@mikewringer

[Arial]

Welcome Mike. Tell us a bit about yourself so we can get acquainted.

 

[mikewringer]

Sure, thanks Arial.

Fastfedy0 sent me to this site because I was looking for Reformed liked minded folks. The little time I've spent here has been encouraging.

I came from works theology churches, the name it and claim it Charismatic prosperity movement. Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Sevelle, Robert Tilton, you know these heretics.

By the grace of God I was brought to a small Bible Church that taught on Reformed Theology. Long story, I'll skip, but the pastor graciously took me under his wings and taught me about the Protestant Reformation, I had never heard of it, lol.

For 3 yrs he taught me about Wesley, Calvin and Sola Scriptura, and so much more. It was like a load of bricks lifted off my chest when I learned about salvation by grace and grace alone!

I'm also a recovered alcoholic, go into prisons and rehab centers, telling the addicts how Christ removed my obsession to use alcohol and drugs. I am always available to talk with those needing help in this matter.

I work on cranes, get high everyday, lol, about 60ft high. And will be retiring in a few months, moving north and plan on spending more time witnessing in prisons.

I am still a "lay" person in God’s word, but growing steadily in His knowledge and wisdom. This site is already helping me!

Peace be with you!

 

[Carbon]

Sure, thanks Arial.

Fastfedy0 sent me to this site because I was looking for Reformed liked minded folks. The little time I've spent here has been encouraging.

I came from works theology churches, the name it and claim it Charismatic prosperity movement. Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Sevelle, Robert Tilton, you know these heretics.

By the grace of God I was brought to a small Bible Church that taught on Reformed Theology. Long story, I'll skip, but the pastor graciously took me under his wings and taught me about the Protestant Reformation, I had never heard of it, lol.

For 3 yrs he taught me about Wesley, Calvin and Sola Scriptura, and so much more. It was like a load of bricks lifted off my chest when I learned about salvation by grace and grace alone!

I'm also a recovered alcoholic, go into prisons and rehab centers, telling the addicts how Christ removed my obsession to use alcohol and drugs. I am always available to talk with those needing help in this matter.

I work on cranes, get high everyday, lol, about 60ft high. And will be retiring in a few months, moving north and plan on spending more time witnessing in prisons.

I am still a "lay" person in God’s word, but growing steadily in His knowledge and wisdom. This site is already helping me!

Peace be with you!

Welcome @mikewringer it is nice to have you here with us. I pray our Lord Jesus will continue to bless you in your ministry.
Blessings

 

[Arial]

Fastfedy0 sent me to this site because I was looking for Reformed liked minded folks. The little time I've spent here has been encouraging.

It is encouraging to me to hear that. And thanks @fastfredy0 for sending us Mike.

I came from works theology churches, the name it and claim it Charismatic prosperity movement. Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Sevelle, Robert Tilton, you know these heretics.

Same place I came from.

By the grace of God I was brought to a small Bible Church that taught on Reformed Theology. Long story, I'll skip, but the pastor graciously took me under his wings and taught me about the Protestant Reformation, I had never heard of it, lol.

I love hearing these accounts of providence. In my case, God led my brother to a diner for breakfast every day where he conversed with a fellow Christian who eventually gave him a little book "Truths That Transform," by Dr Kennedy introducing him to Calvinism though neither he nor I had ever heard of Calvinism. And we had of course in school heard of the Protestant Reformation but knew nothing of its teaching. It was like living water on a thirsty ground to my brother and he brought it to me. I had the same reaction---it was what I was looking for though I had at that time been a Christian for 23 years. Something was missing and something wasn't right. That was in 2005 and thus began my journey.

I am still a "lay" person in God’s word, but growing steadily in His knowledge and wisdom. This site is already helping me!

I just started reading Voddie Baucham's book "Expository Apologetics". All Christians are called to defend the faith. To know what they believe and why they believe it and communicate it, not just men with degrees and titles. He equips us for the task through his word, and he will fully equip all in the place where he places them and his purpose in placing them there. Their "assigned position on the wall" (a Nehemiah reference). This site has helped me a lot to. There are many people here with much to teach. One thing I enjoy is the way we can see the same truths from different perspectives or lenses. It adds depth to our understanding.

You might enjoy the book I mentioned and find it helpful in your ministry in prisons.

 

[mikewringer]

It is encouraging to me to hear that. And thanks @fastfredy0 for sending us Mike.

