I figured since its been about, oh, almost a year since I last posted, I should reintroduce myself. I am Ian. I live in Pennsylvania. I am a "Calvanist" struggling not with the doctrines of the faith, but with the kindness of His Saviour, and ever asking WHY? I attend Columbia International University in South Carolina, but have taken these past two semesters off due to financial problems and my mother's illness. I am looking to leave the church for a time, but can find no justification that allows it. There is not much more to be said except, I am a sinner, and nothing at all. But Jesus Christ is my all in all.

Feel free to ask any more questions.


Securely His,

Ian K.

__________________
Ian Kemmerer
Covenant Presbetyrian Church,Reading,PA
Fleetwood,PA

"Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart, And all is darkened in the vale of tears, Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart, Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears. Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay From His own fullness all He takes away."

Hello.

__________________
Daniel Ritchie
Saintfield, Northern Ireland - Queen's University, Belfast:History/Politics
Member of Dromara Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland (Covenanter)

HAHA! I may be reading into that video too much, but I considered it an insult that something with John Travolta would be applied to me!

Forgive me for misinterpreting your intent, and thank you!

Ian, I can't think of any justification either.

Welcome back.

__________________
Ivan Schoen, Pastor
Maranatha Baptist Church
Poplar Grove, Illinois USA
http://maranatha-sbc.org/
Husband to Nancy
Father to Sherril, Sarah, Kathryn
Grandfather to Phillip
Faith is the refusal to panic. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Welcome (again).

__________________
Rev. Daniel Kok
Pastor of Grace Reformed Church (URCNA)
Leduc, Alberta CANADA
Church Blog

"there is no creature, either in heaven or on earth, who loves us more than Jesus Christ"
Belgic Confession, Article 26

Good to meet you.

__________________
Sterling Harmon
Coventry, CT
PCA
Deacon
________________

"Whatever is laudable in our works proceeds from the grace of God."
-- John Calvin, Institutes III:xv.3.

"Our Lord God must be a good man, to be fond of worthless fellows. I cannot like them, and yet I, myself, am one."
-- Martin Luther, Table Talk

.



.

HI!!!

Has there ever been a justifiable reason to leave the church?

__________________
G.T. McClain
Hastings Community Church (Non-Denominational)
Palatka, FL

Is that rhetorical? Maybe we can discuss this over PM.

Welcome!

The Lord was David's all in all -- "Thou art my Lord," Ps. 16:2; and his delight was to commune with and minister to the Lord's saints that are in the earth, whom he calls "the excellent," verse 3. Please don't forsake them, especially when you need them so. Blessings!

__________________
Yours sincerely,


"Illum oportet crescere me autem minui."

Welcome back, Ian...you've been missed.

__________________
JC
URCNA
PA

"Forgiveness is primarily for our own sake, so that we no longer carry the burden of resentment. But to forgive does not mean we will allow injustice again." --Jack Kornfield

Isn't is something how the very thing we need most in times of struggle is the very thing we will seek to abandon?

Ian, I have given this advice many times - immerse yourself in the good work of the Lord and surround yourself with His saints!

__________________
-JD
1Thess5:21
Ordained Deacon, PCA
Serving in the SBC
MS

Team blog: ChristianSkepticism.org | Personal:...a Longmire rambles | facebook

to the Puritanboard. Nice to have you. I do appreciate the introduction.

Your post was a reminder of the portion of Psalm 26 that we sang in family-worship this morning, especially v 8 and v 12.

-- Psalm 26:8-12, Scottish Metrical Psalter (suggested tune: St. Flavian)

__________________
~Jay~
Husband of ENS, father of J II. | Indian Trail, NC
Teacher Aide, Union County Public Schools, NC
Communicant Member, Precentor | Presbyterian Reformed Church of Charlotte, NC | Presbyterian Reformed Church

Thank you for the re-welcome! I am eager to learn whatever ya'll have to teach.

Peace and Grace Ian,

Welcome Back!


25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

__________________
John J.
Member Christ Prebyterian Church (OPC)
Salt Lake City, Utah
www.christpres.net

I was meaning that I don't think there can be a justifiable reason to leave the church. If of course the person is a member of the church. On the other hand if a person was not sure of their salvation or admited of not being a Christian, I'm sure they could find a reason. However,that would only be justified in their own depraved eyes.

I believe everyone else has given appropriate advice for your concerns, so I will refrain. SO maybe my post was rhetorical, I dunno!