) of Polycarp and Ignatius of Antioch, both disciples of John the Apostle.
You find all those 1st and 2nd Century Christian writings and more at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.i.html
God bless… +Timothy
Funny stuff Sprocket….thanks for making me laugh today!
Glad to hear you are preaching but I do not understand what Reform Theology is & how it differs from the independent Christian Church. I would agree that the government system is weak but we are free to change it (I know that is easier said than done).
I know you have been hurt a couple times (at least) by the ICC & I feel horrible about that. Although the problems you faced are not uncommon they are not in every church. However, if you are happy where you are now than may God bless you.
I know what you are seeking: just doing things the Bible way. So am I and so are a lot of us in the ICC. You see, there is no set theology or doctrine in our churches. Granted, we all kind of follow the same pattern & principles but we are free to interpret differently if that is what we see the Bible saying.
But again, I am not dissing your decision. I believe you thought long hard & prayefully about it. I know God will use you in your new setting. Who knows? Maybe you can even bring both camps together!
Thanks JD! I have always appreciated your comments.