Theology and Doctrines

Tozer was not a calvnist. He pastored several Christian and Missionary Alliance churches which by any means not even close to Reformed or Calvinism theology. Christian and Missionary Alliance Missionary movement started by Dr. Albert B. Simpson which emerged from the Holiness Movement, in particular Pentecostalism. His formulation is known as the FourFold Gospel: "Jesus our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King". The FourFold Gospel is symbolized in the logo of the C&MA. I followed various theologians from different background. Some are Reformed theologians (i.e. Calvinism) and some are not reformed (i.e. Arminianism). One of my favorite Theologians is Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones who Dr. Lloyd-Jones was brought up in Welsh Calvinistic Methodism. If you have never heard of the Calvinistic Methodists the very term may seem contradictory. Dr. Jones pastored Westminster Chapel in London with Dr. Campbell Morgan who was a famous Arminian theologian. Morgan and Lloyd-Jones' association was a fitting example of how Christians can work together even when they differ on secondary issues (salvation). I also have Lutheran theologian books written by german Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of my favorite "Cost of Discipleship". Other Theologians I read are: John Bunyan (The Pilgrim's Progress) John MacArthur (Gospel According to Jesus) Chuck Swindoll (Amazing Grace) R. C. Sproul (Now that is a Good Question) J.I. Packard (Knowing God) Francis Schaeffer (The Church before the Watching World) David Jeremiah (Invasion of Other Gods) Jerry Bridges (Pursuit of Holiness) James Montgomery Boice (Whatever Happened to the Gospel of Grace?) Ray C. Stedman ("What Faith Is" and "True Worship") Many Others There is often a disagreement between Dispensationalism and Covenantism as well salvation (Armenianism and Calvinism). A.W. Tozer made an interesting comparision for us to "think" before believing either Calvinism or Arminianism or somewhere in between. I have a strong feeling that most people are unsure or the are in the "middle" between Calvinism and Arminianism.

Imagine two men reading the same passage of Scripture, one a Calvinist who has been brought up on Calvinistic theology from his youth, the other reared in the Arminian tradition and thoroughly indoctrinated in Arminianism. The passage they read is Hebrews 6:4-6, "It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance". The impressions the Calvinist receives from these words will differ radically from those received by the Arminian, yet neither one will be conscious of adding to, subtracting from or otherwise altering the passage in any way. Each will understand the words to mean exactly what he has been taught that they mean. The meaning he sees there will appear to him so natural, so logical and right that he will wonder how anyone can see any other. (And sadly enough each will more than likely think the other a hypocrite who receives his teaching from the devil. But that is not pertinent to this particular argument.)"

I read all kinds doctrines from various theologians, perhaps, I closer to an agreement with Reformed for one reason, it is close to traditional as well as close to truth. From the "surface", Christians are looking for any denominations or non-denominational churches who teaches the way people WANT to hear so they could give their time to pursuits more to their liking, such as enjoying the pleasures of the world. My main problem with Churches today are teaching doctrines that are not biblical just to attract people with itching ears so they will be motivated to do something for themselves rather than sound spiritual docrine which is why my thoughts about Reformed theology is more realiable than any other. I didn't say Reformed theology is truth because on the Bible is truth while doctrines are taught by man and I believe that Reformed doctrines are closer to truth than any other doctrines. I am Spirit-filled Christian FIRST. Secondary is the doctrines I rely on which is Reformed.