August 1, 2011

Dr. MacArthur, “ReformingIs Not The Answer. Repentance Is!

From his Grace to You blog Dr. John MacArthur laments what has become of the so-called “young, restless and reformed [Calvinists],” (YRR). John MacArthur is telling the YRR to “grow up…settle down.” In his introductory article, Grow Up. Settle Down. Keep Reforming: Advise for the Young, Restless, Reformed MacArthur wrote,

“[The YRR,] “cannot be genuinely ‘Reformed’ and deliberately worldly at the same time. The two things are inconsistent and incompatible. To embrace the world’s fashions and values—even under the guise of being ‘missional’—is to make oneself God’s enemy (James 4:4).”
In my previous article1 I demonstrated how John MacArthur shares in the culpability for having contributed to the worldliness among the YRR, which he now laments and admonishes them for. Since the initial article Dr. MacArthur has posted the second in his Grow Up series with additional installments to follow. With the research assistance of Brother Ken Silva of the Apprising Ministries blog2 I was directed to the following video at You Tube titled, JMac RAP.3 John MacArthur agreed to participate with and appear in this video.


Dr. MacArthur admonishes the YRR for being “deliberately worldly,” when it is he who has in part lead them there through his own personal examples of worldliness. MacArthur’s college, seminary and through Rick Holland’s annual CCM/Rock concert Resolved young people are being taught that it’s acceptable, that it’s even desirable to be worldly.

In his first admonition to the YRR MacArthur wrote, “There is even a surge of interest in Jonathan Edwards.” Dr. Peter Masters had it exactly right when he noted what the reaction of Edwards would be to how John MacArthur and Rick Holland through Resolved have besmirched his (Edwards’) Resolutions.
One of the vaunted new conferences is called Resolved, after Jonathan Edwards’ famous youthful Resolutions (seventy searching undertakings). But the culture of this conference would unquestionably have met with the outright condemnation of that great theologian.

Resolved is the brainchild of a member of Dr John MacArthur’s pastoral staff [Rick Holland], gathering thousands of young people annually, and featuring the usual mix of Calvinism and extreme charismatic-style worship. Young people are encouraged to feel the very same sensational nervous impact of loud rhythmic music on the body that they would experience in a large, worldly pop concert, complete with replicated lighting and atmosphere.... Worldly culture provides the bodily, emotional feelings, into which Christian thoughts are infused and floated. Biblical sentiments are harnessed to carnal entertainment. (Pictures of this conference on their website betray the totally worldly, showbusiness atmosphere created by the organisers.)4
The organisers of Resolved’s totally worldly, showbusiness atmosphere are Rick Holland and John MacArthur. In MacArthur’s opening Grow Up article he wrote, “We still have a lot of reforming to do. And let’s face it: the besetting sin of young Calvinists is a brash failure to come to grips with that reality.”

We have a lot of reforming to do?” Dr. MacArthur, may I ask: Are you speaking of “reforming” as if being a better Calvinist will make a less worldly Calvinist? In my opinion, the theology of Calvinism (a theology with which I disagree entirely) has nothing to do with the worldliness that has infected the YRR. Could Dr. MacArthur possibly be telling the YRR to reform their lives and cut the worldliness from out of it? Wouldn’t Dr. MacArthur understand that if reforming the life could have worked it would have worked a long time ago?

No, Dr. MacArthur, “reforming” is not the answer, Repentance is!

Dr. MacArthur “reforming” won’t solve anything. Begin by biblically REPENTING! Start with yourself! Repent of the “deliberate worldliness” in your own ministry. Demonstrate biblical repentance by rooting out the “deliberate worldliness” you have introduced into, tolerated and allowed for in your own ministry. Call a halt to the “deliberate worldliness” in entertainment at Resolved. Only through a demonstration of personal repentance can you hope to have any credibility with the YRR when and if you will call on them to repent.

