Arminianism vs. Calvinism – Total/Partial Depravity

The first of the five points of TULIP (Calvinism theology) is total depravity. This was a direct response to the Arminian view of partial depravity.

What does total depravity mean? It is referring to man’s depravity meaning man’s natural condition apart from any grace exerted by God to restrain or transform man. Total depravity is captured by the phrase, “the dead man theory.” Ephesians 2 puts it this way:

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins…even when we were dead in our trespasses, [God] made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved-…” – Ephesians 2:1,5

Total depravity may be better explained in Romans:

The Five Points of Arminianism

A while back, I purchased a DVD titled, “Amazing Grace: The History & Theology of Calvinism.” This is a great video, and quite objective I might add, detailing how Calvinism started, the difference between Calvinism and Arminianism, and TULIP. I would urge you to invest in this DVD or borrow it from someone who may have it.

I am going to use this DVD as a base to start a five day intensive short study of the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism. Today is an introduction; each following day will be a look at the each of the five points of Arminianism and the Calvinism response, as shown in TULIP.

This is an introduction to the five points of Arminianism. Below are the basics of what Arminians believe. In case you were unaware, Arminianism is a system of theology started by Jacobus Arminius (1560 – 1609).

Look At Me…I Want Attention!

Update (06/04/2009):  The videos that I keep posting on here keep getting deleted due to various copyright claims, so if you can find the video with Carlos Zambrano from the May 27 game on MLB’s website or Youtube or elsewhere, then watch it. If not, then well take this post for what it is worth.

When I started this blog over two years ago, I stated that the purpose was going to primarily be religious topics with others occasionally thrown in. Well here is one of those “others.”

I usually don’t respond to this type of issue, but I can’t resist with this one. Carlos Zambrano (Chicago Cubs pitcher) has always  been known to cause trouble. He has a huge temper. Whether it’s picking fights with opposing players, umpires, or even his own teammates, this guy makes trouble. What is the reason? He is an attention seeker – plain and simple.

It’s Just One Little “L”…! How Hard Can It Be?

Word versus world…you add that “l”, it completely changes the meaning. As Christians, we are called to live our lives according to the Word and not the world. I know from my own experience that this is easier said than done.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2

“…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?…” – James 4:4

“Do not be conformed to this world…” – Romans 12:2

“…Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” – Romans 12:9

Lack of Belief?

When God chooses us, why should we choose depression?

He chose us, so we should have an obsession with Him.

He chose us, so our entire lives should be a confession of His mercy.

He chose us, so our lives should be an expression of His goodness.

Brokenness

A couple of days ago I listened to a sermon on Brokenness from Voddie Baucham (which I subsequently found on YouTube so you can hear it too).

First, I have heard Voddie Baucham speak before, and not only is he one of the smartest apologetics that I have heard, he is one of the smartest all around men I have heard, not to mention he has an amazing testimony.

I highly encourage you to take an hour of your time and listen to this sermon on brokenness. God speaks in His time, and I think He was speaking to me through Voddie and He might do the same for you.

Biblical Dating – An Oxymoron? Part Eight

In this series, I have been examining primarily two topics: courtship and dating (modern dating as of today). So what is the major difference between these two? Dating does not have marriage as the end goal. Courtship does have marriage as the end goal. As I have said before, do not get so caught up in the terms. It is the principles that we need to get caught up in.

The three areas of difference between dating and courtship are motives, mind set, and methods. The motive in the modern dating process is selfishness, and the motive in courtship is (or at least should be) selflessness. The mind set of dating also goes back to selfishness, i.e., what do I want? The Biblical mindset (courtship) asks rather, how can I be the man for her? The mind set is in finding a woman who I can serve as a Godly husband. (For the ladies – finding a man who I can serve as a Godly wife.)

God Is Still God

No matter how much we love God and we worship Him, there are just certain times when you feel dry. Like you get up out of bed and realize that today is going to be no different than any other day for the last month. No matter how much you say you are leaning on God, it just feels…well I don’t know, but maybe you understand.

I think we have to remember two main things: 1) God is still God. He is still in control, and He still has a plan; and 2) We were created to glorify God, not follow our own agenda.

Happy Mother’s Day

This post is dedicated to the one person who:

• Took us to school

• Took us to weeknight ball games

• Took us to all day Saturday tournament games

• Washed our clothes

Paul Washer Revisited

Salvation is a supernatural work of God whereby someone really does become a new creature.

Does Absolute Truth Exist?

The post-modernist would say no, absolute truth does not exist. However that statement can be logically disproven in two steps.  First, he says absolute truth does not exist. Second, in order to be correct, that has to be an absolute truth.

In any case, what is the definition of truth? Truth, according to dictionary.com, means a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like; corresponding to reality. Absolute truth is truth that is true for all people, in all places, for all time (point in time). Absolute truth is a fact and beyond dispute if one chooses to examine the evidence and think logically.

Biblical Dating – An Oxymoron? Part Seven

Dr. Al Mohler is one of the smartest men that I have ever had the privilege of reading and listening to. He is a pastor and author and he is also the President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

Wow, what a build-up! I don’t mean to build up the man; I mean to build up the fact that he has been mightily used by God to spread the gospel. Anyway, he has a couple of posts on his blog that have listed some levels of maturity for being a man. Yes, this part of my series is meant for men, but hey anyone is welcome to read right?