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Compiled by the Faith Newsletter editor: Burt Pearson
Contents:
From your Pastor
From the Deacons
Kitchen Korner
Welcome to Valerie Hachtel
Support for Holly Findley
Christmas Prayer Breakfast
Note from General Synod
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From your Pastor |
This month I want to briefly deal with a term “Reformed.” The word is found in our denominational name: Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. So what does it mean to be Reformed? Good question. I imagine if you ask 100 Christians that question, you might likely get 90 different answers (or more!).While Calvinism and Reformed are not fully synonymous, most people understand them to be so. Due to the fact that the Reformed tradition arose from the Protestant Reformation, it is important to remember that the term Reformed was not defined from within a void. Rather, it was defined as a biblical response to the excesses and perversions of the Roman Catholic Church. When the Reformers returned to Scripture, they attempted to carefully and faithfully rebuild the church upon the teachings of the New Testament. Therefore by affirming Reformed theology, a person is implicitly denying certain other theologies, such as Catholic theology (which Reformed theology rose in opposition to) and Arminian theology (which later rose in opposition to Reformed theology).
There are many expressions of the Christian faith that are based at least partially on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible. These are separated into four main divisions: Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Cults. Protestantism can be fairly easily divided into two camps: Arminian and Reformed. The majority of Protestants hold to Arminian doctrine. (For an introduction to Arminian doctrine see the article at http://www.bible-researcher.com/arminianism.html)
In this article, however, we will focus on a brief explanation on what it means to be Reformed.
It is surprisingly difficult to find a worthwhile definition of Reformed. While many people claim to understand the Reformed faith and are eager to provide a definition, few seem to be both fair and adequate. Here are a couple of examples culled from a Google search:
• A term used to refer to a tradition of theology which draws inspiration from the writings of John Calvin (1510-64) and his successors. The term is generally used in preference to “Calvinist.”
• Referring to the Reformation, it’s theology, and/or those subscribing to it. Also used to differentiate a,) Calvinism from Lutheranism, or b.) Continental European Calvinism from Scottish Calvinism, aka Presbyterianism.
Those are both concise definitions but ones that do not capture the full sense of the word. A far better and more complete definition is found at Five Solas. According to Professor Byron Curtis, a professor at Geneva College, Reformed is:
1. To confess the consensus of the five first centuries of the church:
A.) Classic theism: One omnipotent, benevolent God, distinct from creation.
B.) Nicene and Chalcedonian Trinitarianism: one God in three eternally existent persons, equal in power and glory.
C.) Christ, the God-Man, the one mediator between God & the human race, incarnate, crucified, resurrected, ascended, & coming again.
D.) Humanity created in the image of God, yet tragically fallen & profoundly in need of restoration to God through Christ.
E.) The Visible Church: the community of the redeemed, indwelt by the Holy Spirit; the mystical body of Christ on earth.
F.) The one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.
G.) The Sacraments: visible signs and seals of the grace of God, ministering Christ’s love to us in our deep need. (Reformed believers will have a high view of two sacraments, though they may differ somewhat on just how they are to be understood and how they are
to be administered.)
H.) The Christian life: characterized by the prime theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.
To this point, it would be correct to say that, we are dealing with a statement of the Protestant faith more than a statement of the Reformed faith. From this list we see that Reformed Christians adhere to all the foundational beliefs taught in the Bible. These beliefs were the foundation of the early church and are based on the teachings of the Bible as interpreted by the apostles and early church fathers. Many of these beliefs were changed or lost as the Catholic Church grew in power and authority from the 5th century onwards. Throughout history there were isolated and often-persecuted pockets of non-Catholic believers who held to many or all of these points of doctrine, but they were largely lost until their rediscovery at the time of the Reformation.
2. To confess the four solas:
• The authority of Scripture: sola scriptura (Scripture alone)
• The basis of salvation: Sola Gratia (Grace alone)
• The means of salvation: Sola Fide (Faith alone)
• The merit of salvation: Solus Christus (Christ alone)
Again, these form the basis for Protestantism as much as they do for the Reformed tradition, though sadly the majority of Protestants will never encounter the terms. These are the principles that drove the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century and separated it from the Roman Catholic Church. These four points of doctrine are based entirely on the Bible and were the theological driving force behind the newly formed Protestant movement.