To the YRR Dr. MacArthur wrote, “To embrace the world’s fashions and values—even under the guise of being ‘missional’—is to make oneself God’s enemy (James 4:4).” Dr. MacArthur has propagated and embraced the world’s fashion and values. He as well as many of his ministerial friends in the leadership of T4G/TGC have made the world’s fashions fashionable to a whole generation of young people. Their example, the example set by leadership among the so-called “conservative” evangelicals has lead many in the younger generation to make themselves into and behave as God’s enemy. Repent!


LM

1) Has John MacArthur Promoted the Creation of the Young, Restless & Reformed Who, “Embrace the World’s Fashions and Values?”

2) Apprising Ministries

3) A source who has a son who attending the Master’s seminary indicates the JMac RAP was a video from a recent talent show. It seems it was part of the “Spring Sing 2010 at the Master’s College.” It is reported that MacArthur, furthermore, appeared in additional videos for the same contest. JMac RAP finished in 2nd place.

4) The Merger of Calvinism With Worldliness

For another video example that typifies the worldliness John MacArthur has fostered and encouraged among young people under his watch care see, Master’s College Medley- Kids at a Church

For Related Reading:
The RAP on Mark Dever

50 comments:

  1. Lou, even the worldliness aside who was being exalted and pointed to in that video? This is the man who says that even for a sinner to come to faith before regeneration would be an affront to God?

    This guy is over the top.. his video for Slave was prideful, but this is even worse.

    Kev

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  2. Interesting article. I'm not really familiar with nor do I completely understand the YRR phenomenon. How is it that a group whose distinctive is "Lordship" have fallen out of sync with it? Am I missing something?

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  3. Stephen:

    If we were to conclude what the LS men would conclude we'd probably have to say, "Never saved, the LS way, in the first place. "

    Lou

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  4. More and more, JMac's warnings, admonitions, etc. are ringing so very hollow. Evangelicalism has tended toward a blind eye to the world, among other things; so for any evangelical to come out and "warn" about worldliness just doesn't get a hearing because they really don't mean it.

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. You know, if these guys are going to be worldly, they ought to at least try to be good at it.

    This is just embarrassing.

    Better still, they should just give it up.

    JanH

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  7. Lou, you said, "MacArthur’s college, seminary and through Rick Holland’s annual CCM/Rock concert Resolved young people are being taught that it’s acceptable, that it’s even desirable to be worldly."

    Can you point out where any of them have ever said it is desirable to be worldly? I will say now that I agree that CCM/Rock music IS worldly and sinful. I am absolutely opposed to it. That another person participates in something I think they shouldn't though isn't the same as them trying to be worldly. You are dealing with intent and going beyond what you can actually know.

    Jan, I don't even know what it means to be good at being worldly.

    Tony

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  8. Exactly Brian! With JMac's track record, not to mention Piper, Dever, et. al how can an admonition from them be taken seriously?

    I remember from a few years ago at Sharper Iron Phil Johnson was trying to portray and defend JMac as consistent on conservative music. Well, Mike Harding and Scott Aniol both produced examples from JMac's commentaries irrefutably proving he is not consistent in practice to what he wrote. Phil replied that he would ask Dr. Mac about that. Naturally, Phil never followed up in that discussion thread.

    Lou

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  9. Tony:

    I think I get Jan's meaning when she wrote, "You know, if these guys are going to be worldly, they ought to at least try to be good at it."

    If they are going to be worldly in their music/entertainment try to be as good as the unsaved RAPPERS they are trying to mimmick.

    When I was unsaved I saw/heard many of what are now referred to as the "Classic Rock" bands. When I hear today's CCM/Rock groups, which is as seldom as possible, I find their skills to be very lame in comparison to the talent level of the unsaved bands they imitate in musical form.

    FWIW,


    Lou

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  10. Tony:

    I appreciate what you are trying to communicate on "desirable." Here is how I feel about it.

    JMac is a leader in various spheres of ministry. He has and yields a great deal of influence. He is influencing an entire generation to minister as he does. They see what appears to be successful methods and they will desire the same success. Whether or not JMac is willfully teaching the younger generation they are being influenced by him to use the world's methods. See Philippines 3:17. JMac has a host of followers who will imitate his methods.

