“At many Reformed churches, the particulars of Reformed theology overshadow the cross. The assumption seems to be that if you can master the particulars of TULIP, and are devoted to 1, 2, and 3 John (John Calvin, John Piper, and John MacArthur), then you are spiritually acceptable and everything will be right in your life. Right doctrine is essential, but no “doctrinal flower” can transform your heart. Only the beauty of Jesus transforms the heart.” (JD Greear, Gospel: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity Revolutionary)
This Reformed minded dude says, “Amen!” to that!
Bryan Daniels
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Amen, Bryan. This Reformed midned dude says that the most important 5 letters are J-E-S-U-S.
Amen, Linden, no doubt!
This old man will add Amen and Amen!
Oops – I meant “minded” (it is sometime quite frustrating to be disabled and struggle to hit all the key correctly -:).
As a pastor with Reformed theology, I’d say that any pastor who preaches 1, 2, and 3 John over Christ isn’t a pastor anyway.
Amen! Jesus first…everything and everyone else second!
Hope you are doing well Bryan…I don’t get to visit like I used to. 🙂
Greg
Genuinely not trying to just drum up traffic by posting a link to my own blog, but I thought this was pretty similar in spiritto something I wrote a little while back that you might find interesting.
http://www.elliottdodge.wordpress.com/day-04
Good post, Elliot, thanks for sharing!
I’m no stranger to TULIP, or any of the Johns, but I’m thankful that this “united reformed” girl was always taught Jesus first.
Hey Bryan
Solid point indeed! We need Jesus…..
Rolain
no wonder I liked your writing…. This Reformed dudette says AMEN
Presbyterian music director…ditto. Calvinist theology, in all its linear, left-brain glory, kinda smells like it was developed by a brilliant lawyer cum theologian..oh wait.
I’m really happy that I came across your blog, Chief. You always provide a really smart reflection on something that gets me thinking. Big fan here!
Thanks Danny, glad to interact with good peeps like you too!
I’m not big on theological detail (my learning is still in its infancy!) but I do know that without Jesus, there is nothing. He came to reform and to re-form. He showed us how to make the new out of the old and he challenged us to rethink the old ways and to embrace the new.
Amen brother!
I too love the doctrines of grace, but appreciate this quote very much – thanks for sharing / challenging!