Problems in the Reformed Church...

Just thinking aloud...

1. How do you tell a young believer that salvation cannot be lost , and at the same time tell them to desire holiness? it is almost impossible... it is like telling someone: you need to work very hard so as not to fail the test, but rest assured you will surely pass... it is like sending out mixed signals ... no wonder nobody work hard for exams... no wonder nobody work hard for holiness too...

well... can this be reconciled?

assurance of salvation and holy desires- complementary or contradictory?

well: it goes against the grain isnt it? well issues of salvation cant be ignored, holiness is a calling as well... if u are really saved, the mark of a regenerated man is certainty the thirst for holiness... it certainly goes together to show a truly alive person; however, those who make silly comments such as 'what's the pt of sanctification when in the end we are all going to make it to heaven', they missed the pt.... if you are from the non-reformed camp: they may suggest you end up in hell, if u r from the charles stanley camp (baptist): you will not lose your salvation; but you cannot be useful to God in this life either....

2. Church Growth and Ministry Life....

" since God is all sovereign and he decides who come into my life, or who walks out of my life... what is the pt of doing church?

"since God is all powerful, church growth is His business... don't matter to me if the church doesn't grow... none of my business anyway..."

"active ministry? fully alive and lively programs? forget it... it doesnt happen here... i will be happy if we can keep the status quo here... would you be free to help out in sunday school this sunday? we need ppl..."

" church growth? forget it... it does not happen... it is a fleshy thing... those churches that grow in numbers? they are shallow in theology; plus they grow because they preach the wrong gospel anyway... so allow us to be who we are... we like being small... cosy... it is ok NOT to grow... status quo is cool... God has called us to be a FAMILY church anyway... most of our kids grow up in this church... i think they have a strong identity in following the dad's tradition... and oh... God is sovereign! if he wants us to grow, he would have made it happen anyway... so right now we should just remain as a 'family' church' "

did u ever get tired of such excuses? God's sovereignty does not neglect responsibility... well... i think the last person just missed the point- he is shifting the blame back to God. While being faithful is one thing; one should also work towards producing fruits. No point preaching so-called life-changing sermons when life are not changed. It challenges us to question our roots and reexamined what goes wrong? is it the community? is it the worship? is it the small group structure? is there any hurting relationships?

for a very long period of time, i struggled with identity issues. i put on maskes in church. i pretend to be a holy kid when i am not. i cannot reconcile my double life- a persona inside church; then another persona outside church. Coupled with church politics ( i dont know who are my friends cos i dont know how they see me since my brother walked out on them?) plus legalist who made ppl cried over not memorizing verses... no surprise , i was not a very happy christian... not much freedom....

well, i have listed 2 misapplied concepts of reformed theology. while i stand by the calvin doctrine of salvation, i like to highlight these 2 issues... it is common, and it kept me thinking - for a very long time... issues of salvation should not be confused with how we should live our lives and exercising leadership in ministry. No surprise , some of the more reformed churches managed to produce good preachers, but sadly not good leaders.

God's sovereignty does not neglect responsibility.