Same place I came from.

I love hearing these accounts of providence. In my case, God led my brother to a diner for breakfast every day where he conversed with a fellow Christian who eventually gave him a little book "Truths That Transform," by Dr Kennedy introducing him to Calvinism though neither he nor I had ever heard of Calvinism. And we had of course in school heard of the Protestant Reformation but knew nothing of its teaching. It was like living water on a thirsty ground to my brother and he brought it to me. I had the same reaction---it was what I was looking for though I had at that time been a Christian for 23 years. Something was missing and something wasn't right. That was in 2005 and thus began my journey.

I just started reading Voddie Baucham's book "Expository Apologetics". All Christians are called to defend the faith. To know what they believe and why they believe it and communicate it, not just men with degrees and titles. He equips us for the task through his word, and he will fully equip all in the place where he places them and his purpose in placing them there. Their "assigned position on the wall" (a Nehemiah reference). This site has helped me a lot to. There are many people here with much to teach. One thing I enjoy is the way we can see the same truths from different perspectives or lenses. It adds depth to our understanding.

You might enjoy the book I mentioned and find it helpful in your ministry in prisons.

"I just started reading Voddie Baucham's book "Expository Apologetics". "

Thank you, I just ordered it from Thrift Books.

 

[makesends]

I'm also a recovered alcoholic, go into prisons and rehab centers, telling the addicts how Christ removed my obsession to use alcohol and drugs. I am always available to talk with those needing help in this matter.

Welcome, brother.

Just to 'feel you out', here: Do you teach the addicts that your experience is the norm? That is, do they come away thinking that if they believe, God will remove this obsession?

 

[Arial]

"I just started reading Voddie Baucham's book "Expository Apologetics". "

Thank you, I just ordered it from Thrift Books.

That is where I got my copy! Great minds and all that.

 

[Carbon]

"I just started reading Voddie Baucham's book "Expository Apologetics". "

Thank you, I just ordered it from Thrift Books.

I bet just about everything from Voddie is good. That one sounds really good!

 

[mikewringer]

Welcome, brother.

Just to 'feel you out', here: Do you teach the addicts that your experience is the norm? That is, do they come away thinking that if they believe, God will remove this obsession?

Interesting question, never been asked this before. It is a good one.

I do try to feel people out, once I get some background on them. The main thing is: are you willing to do what it takes to get sober?

This is an important question, because many "want" to get sober, but are not willing to do the work. They either need more time living a destructive life or they have had enough and are teachable.

I was not teachable for a long time, but finally surrendered to God and ask Him for help.

As far as the experience I had with Christ removing my obsession, is this the norm? No, it is not. And I do not phrase it that way.

Each person will have their own spiritual experience with Christ, and it’s different for all. Not all will even have their obsession lifted. For some, it can take years. But if they are born again, and follow what His word says, they too will be happy, joyous and free. Not everyone is Chosen.

I let them know what my life was like drinking, what I did to get sober, and what my life is like now. It is much more than having this obsession removed, it is how to live life on life's terms. There is a lot of work that you do, and sometimes it's a long road of recovery.

I am a recovered alcoholic, no longer in recovery stage. I can be around alcohol at weddings or events and it doesn't bother me.

I let them know, the more time I spend in prayer, study in God's Word, trusting Him in all things, good or bad, staying in a constant conscious contact with Christ mentally and spiritually throughout my waking hours, and serving others, that this brings me peace beyond measure, peace that surpasses all understanding. Fear of people, places and things are lifted, and I have the fear of God, for it is the beginning of wisdom.

I know it's a long answer, but there is much more to this.

I can tell you the addiction is a real thing, a line that's crossed mentally, that can never be crossed back over.

4 yrs ago, our church closed its doors for covid, we were very disappointed with our pastor. We went to a church in the next county, no covid rules.

When it was time for the Lord’s supper, I took the grape juice instead of the wine, as I always do. As I drank it, a warm feeling went down my throat, chill bumps rose on my arms, euphoric recall came into my mind about drinking days. My eyes went wide open.

As I sat down my wife asked why the startled look, I said, I just drank alcohol. She said I picked the grape juice.

So we asked the brother that put the supper together if that was grape juice. He said, of course it is, for alcoholics and people that have an allergy to alcohol. However, we add One Drop of wine to it, to make it legit!