    Lou

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  11. Yep. Lou understood me correctly.

    JanH

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  12. Jan, you took the words right outa my mouth: I feel downright embarrassed for these "gangstas", uh, I mean, kids.

    As for MacArthur, repentance is absolutely in demand. He needs to face up and humble himself before those influential YRR who obviously look up to him.

    What a pitifully stupid and shameful display of hypocrisy.

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  13. The man-made philosophy of Calvinsim can only produce unregenerate professing believers. Unregenerate professing believers often yield to the only nature they have (i.e. sin nature). Worldliness is the natural result.

    Sure, there were the Puritans who also held to Reformed theology, but were by and large pious outwardly. So what? Were they saved is the question.

    Calvinism DOES lead to worldliness (whether seen or unseen), because it simply cannot lead to biblical regeneration.

    Jimmy

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  14. Lou,

    It might be better if we suggest these YRR folks reject the lie of Calvinism and return to God's Word without input from Augustine to Calvin to Piper and MacArthur, et al.

    The confusion of Calvinism is obviously the root problem.

    In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack

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  15. Jimmy,

    How does Calvinism exactly prevent someone from biblical regeneration? I agree in that it has been my theory that Calvinism to some extent can lead to worldliness. I think that is true for anything man-made that does not live up to the clear understanding of Scripture. It saddens me to think that Christians are following after JMac only to go further than he intended. Plus, how could he even be in that video? Seriously?

    Jim

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  16. Jim:

    You're welcome to participate here, but my rule is that at least initially I need a full name. If you post again sign off with your full name.


    LM

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  17. Lou,

    I'll remember to do that. Thanks for the article.

    Jim Floyd

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  18. Hi Jim:

    Welcome back. Thanks for helping me with your identity.


    Lou

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  19. Good to know you appreciate this article. I sincerely hope Dr. MacArthur might recognize and repent of what he has become and directed the next generation toward.


    Lou

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  20. But even more so than the worldliness, that JMac would repent of and be delivered from his having corrupted the gospel of Jesus Christ through his works based Lordship Salvation teaching.


    LM

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  21. Lou, I believe that I share your sentiment. Hopefully one day He will realize the error of it all and repent of the confusion he has caused concerning the gospel.

    Jim Floyd

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  22. Hi Jim:

    Exellent question you ask:

    "How does Calvinism exactly prevent someone from biblical regeneration?"

    As you may know, Calvinism is communicated clearly in the acrostic TULIP. The first letter stands for "Total Depravity", which defined calvinistically means the unsaved person is so "dead" in sin that he is unable to reposnd to the gospel (i.e. unable to beleive the gospel) until and unless God regenerates him first (i.e. makes him born-again; the I in TULIP; "Irresistable Grace").

    But wait a minute. Doesn't the Bible teach that man must logically believe BEFORE he can be born-again (e.g. John 3:16; John 3:36; Eph. 2:8-9, ect.)?

    TULIP philosophy puts the cart before the horse thus robbing the unsaved of the ability to excercise their free will to believe the gospel and thereby be born-again.

    Much more could be said, but I hope this helps you better understand why TULIP philosophy (i.e. Calvinism/Reformed theology) cannot lead to biblical regeneration.

    Yours in Christ,
    Jimmy

    P.S. No doubt there are surely those who have been born-again IN SPITE OF the TULIP philosophy they are flirting with. But, in such a case, the person has thankfully not comprehended what TULIP communicates, nor the implications of it.

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  23. Thanks Jimmy,

    You actually touched on the part that I was most curious about. That being the teaching that repentance precedes faith. I agree in that sense that one truly taking that view will surely have trouble exercising saving faith because they would believe that they are already born again. Seems like one would have to drop that view, admit they are a sinner and come to Christ through repentance(change of mind) and simple faith.

