Some time ago, I became disenchanted with the inanity that makes up most of cable television.  I was tired of turning on the TV only to be faced the quandary of having to choose between programming shows like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Ellen, Desperate Housewives, The Big Bang Theory, Gossip Girl, or any number of the other intellectually bankrupt shows that currently fill the cable time-slots.  So, I decided to limit my viewing experience to cable news, the occasional sporting event, and the sporadic channel surfing in pursuit of something edifying to watch.  But I soon discovered that even the latter was a rarity, and the former was replete with self-generated, salacious content, bent on sensationalizing every current event in a desperate attempt to attract viewers and then to keep them returning for more.  And that is when I had enough.  Perhaps what came next was an emotional response that was triggered by some specific event, or maybe it was even a moment of senility.  Whatever the ultimate impetus, I decided to try something new - something revolutionary that most Americans would be aghast at the very thought of -- and you might have guess it.  I decided to cancel my cable subscription, and instead, devote my time to the pursuit of other interests.

I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out or if I would rue the day I canceled my subscription.  However, nearly a month has passed, and I can honestly report that I have rarely regretted the decision I made.  Not having cable has allowed for more time to spend time with my family, to read, to write, to design web pages, to enjoy nature - or more specifically, to redeem the time. Now, I cannot say for certain how long I will be able to continue with this counter-culture experiment, but for the past month, I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have been able to devote to the finer things in life without the distraction of cable television.  No matter how long my quest lasts, I know for myself that I could survive in this world with only a good book if I had to...

The Rev. James Leonard's recent blog Churches Beware! Calvinism on the Sly! details a poignant trend that he has personally witnessed within his own church and serves as a warning to other unsuspecting evangelicals who might not be aware of the duplicitous acts that are being committed by convinced Calvinists nation-wide. The heinous crime? It seems that some theologians are creeping in unawares to Arminian churches while continuing to hold firm to the historic, biblical faith of Jesus, Paul, St. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Whitefield, Spurgeon, etc. and are having the audacity to preach such biblical truth without using certain keywords to notify the listening audience that they are being taught the doctrines of grace! (It is worth pointing out here that if one cannot disagree with reformed theology apart from objecting to certain buzz words or phrases, then it might just be that reformed theology is the theology of the Bible. Hmmmmm...)

But this is where Rev. Leonard takes issue. "Pastor X", as he refers to this reformed theologian in his blog, was a "fully committed five point Calvinist", and he failed to use certain keywords (such as "Calvinism", "total depravity", "unconditional election," "limited atonement", or "perseverance of the saints") while preaching. Instead, "Pastor X" opted for the language of the Bible when he claimed, as Matthew did that, "Christ died for the sins of His people," (Matt 1:21; Matt. 26:28; John 17:9). Without some signal (i.e., limited atonement) to notify the audience that Calvinistic theology was coming, they were duped into listening to a sermon exposited from Scripture and where forced to believe the words of the Bible. Perhaps this is why many "Calvinists" refrain from using certain jargon - for the negative connotation and emotionalism that is certainly attached to these keywords. Again, if one cannot object to the message, but can only object to the buzz words used, then that alone should give one pause.

Think for a moment, though. What is the real opposition to the doctrines of grace? What is there to which one could object when all emotional and humanistic objections are laid to rest? Consider just a few points that only the doctrines of grace can offer:  

The doctrines of grace deepen our respect of God's sovereignty. The doctrine of God's sovereignty affords an exulted view like no other doctrinal system. No Christian would outright deny the sovereignty of God, but it is only in the Calvinistic system that when logically followed through allows God to remain supreme in all aspects of life, including being the "author and finisher of our faith," (Heb 12:2). It maintains the creatorial rights and insists that the potter has the right over the clay to do with it whatever He so desires. God's omnipotence is preserved in that He alone determines the outcome of all events relative to His creation.

The doctrines of grace display God's impeccable wisdom involving sin. While evil will forever remain an incomprehensible mystery, the Lord allows the Devil to wage war against Him, but yet uses sin to bring His plan to fruition. If God were not sovereign over all, including evil, then God's wisdom and might would be called into question. While Calvinism denies that God is the author of sin, it maintains that He is sovereign over wickedness and allows its existence for purposes that are beyond our comprehension. Nevertheless, God uses the sinful acts of men for His glory.  

