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DMcFadden · #16 (**permalink**) 07-02-2008, 12:06 AM

Jared,

May God continue to bless you as you open yourself up to the glories of our electing Lord's sovereign grace. People like Piper and Grudem are excellent tutors to point you in a substantial direction. They both have earned PhD's in New Testament/Theology and bring to their works a seriousness about being more committed disciples of Jesus Christ. Together, they have had an immense impact upon the broad evangelical movement. Grudem, for instance, has now crossed the 250,000 books in print mark for his systematic theology! Those kinds of numbers for that kind of book are simply mind boggling.

Their practice at times and that of the majority of PB members is not always the same, however. Calvinists do not all come in the same sizes or shapes. Some, are openly charismatic, others mildly so, and still others strongly anti-charismatic. Confessionally Reformed refers to embracing a set of beliefs that come out of the various Reformed (and Calvinistic Baptist) confessions. They go well beyond the 5 points, the 5 solas, and the like. They touch upon issues of sabbath and the proper attitude toward innovations in worship, for instance. In time you may find that some of your views change as "iron sharpens iron." On the other hand, you may determine that these are not the kind of Calvinists that you want to learn from now.

When I joined the PB, my background was all in the broad evangelical movement. So, some of the jargon, in-house short-hand, and particular concerns and attitudes confused me or went in one ear and out the other. I learned quickly that there was wisdom to be gained by listening carefully and asking lots of questions of the right people. In time, the board makes lots more sense, even to those of us who come from outside the Reformed tradition. Successful participation here is enhanced by knowing where people are coming from as you prepare to engage them.

And, in God's providence, I found some of my bigoted ideas dissolving away in the face of Godly wisdom and biblically based answers. I would encourage you to listen carefully and to learn as much as the Lord has to teach you from this place.