    Jim Floyd

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  24. Lou/all,

    About Eph 2:8-9, I was just debating a friend on facebook and he holds the regen before faith view, but he said that faith in those verses was the gift. I disputed that with him but he was convinced it was so. Trying to reason with someone who holds this view can be very challenging. Some of my friends experiences have gone something like this: they grew up in a Christian home, got saved at some point when they were younger, had inconsistent parents/mentors, lacked in true christian growth, went to bible college - some of them, but came to a point where they heard a convincing Lordship message and decided that they were not saved, they then made Jesus Lord of their life, became Calvinists if they ween't before and now follow the teachings of men like JMac, Piper, Washer, Mahaney, Dever, White, etc. Would you say that these are not saved or just confused as to how they came to saving faith? I guess it is hard to know.

    They also do not understand how God could draw the sinner but not do it all for the sinner as far as salvation.

    I believe that this all leads to confusing the true gospel. It also part of the reason why I get so concerned about schools like NIU who are taking steps to build bridges with people like JMac.

    Jim Floyd

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  25. Jim,

    Scripture is clear: Regeneration BEFORE faith is SIN. After all, doesn't Scripture say that "whatsoever is not of faith is sin"? And if regeneration is not of faith, then it is sin.

    Have a good one!

    T. Pennock

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  26. T,

    I'm not sure that I could use Rom. 14:23 to persuade people holding the regen before faith that they are sinning. It seems to me to be more in the context of not offending a weaker brother.

    Do you know of any other verses that would best shed light on their error?

    Thanks,

    Jim Floyd

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  27. Jim,

    I think you are spot on with your conclusion regarding Regeneration Precedes Faith that "one would have to drop that view, admit they are a sinner and come to Christ through repentance(change of mind) and simple faith."

    I hope you don't mind me commenting on your question, "Would you say that these are not saved or just confused as to how they came to saving faith?".

    If I understand Scripture correctly, one person can have a high degree of certainty of another persons salvation/lack thereof ONLY by finding out what said person is trusting to get him/her to heaven. If the answer communicates trust alone in Christ's finished cross-work alone then treat him/her as a brother or sister in Christ. If the answer is not biblical, a clear gospel presentation is in order. Would you agree or diagree?

    Yours in Christ,
    Jimmy

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  28. Lou/All:

    With the YRR in mind, I would like to see a survey sent to christendom at large asking every professing believer to answer one question only: "What must a person do to get to heaven?" (Acts 16:30).

    The late Walter Martin used to say, "The Mormons/JW's are a ministry on our doorstep". The aforementioned survey would likely confirm that an even bigger ministry than to the cults lies on the doorsteps and within our very own church's (Matthew 7:21-23).

    If inded that be the case, think of all the opportunities to share the simple gospel and possibly see some folks get saved. Any suggestions anyone on how to get that survey out to professing christendom?

    Yours in Christ,
    Jimmy

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  29. Jimmy,

    I think I agree. Getting to the point of what they are trusting in is key. I would have to make sure that they are not adding anything else such as, commitment, discipleship, exchanging their life for Christ's etc. It is just that in dealing with them it is hard. Some of them are Pastors or had recently been Pastors. I'm sure most of them know all the right answers.

    Jim Floyd

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  30. To All:

    I appreciate the discussion of the extra-biblical extremes that flow from Calvinism. I refer to regeneration before faith and that faith is the gift of God. To date the best treatment of these twin errors I know of has been written by Brother George Zeller.

    Here are links to the initial brief version of his addressing these dangerous teachings, but be sure to follow the links at the end of each to his comprehensive discussion of and answers to these errors.

    The Danger of Teaching Regeneration Precedes Faith

    The Danger of Teaching That Faith is the Gift of God


    LM

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  31. Brother Jack:

    It might be better if we suggest these YRR folks reject the lie of Calvinism and return to God’s Word without input from Augustine to Calvin to Piper and MacArthur, et al.

    What the YRR have become are imitators. Imitators of what they are being shown, participate in and encouraged to become by the example of the more mature in years. The Apostle Paul wrote what I believe is highly appropriate.

    Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example,” (Philippians 3:17).

