The part of me that is revealed here on SermonIndex is not the part that is seen by most people that know me apart from cyberspace.
I am a fill in preacher and teacher in a very small Arminian based denominational Church. By small I mean we run about 35 when Easter and Christmas fall on the same Sunday, we average about 20. While all of the Churches in my regional association have indoor plumbing, many outhouses are still standing out back at several locations. I know of at least two, there are probably more, that still have only a central wood burning stove that the pastor must stoke early Sunday morning before services.
I teach the ‘old folks’ class and that’s what they call themselves. Lesta just turned 99…her sister is 104 and is currently in a nursing home. She often wonders why God has let her live this long. I tell her for people like me. She is a blessing.
While nothing holds a candle to the Word of God, I have learned much from reading the saints of old. It was through this personal study and the reading of those that have traveled the ‘old paths’ that I became interested in understanding their doctrines and theologies. What made them preach the way they did? Travel as far as they did? Work as hard as they did? What had the Puritans taught and instilled in their children that had them writing prayers that reveal an understanding of God that is often missing in many mature saints of today?
I have studied: holiness/sinless perfection, pre/post rapture, divorce/remarriage, Calvinism and Arminianism and a myriad of other topics such as love, patience, humility and faith. I have learned a lot about the old time saints and some of the most relied upon commentators as well. I felt an understanding of basic doctrines and theologies would add to my preaching and teaching…it has helped immensely.
During these studies I have made comments and became involved in many discussions here on SI. But this is the only side you see. I rarely use words like Arminian and Calvinist, let alone terms like ‘theology’ in my real everyday life. I preach Christ and Him crucified and I teach repent and believe. I preach and teach simple truths to simple people. I wish not to imply by this statement that they have no measure of wisdom, but that they are unburdened by the many potentially confusing topics some discuss here on SI…many of the “old folks’ did not complete school (8th grade).
By looking back on many posts and replies on various topics here on SI it has become very apparent that the ‘knowledge’ or ‘understanding’ we may have of someone is often derived from a very small representation of that person. I just want everyone to realize that in ‘real life’ some of us may not be like we appear here on SI. The mental labels we have for each other could easily be unjust.
I do not wish to appear overly cynical for I am sure there are many being genuinely represented here, but using myself as an example, my desire and fondness of discussing Reformed theology, in hope of gaining more insight into various preachers, teachers, and commentators, may lead some to think of me as a debater, when this is simply not the case. I do not like debate…but am fond of discussion. I just like to study and talk about God. Sometimes this leads to scriptures that are interpreted differently. At this point I like to view it from all perspectives; leading to the numerous studies I have undertook thus far.
I guess I just want to point out that when someone shows a great interest or fondness for a particular subject here on SI we often times do not know why or for what reason. I have many times brought up scriptures and insights that may have defended theologies I do not endorse…all to help gain a fellow brother or sister’s perspective. I do a lot of research and ask questions on a variety of topics…many times on subjects I do not discuss or even mention outside of the SI realm.
Many come to the SI forums for different reasons. I simply love learning more about God. I enjoy discussing differing theologies. This may give some people headaches…not me…I find it relaxing. My ways may seem awkward to some…if not most. I hope I have not been a stumbling block for many. I have been called and labeled many things here on SI…for that I am sorry…it was never my intention to cause pain or strife.
I say all this to clarify the misrepresentation I may have done to myself…though not intentionally.
I love to read about and discuss some of the deeper issues, but that is something I leave on SI. On the outside it’s simple truths…to simple people…like me.
As always I am probably as clear as mud…rambling…
Grace and peace my brothers and sisters…