I didn't make that mistake again. But to let y'all know, this disease will be with me for the rest of my life.

And each person that does get sober, and has a personal relationship with Christ, that is born again, will be free from this obessesion, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly like myself.

 

[Arial]

I bet just about everything from Voddie is good. That one sounds really good!

I have watched a lot of his sermons, but this is the first book of his I have. He doesn't have a lot of them, not like Sproul. But he writes like he preaches. He never leaves you wondering exactly what he meant. It is as though he anticipates the possible ambiguity, pauses, removes all ambiguity. He was very gifted. It seems to me that Christ's church still needs him and Sproul, but I also know that if we really did, they would still be here. Still, I miss them.

 

[mikewringer]

I have watched a lot of his sermons, but this is the first book of his I have. He doesn't have a lot of them, not like Sproul. But he writes like he preaches. He never leaves you wondering exactly what he meant. It is as though he anticipates the possible ambiguity, pauses, and then proceeds to removes all ambiguity. He was very gifted. It seems to me that Christ's church still needs him and Sproul, but I also know that if we really did, they would still be here. Still, I miss them.

I actually hear him at 03:30 in the morning, on my way to work. Sometimes the radio signal is weak, and I'm asking God to strengthen it! Lol. I too like Sproul, he was my favorite teachers when he was alive. I still catch some of his teachings when I visit Ligonier ministries. Our church uses Sproul for Sunday school classes.

 

[Arial]

Interesting question, never been asked this before. It is a good one.

I do try to feel people out, once I get some background on them. The main thing is: are you willing to do what it takes to get sober?

This is an important question, because many "want" to get sober, but are not willing to do the work. They either need more time living a destructive life or they have had enough and are teachable.

I was not teachable for a long time, but finally surrendered to God and ask Him for help.

As far as the experience I had with Christ removing my obsession, is this the norm? No, it is not. And I do not phrase it that way.

Each person will have their own spiritual experience with Christ, and it’s different for all. Not all will even have their obsession lifted. For some, it can take years. But if they are born again, and follow what His word says, they too will be happy, joyous and free. Not everyone is Chosen.

I let them know what my life was like drinking, what I did to get sober, and what my life is like now. It is much more than having this obsession removed, it is how to live life on life's terms. There is a lot of work that you do, and sometimes it's a long road of recovery.

I am a recovered alcoholic, no longer in recovery stage. I can be around alcohol at weddings or events and it doesn't bother me.

I let them know, the more time I spend in prayer, study in God's Word, trusting Him in all things, good or bad, staying in a constant conscious contact with Christ mentally and spiritually throughout my waking hours, and serving others, that this brings me peace beyond measure, peace that surpasses all understanding. Fear of people, places and things are lifted, and I have the fear of God, for it is the beginning of wisdom.

I know it's a long answer, but there is much more to this.

I can tell you the addiction is a real thing, a line that's crossed mentally, that can never be crossed back over.

4 yrs ago, our church closed its doors for covid, we were very disappointed with our pastor. We went to a church in the next county, no covid rules.

When it was time for the Lord’s supper, I took the grape juice instead of the wine, as I always do. As I drank it, a warm feeling went down my throat, chill bumps rose on my arms, euphoric recall came into my mind about drinking days. My eyes went wide open.

As I sat down my wife asked why the startled look, I said, I just drank alcohol. She said I picked the grape juice.

So we asked the brother that put the supper together if that was grape juice. He said, of course it is, for alcoholics and people that have an allergy to alcohol. However, we add One Drop of wine to it, to make it legit!

I didn't make that mistake again. But to let y'all know, this disease will be with me for the rest of my life.

And each person that does get sober, and has a personal relationship with Christ, that is born again, will be free from this obessesion, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly like myself.

I bit about my brother who went home to be with the Lord in 2019. He was an alcoholic before he got saved and an active alcoholic after, most of the time. He answered the call of the Shepherd seven years before I did and was instrumental in keeping the gospel in my ears for those seven years. (I often hated to see him coming 'cause I knew what I was in for.

He became a Christian under the influence of the invite Jesus into your life, and all your troubles will disappear gospel. He heard again and again of God removing addictions at the point of conversion. Needless to say, that is very detrimental to those for whom it doesn't happen that way. He would get sober for a while but always fall back, until he found Reformed theology. It was the first time he really profoundly could believe that God loved him. Oh, he believed it, because Scripture says it is so. But he could not grasp it. When he got hold of the DoG, that is when it became truly personal. And for whatever reason that is what broke the addiction cycle. He still struggled with the desire from time to time, but he never stumbled again.