    “In the Philippians passage Paul instructs believers to be ‘followers’ of those who set the proper example. Paul instructs the believers to ‘mark’ those who by their life demonstrate what biblical Christianity is and then to imitate those persons. In this usage of the word ‘mark,’ believers are to scrutinize spiritual men and women and imitate them. This is the positive side of marking for the purpose of identifying and imitating the pattern of godly men and women. Paul could set the kind of example to imitate, not many can today. In Philippians 3:17 Paul refers to more than just himself. From other passages we might conclude that Paul had in mind Timothy and Epaphroditus who also set that pattern to be imitated.” (IDOTG, pp. 235-236.)

    The worldly show business styles of ministry in use by the T4G, Gospel Coalition leadership at those conferences and within their own ministries is NOT the proper example of biblical Christianity. It is forcing the world’s methods into the church. The corruption of the body of Christ is the tragic result. The answer to what these men have become and are teaching the next generation to be is Romans 16:17-18.

    Yet, we have men in FB circles (Kevin Bauder, Dave Doran) who claim to be committed to the principles of biblical separation and they can’t even raise their voice to offer so much as a warning to the young in FB circles about the dangers of these so-called “conservative” evangelicals in the T4G camp. Instead they are seeking to converge with the non-separatists in fellowship and cooperative ministry. Dr. Matt Olson at NIU is transforming a once godly, balanced separatist Baptist Bible college into a Masters, Liberty, Cedarville clone.


    LM

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  32. I have greatly appreciated the commenting down through this thread. I am currently in the book of Jeremiah for my Scripture reading and see the parallels today in Christianity. Many claiming to be God's prophets but are instead false ones. How do we know the difference when all are saying, "thus saith the Lord?" Compare their words with the Book. God's Word is our first, last, middle, only resort for understanding.

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  33. Jim,

    Here are some verses I've used in the past with Calvinists who maintain regeneration precedes faith. To me, these verses speak clearly the opposite: Jo. 20:20,31; Acts 16:31; Ro. 1:16; 10:17; 1; Eph. 1:12,13; Tim. 1:16; Heb. 10:39.

    Have a good one!


    T. Pennock

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  34. I'd like to revise a portion of the last paragraph in my previous comment. There have been instances in which Doran and Bauder have offered some caution on certain aspects of the evangelicals. Today, however, both men increasingly ignore or excuse the aberrant theology, ecumenical compromise and worldliness of the evangelicals they have been forging new associations with. I have documented this in their reaction to issues such as the Manhattan Declaration and Mark Dever's personal affinity for the RAP HipHop mediums. And as they forge the new alliances they continue to expand what they will tolerate and allow for.

    LM

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  35. Lou:

    What exactly has informed your opinion that "the theology of Calvinism (a theology with which I disagree entirely) has nothing to do with the worldliness that has infected the YRR"?

    Secondly, notice in Philippians 3:17 that Paul is instructing BELIEVERS to follow the example of other BELIEVERS. Who or what group exactly did you have in mind with your citation of Phil. 3:17?

    Jimmy

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  36. Jimmy:

    Good questions. On the first- while I do reject Calvinism I am not able to point out any of its 5 points and with certainty say that it is a root cause of worldliness. Because of the old nature, which Btw JMac denies the existence of in the believer, saved Calvinists can drift/fall into worldliness just as easily as a non-Calvinists.

    On the second- no particular group in mind that I would name, I think of this more in terms of individuals. Paul told believers to look to him as an example? Today there are many godly men and women in churches across America today who are, like Paul, setting the proper biblical example in life and/or ministry.

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  37. Hi Lou/All,

    Can I take a stab at the calvinistic root of worldliness in the YRR?

    The fundamental issues with Calvinism resolve around the performance of the believer. Because this is the focus of the system, and the focus of everyone who follows the system it becomes the focus of all efforts - preaching and following are focused on how the believer is performing.

    Because this turns the eye inward toward the believer's supposed goodness instead of toward the Cross where we have been judged and our sin paid for in full, the person can't help but become more worldly.