The doctrines of grace teach that God alone saves. God does not merely make salvation theoretical but brings it to fruition. Salvation is a gift from God, apart from any human contribution no matter how slight. It is wholly of God, and it does not depend on any human action. Some unknowingly turn faith into meritorious works by insisting that human deeds are a necessary condition upon which one's salvation comes to fruition. But this type of assertion leaves one with a soteriology of salvation by works which is antithetical to the Christian message. Unless we understand that we are utterly dependent upon God for salvation and that it is wholly of grace, we will eventually become influenced by humanistic thought and slowly remove God's responsibility in the salvific process. The doctrines of grace ensure that God remains at the center of salvation.    

The doctrines of grace humble man. Any who would dare argue that Calvinism exalts man and gives him reason to boast does not truly understand the doctrines of grace. Reformed theology teaches that the heart is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked," (Jer 17:9). The Biblical language used to describe man pictures him as utterly helpless, one who is at enmity with God, and in need of a savior. Because man has been left in this helpless state after the fall in the Garden of Eden, he is in need of a God who saves. He is in a desperate condition and without God's grace and mercy will perish for all of eternity. This dark view of natural man, as expressed by Reformed theology, nullifies the notion of elitism or arrogance in Calvinism.    

The doctrines of grace encourage believers and provide comfort. The precious truth is that God is sovereign, and His might cannot be shaken. Whatsoever comes to pass, whether a sparrow falls to the ground, or the Devil and his minions afflict us, it is all under the controlling hand of the Lord. All actions are ordained and are under the directing influence of God almighty.  When something does not go our way, or when we feel as if there is no one who understands, there is one who is greater than all who controls the universe for His good pleasure. 

The doctrines of grace guarantees triumph over evil. Ever since the serpent first tempted Eve in the garden, there has been an ongoing conflict between good and evil. Millions of Christians have been despised and persecuted, while the unrighteous have seemed to operate with impunity. Someday that will all change. There will be no failure with God, for God is not a man that He should be defeated. He is sovereign over His creation, and there will come a day when Satan will be bound to the lake of fire and will no longer cause pain or suffering. God will not be defeated, nor can He be. The particulars of His secretive will are currently being worked out according to His good pleasure. All we can do is be patient and know we serve a risen Savior who has already conquered sin and death. 

If space and time would permit, I could enumerate countless other reasons why it is of import to discuss Calvinism, but for the sake of brevity the aforementioned should suffice for now. I do not want to withdraw from expounding the Reformed faith, because I believe Calvinism rightly gives God the credit that is due Him. And before I draw this blog to a close, allow me to share the words of A. W. Pink who wrote a rejoinder when he was faced with the charge that Calvinism was a horrible and dangerous doctrine. Wrote Pink:

"Here then is the refutation of the wicked charge that this doctrine is a horrible calumny upon God and dangerous to expound to His people. Can a doctrine be "horrible" and "dangerous" that gives God His true place, that maintains His rights, that magnifies His grace, that ascribes all glory to Him and removes every ground of boasting from the creature? Can a doctrine be "horrible" and "dangerous" which affords the saints a sense of security in danger, that supplies them comfort in sorrow, that begets patience within them in adversity, that evokes from them praise at all times? Can a doctrine be "horrible" and "dangerous" which assures us of the certain triumph of good over evil, and which provides a sure resting-place for our hearts, and that place, the perfections of the Sovereign Himself? No; a thousand times, no. Instead of being "horrible and dangerous" this doctrine of the Sovereignty of God is glorious and edifying, and a due apprehension of it will but serve to make us exclaim with Moses, Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" 

After thirty-four years in public ministry, I have discovered four basic ways I offend people: 1) by what I say; 2) by what I don't say; 3) by what I do; 4) and by what I don't do. Perhaps this is your life's experience as well.

I have noticed that my most severe critics follow a basic pattern. First, they are offended in some way. This offense is generally based upon a misunderstanding of a given situation. Second, they assign a motive believing they have discernment or the ability to look into the heart much like a parent who says to a child, "I know you better than you know yourself."  What might be true of a mom or dad is rarely true in adults, but there it is -- a prideful arrogance of discernment. Third, they perceive something that is not true, but their perception becomes their reality. Since they now have "facts", "motive", and "perception", they move to their next level. Oftentimes, they do not travel the road towards reconciliation as commanded in Matthew 18. Rather, they practice what God says He absolutely abhors (Proverbs 16) in that they sow discord among the brethren by meeting secretly with others to garner allies for the sole purpose of destroying that individual in any way possible. They move to wound a brother or sister because they themselves feel hurt and refuse to admit their angry rage. The irony is that all of this is accomplished in the name of "Godliness" and they feel spiritually justified in the process.  