It was Reformed theology that also made a personal relationship seem real and practical to me. Before, it seemed like an impersonal relationship to me in the way it was presented. As though the person instigates the relationship. But if God elected me to give to the Son---now that was personal. That was Jesus knowing me by name as he hung on that cross and everything about me and died for me anyway. That is personal and that is love.

 

[Arial]

I actually hear him at 03:30 in the morning, on my way to work. Sometimes the radio signal is weak, and I'm asking God to strengthen it! Lol. I too like Sproul, he was my favorite teachers when he was alive. I still catch some of his teachings when I visit Ligonier ministries. Our church uses Sproul for Sunday school classes.

Excellent! He is the best teacher I have ever come across.

 

[JesusFan]

Excellent! He is the best teacher I have ever come across.

he was very good, but tended to get more form Dr MacArthur, as am a Reformed Baptist, but also like Chuck Swindoll, as his teachings are very practical on how to apply biblical truth , as is warren Weisbre

 

[makesends]

he was very good, but tended to get more form Dr MacArthur, as am a Reformed Baptist, but also like Chuck Swindoll, as his teachings are very practical on how to apply biblical truth , as is warren Weisbre

My Reformed Baptist church is very much not Dispensational, but Covenantal. In fact, we consider the New Covenant to be a sort of Old Covenant with the old shroud removed, so to speak. It is the same covenant God has had, all along, 'expressed' differently. Rev 21 repeats what is the theme throughout Scripture: "God with us"

 

[Arial]

My Reformed Baptist church is very much not Dispensational, but Covenantal. In fact, we consider the New Covenant to be a sort of Old Covenant with the old shroud removed, so to speak. It is the same covenant God has had, all along, 'expressed' differently. Rev 21 repeats what is the theme throughout Scripture: "God with us"

"Reformed" technically means covenant theology as opposed to Dispensational. Some Baptist churches are Dispensational and ordinarily simply refer to themselves as Calvinist or Calvinist Dispensationalist. Which is odd because Calvin himself was covenantal. MacArthur was not Reformed. He was Dispensational.

 

[ElectedbyHim]

Sure, thanks Arial.

Fastfedy0 sent me to this site because I was looking for Reformed liked minded folks. The little time I've spent here has been encouraging.

I came from works theology churches, the name it and claim it Charismatic prosperity movement. Kenneth Copeland, Jerry Sevelle, Robert Tilton, you know these heretics.

By the grace of God I was brought to a small Bible Church that taught on Reformed Theology. Long story, I'll skip, but the pastor graciously took me under his wings and taught me about the Protestant Reformation, I had never heard of it, lol.

For 3 yrs he taught me about Wesley, Calvin and Sola Scriptura, and so much more. It was like a load of bricks lifted off my chest when I learned about salvation by grace and grace alone!

I'm also a recovered alcoholic, go into prisons and rehab centers, telling the addicts how Christ removed my obsession to use alcohol and drugs. I am always available to talk with those needing help in this matter.

I work on cranes, get high everyday, lol, about 60ft high. And will be retiring in a few months, moving north and plan on spending more time witnessing in prisons.

I am still a "lay" person in God’s word, but growing steadily in His knowledge and wisdom. This site is already helping me!

Peace be with you!

Welcome friend.

Glad to have you with us.

Grace and peace to you.

 

[makesends]

I guess I have the bad habit of equating the two, and Eschatology being an unfortunate side effect. MacArthur does subscribe to absolute sovereignty and TULIP does apply.

 

[Arial]

I guess I have the bad habit of equating the two, and Eschatology being an unfortunate side effect. MacArthur does subscribe to absolute sovereignty and TULIP does apply.

Yes, that's the Calvinist part. Voddie is Reformed Baptist.

 

[fastfredy0]

"Reformed" technically means covenant theology as opposed to Dispensational. Some Baptist churches are Dispensational and ordinarily simply refer to themselves as Calvinist or Calvinist Dispensationalist. Which is odd because Calvin himself was covenantal. MacArthur was not Reformed. He was Dispensational.

MacArthur was not a dispensationalist IMO but the following would explain his position more clearly.

start at 18:05

Aside: a lot of good questions/answers on this clip