    A person will go where they look... if you want to avoid a pothole in the road the best thing you can do is make sure you DON'T stare at it...

    Because the believer is the focus that's where the person will head. While they sweat out trying to become more Christ-like they will instead continually become more Self-like.

    It is also impossible to "walk in the Spirit" when we are struggling to be better. While we struggle to obey, while we struggle to fight the good fight we cannot be still and know that He is God. Ps 46.

    Since the YRR are exhorted to surrender to the Lordship of Christ and obey as slaves - they are not encouraged to be still and know that He is God. They are told to obey, not to give up the struggle and walk in the Spirit.

    If one is not walking in the Spirit, one will fulfill the desires of the flesh. Gal 5:16.

    Thus, a religion that has the believer the focal point of effort and concern cannot help but produce worldliness - often secrete worldliness, but worldliness all the same.

    I think the OVERT nature of the video above shows just how widespread it is. Is it even noticed by the LS crowd just how horrible this video is? And no I don't mean the near complete lack of musicality.

    Kev

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  38. Kev:

    You've suggested what must be given serious consideration for finding Calvinism a contributor to the worldliness of the YRR. No question that the man-centered theology of LS is a serious corruption of the Gospel for justification, with disturbing implications for those who are born again.

    Thanks,


    Lou

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  39. Thanks T, I especially liked these verses: Ro. 1:16; 10:17; 1; Eph. 1:12,13; I've been trying to tell people that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. It is so important to preach the Word. Confront sinners with the gospel found in the Bible. This goes back to an earlier point that the true 5 point Calvinist has nothing to bring a person to repentance/faith. They must pray hoping that God will at some point grant it to them.

    Interestingly, JMac in his Bible commentary on Romans 16 says, believes."...which stresses that faith is not simply a one-time event, but an ongoing condition. True saving faith is supernatural, a gracious gift of God that He produces in the heart (see note on Eph 2:8)..." and on and on. I find it incredible that men like Jmac and others can use the same verses and come up with something totally different. I'd say, if you want worldliness, just tell people this and see how worldly they become while waiting for God to regenerate them.

    Jim Floyd

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  40. Couple of thoughts here:

    1. The video is so over the top bad and poorly done, I wonder if this wasn't just a poor attempt at humor.

    2. Any system of thought can produce unhealthy introspection. The NT does admonish introspection. Calvinists are often no doubt guilty of taking it further than the NT does. However, Arminians do this too. They constantly look inward to maintain their salvation. Those who wouldn't claim either side and don't ever look inward are guilty of dismissing needed Biblical commands.

    3. Kevl, you said, "Since the YRR are exhorted to surrender to the Lordship of Christ and obey as slaves - they are not encouraged to be still and know that He is God. They are told to obey, not to give up the struggle and walk in the Spirit."

    It isn't just the YRR exhorted to surrender to the Lordship of Christ, but everyone. Whether you agree with LS or not, surely believers must submit to Christ as Lord.

    Where does the NT teach to give up the struggle against sin? I can think of several verses that say otherwise.

    Tony

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  41. Lou:

    You state, "On the second- no particular group in mind that I would name, I think of this more in terms of individuals."

    I apparently presupposed you had the YRR in mind with your citation of Phi. 3:17 in light of the fact that you cited it in your direct response to Jack's comment, which again was:

    "It might be better if we suggest these YRR folks reject the lie of Calvinism and return to God’s Word without input from Augustine to Calvin to Piper and MacArthur, et al.” (Jack's)

    Nevertheless, Paul's admonition applies to BELIEVERS, and any of the YRR who have understood and attempted to become born-again through TULIP philosophy are UNBELIEVERS. In such a case Phil. 3:17 is not meant for them.

    Kev: You make some excellent points. Many professing Calvinists would disagree with some of your statments, like this one, "Because the believer is the focus that's where the person will head", simply because they see God doing all the saving and man so dead in sin he can't even respond to the gospel unless God regenerates first. But what they miss is the fact that you're communicating with your statement the Lordship Salvation aspect which TULIP theology can not help but lead to.