Of course, when unjustifiable behavior is challenged on gospel terms they are enraged all the more, just as the Pharisees of old were enraged by the words of Christ.

The pattern I have observed of my critics is the same pattern found in the Scriptures against those whom Paul calls, 'the enemies of the cross'. And why not? Satan has no new ideas. He does not need them. The sons and daughters of Belial just keep learning from their father how to operate from generation to generation. And it works since human nature does not change.

Is there any end to this cycle of needless offending, prideful discernment, misperception and traveling the wrong road in response to a perceived injustice? Indeed there is. It is called the new birth. With the new birth comes a new nature. With the new nature comes the fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.  I do not see the fruit of the Spirit manifested in any of my critics once the pattern begins. Prior to these moments, yes; after these moments, yes, but during them, no.

What is the biblical counsel to such people? It is found in 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  Self examination -- not examination of others is the key to spiritual maturity and recovery from the galls of iniquity and blind rage of anger. The critics of pastors, ministers, missionaries, and Christian workers would do well to learn this truth and make personal application.

One day a woman came to D.L. Moody to criticize him for his ministry. After listening to her complaints for a while Mr. Moody replied, "Madam, perhaps you are right. But I would rather do what I am doing for the Lord than join you in doing nothing for His cause and kingdom."  Jesus would agree. He tells careless critics to hush. Mark 9:38, " And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part. 41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."

There seems to be a dilemma among some who hold to, or at least at one time have professed a belief in, the doctrines of grace concerning the first point of the doctrine of total inability or more commonly referred to as total depravity.

The confession has to be made that the Biblical revelation reflects human experience regarding the heart. It has been deeply affected by sin in every facet to include will, emotions and intellect. Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man" (Matthew 15:19-20). The apostle Paul listed the works of the flesh or the natural man: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21). The human heart is a cauldron of evil [injurious behavior] to self and to others. Is it any surprise then when sinners sin? It should not be.

The dilemma comes when someone in good faith looks at another person, a sinner to use biblical language, and says to them, "I see in you greed". "I see in you willfulness". "I see in you hypocrisy". Or, they might say, "I see in you a desire for recognition". "I see in you a need to be in control". "I see in you opposition to gospel principles and practices." What happens? Oftentimes, pride is wounded and immediately a defense goes up. Charge is met with counter charge, accusation is met with aggressiveness. In the barrage of base rhetoric real issues are lost.

Would it not be better to say, "My brother, you see greed in my heart. It has been there since birth. I see it too. Pray for me. Pray with me." "Sister, you see me hurting people, help me to be better. Tell me whom I have offended so I can go to them and apologize and ask for their forgiveness. Help me be a better person but be specific." "My friend, you see a pattern that causes a reaction to my ministry. Tell me where the gospel I have preached has not been accurate so I can change my message for the only thing I have offered people, from my perspective, are the passages and principles of the Bible which say, ?This is the way of the Lord, let us walk therein.' I have chapter and verse for all I have said and done, from my recollection, but if that is not the case be specific and help me."  I am sure a good case can be made against me. God has made His own case against each of us, and here is the divine verdict: Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. You are no better than I. I am no better than you. You are no different than me. I am no different than you.

Of course those making an accusation against another person do have a biblical responsibility. First, they must examine their own hearts. Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Second, they have to have a different agenda which precludes the destruction of someone else or drive that individual from acts of ministry. Rather, they must seek reconciliation. After all, the accuser presumes to be the more spiritual one of the two so he [or she] has the greater responsibility. Galatians 6:1-3 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Third they are to follow a biblical pattern established by Christ in Matthew 18.

So here is the dilemma. How can a person say the difficult things that need to be said without being a hypocrite himself or less than spiritual or violating the pattern established by Christ? How can a person hear the harsh things that are probably more true than not without being defensive? In short, who really wants to be a Christian and live out the ethics of the Christian faith? That is the dilemma. The heart of flesh moves the hand and tongue to wound and destroy another person for whom Christ has died, all the while pretending he does no wrong. The more gentle notes of the gospel are not heard nor manifested -- such as longsuffering, gentleness, seeking reconciliation, goodness and mercy with sinners. More than one person has observed that while some know the doctrine of grace they know nothing about showing the grace of the doctrine. But be of good cheer; God will continue to bring us to those places and people where we have an opportunity to "get it right".  For that reason, in part, God ordains who should come into our lives and where the pressure points should be. He wants us to have a chance to resolve the dilemma between the flesh and gospel principles. 