    Tony:

    The Bible does not admonish anyone towards MERITORIOUS introspection, which the child of Calvinism (LS) does, as well as indeed Arminianianism does also.

    Jimmy

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  42. Thank you to those, who while not participating in this thread, emailed me good suggestions regarding the survey I mentioned.

    Encouragement that possibly leads to others getting saved is indeed a blessing.

    Until all have heard,
    Jimmy

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  43. Tony I suspect that you would define "struggle" differently than I do.

    Galatians 5:16 tells the only way to avoid sin. The solution is not to struggle against committing sin, but to walk in the Spirit.

    Romans 7 shows Paul's fruitless struggle with sin. He shows the only permament solution is that the Lord Jesus Christ will deliver him (and all who are in Christ) from his (our) body of death.

    Romans 8 shows the victory - that though our flesh is dead in sin, we are alive in the Spirit for righteousness.

    The war with the flesh will always be lost if it is waged by determination, desire and will. The only solution is to flee sin, and the only way to flee sin is to walk in the Spirit. He who tries to struggle with sin will always loose because he's fighting against his own flesh. He must die to self, not reform himself. We are dead to the world now, not reformed to live a wonderful changed life - we are dead and now Christ lives instead of us. Any time we step out of that reality, and try to be a good Christian we will surely fail. It is either Christ living instead of us or us failing.

    The flesh of every saved Christian is just as evil today as it was the day before they were saved. It is still capable of every kind of evil it was capable of before. Do not be deceived Tony - Paul was clear that he WAS STILL the chief of sinners.

    You should never ever think that you have become strong enough to fight sin. You must always, without fail, rely on the Spirit to walk for you. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers and rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

    Tony, resist the Devil and he will flee - struggle with your sin and you play into his hand of thinking you are something you are not.

    Kev

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  44. Thank you Lou,

    I've read a few of your post, and it seems you know what I'm talking about. I'm a non-calvinist, and I thank you for what you do. I sent John MacArthur my main concerns on the video (Idolatry, and harm it can cause to the spreading of the gospel). Thanks alot.

    God Bless!
    Timothy Carroll

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  45. Tony:

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. Much of what I do here is geared for like-minded persons such as yourself, who will appreciate a blog that speaks for and represents their feelings. May I suggest that, since you appreciate what you have found here, share a link to this blog or link to any specific article(s) with a wide circle of your friends and acquaintances. There are still a great many who would be encouraged and edified by certain elements of what they will find here if they are directed by their trusted friends.

    If I can do anything for you please let me know.

    Kind regards.


    Lou Martuneac

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  46. Lou,

    Quick question: Was that last comment a respone to Tony or me? If you misread my name I'm cool with that, and that's the impression cause from what I've read from Tony. Is it cause mine starts with anonymous on top. Please let me know.

    By the way, I posted the video on my facebook asking if there might be any problems they see with it. The one who responded doesn't think so (except bad quality). Don't understand.

    Thanks alot!
    God Bless!
    Timothy

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  47. Timothy:

    Sorry, I meant that previous for you. I'll repeat it here again.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject. Much of what I do here is geared for like-minded persons such as yourself, who will appreciate a blog that speaks for and represents their feelings. May I suggest that, since you appreciate what you have found here, share a link to this blog or link to any specific article(s) with a wide circle of your friends and acquaintances. There are still a great many who would be encouraged and edified by certain elements of what they will find here if they are directed by their trusted friends.

    If I can do anything for you please let me know.

    Kind regards.


    Lou Martuneac

    PS: Please send me a link to the video you mention above. I'd like to view it.

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  48. Lou,

    Sorry about the confusion. The video I was referencing to was the JMAC you shared above. I posted the JMAC video on my facebook page, and asked for people's thoughts. The only person who responded doesn't think the JMAC Rap was meant to be idolatrous, but agreed with me on the bad quality. so I'm guessing you don't want to watch it again. (who would?)

    God Bless!
    Timothy

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  49. Thanks for clarifying. No I don't think I want to subject myself to another viewing.

    LM

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