Sometimes a person finds himself the object of injustice and acts of reckless cruelty; othertimes the victim of irrational verbal assaults and vacuous incoherent comments. When this happens, a person feels justified in allowing dark passions to rule all the while seeking allies in a controversy that does not concern them. In this way the Enemy of all souls keeps people stirred up. Time stands still as a particular perceived injustice is lived over and over again, all the while growing more and more in importance. True truth is lost in the rewriting of history and the magnification of past words and actions. What is to be done to break this cycle of sin?

One possible solution is silence. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Another possible solution is to remember the songs sung and the prayers that have been prayed to be like Jesus.

"Have Thine own way, Lord!

Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit 'till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me."

A person becomes more like Christ when he or she becomes the object of injustice and cruelty, acts of betrayal, vain imaginations and misinformation. By accepting the injustices of others, a Christian becomes a confessor. This is the term the early Christians used when they behaved in a biblical way to those who hated them. It meant they had bowed before the lordship of Christ. They were not yet martyrs or witnesses for Christ because they had not died and sealed their confession with blood. As a confessor any Christian might become a martyr, but that glorious title should be left for others to ascribe when and where appropriate.

There is a third way to break the cycle of sin and that is for individuals to comprehend the disconnect between their rhetoric and the reality of the Christian faith. Surely a person can feel the hatred in their own heart as they read and reread the cruelty of the words they write and send. But the problem with dark passions, the problem with evil [injurious behavior] is that a person does not care. There is a perverse therapy in venting. Only by letting the Word of God dwell richly in the heart will the temptation to vent be arrested.            

I was once asked by a friend what I wanted to accomplish in the ministry. Responding partly in jest and partly in earnest, I said, "I want to survive."  The challenges of being a pastor are not for the faint of heart -- and this reality is reflected in the fact that so many ordained ministers leave the ministry each year. The emotional, financial and practical hardships congregations can pose on ministers are for many a reality. Having been a pastor for more than thirty years, I can speak from personal experience. I have been threatened with physical violence, subjected to emotional cruelty, and have been threatened with financial loss if I obeyed the great commission. In the latter case, a deacon was offended that I had not asked the board for permission to preach elsewhere and thought it was a waste of money for anyone to go on short term missions. His wife asked in mockery, "What can you do in a week's time on the mission field?" The answer is, "A lot in the providence of God."

In each case where individuals in the various congregations I have ministered have risen to attack, denounce, undermine my message and ministry, written libelous letters, withdrawn their financial support or moved to have the congregation take a vote of confidence, I have been comforted by the experience of Jesus as I remembered His words: "The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?" (Matthew 10:24-25)  

I have also taken comfort and kept from retaliation by remembering the promise of God the Father. "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for  in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21)

Until recently, I have taken the words, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay" in a negative sense believing that the Lord would bring some form of calamity upon a person. But perhaps there is another understanding of this divine promise which I have experienced. God has avenged me in the sight of my ministry by allowing me to accomplish what the enemies of the cross have tried to stop.

Did the deacons try to keep me from going to the mission field?  Yes, and I can testify that the words of Revelation 3:8 are true. "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." I have now traveled extensively in the providence of the Lord with many more invitations received continuously.

Did a large portion of the congregation take away my livelihood? Yes, and I can testify that the promise of Jesus is true not only spiritually but literally. Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.

    
Have libelous letters been written to places I was to go to minister in an attempt to discredit me before I arrived? Yes, and God has kept His promise as per Isaiah 54:17. "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord."

           
What better vengeance is there against one's enemies than to accomplish the very goals they are trying to keep you from accomplishing as they attack in every malicious way possible? I tell you, God will avenge the elect all the while administering justice with a vengeance against those who oppose the gospel.

           
Pastor, missionary, fellow laborer for Christ -- if you find yourself the object of cruel, religious zealotry, do not despair for the Lord will honor you as you honor Him. Vengeance upon your opponents will come, perhaps not in the form of cancer, death, disease or financial ruin but simply by your accomplishing the goals the Lord has placed on your heart. At least that has been my own life's experience thus far.