3. To confess the distinctives of the Reformed faith:
For most reformed people the chief and most distinctive article of the creed is God’s sovereignty. Sovereignty means rule, and the sovereignty of God means that God rules over His creation with absolute power and authority. He determines what is going to happen, and it does happen. God is not alarmed, frustrated, or defeated by circumstances, by sin, or by the rebellion of His creatures. This, of course, includes salvation: In salvation: monergism not synergism. God alone saves. Such monergism implies T.U.L.I.P., the Five Points of Calvinism from the Synod of Dordt:
T = Total Depravity
U = Unconditional Election
L = Limited Atonement, or, better, Particular Redemption
I = Irresistible Grace
P = Perseverance and Preservation of the Saints
These five distinct points of doctrine are also known as the five points of Calvinism as they were first articulated by John Calvin after the Reformation was underway. They are based entirely on the Bible. When people speak of being Reformed these five points of doctrine are most often what they are referring to. Most evangelical (non-Reformed) churches do not hold to all of these points. Some hold to two or three (and occasionally even four), but most reject them in favor of Arminian theology which is, at heart, synergistic, relying on a cooperative effort between man and God.
4. Other Reformed Distinctives:
Professor Curtis goes on to list other points of doctrine he believes are Reformed distinctives. They include:
• The Regulative Principle of Worship,
• Covenant theology (The Church is the New Israel - we most often see an expression of this theology in infant baptism, but it also impacts eschatology and many other doctrines)
• Life is religion (Christians have neither jobs nor careers; they have vocations (callings)). Reformed theology emphasizes the cultural mandate, or the obligation of Christians to live actively in society and work for the transformation of the world and its cultures. We are called to be in the world and not to withdraw from it. Secondly, we are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoner. The chief needs of people are still spiritual, and social work is no adequate substitute for evangelism. In fact, efforts to help people will only be truly effective as their hearts and minds are changed by the gospel. This sets reformed believers apart from, mere humanitarianism. Some object to reformed theology stating that anyone who believes along reformed lines will lose all motivation for evangelism. However, anyone who truly understands reformed theology will be passionate about evangelism. In fact, we do it joyfully, knowing that our efforts will never be in vain.
***It is these distinctions that provide some of
the differences between Calvinist and
Reformed.
5. Finally: in everything, Soli Deo Gloria - to God alone be the glory in all things.
This is also something all Christians would claim, either explicitly or implicitly. In all areas of life we are to give glory to God alone.
So what does this all mean? To be Reformed is to adhere to the purist teachings of the Bible - to affirm the doctrine taught by Jesus, Paul and the apostles. Scripture is considered the ultimate authority in matters of life and faith and all Reformed doctrine is founded on the Bible. I am convinced that Reformed doctrine is nothing more than the teachings of Jesus, the Apostles and the totality of the Scriptures.
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Grace and peace,
Pastor Adams |
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From the Deacons |
Approximately a year ago the county fire inspector told us our exhaust hood over the stove didn’t meet county code. We (the diaconate) decided to remove the stove. We looked into commercial (restaurant type) fire suppression hoods and received estimates of about ten thousand dollars, plus the make up air equipment would be installed on the front or west wall of the sanctuary. We decided that would not look very good so we decided to do more research and came upon a Guardian fire suppression system that works with residential stoves. After upgrading the electrical circuit in the kitchen we contracted to have a Guardian system installed over a residential stove. We had that approved by the county and decided to go ahead with a second stove and Guardian system. All in all we spent approximately five thousand dollars for the stoves, cabinets, Guardian systems and electrical rework. This is substantially less then a commercial stove and fire suppression exhaust system.
Come and check it out.
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In His service
Rudy Seiffer |
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Kitchen Korner |
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I wanted to thank my kitchen team for helping me make the Church dinner a success. I could not of done it alone.
Helping in the kitchen Marian Sweigart, Joyce Randolph, Susie Adams, Barbara Kalm, Carol Chambers, Denise Lemons Jean Poole and of course my husband Carl. Tony Chambers and Rudy Seiffer carved the turkeys that were prepared by the Acker’s, Dena Willfong, Ann Pusar, and Mike Gallogy.
I enjoyed working with all of you and hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas.
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Respectfully Submitted by;
Karen A. Thornton |
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Welcome to Valerie Hachtel |
On October 25, 2009, Valerie Hachtel joined the Faith family. Valerie moved from Baltimore MD to Merritt Island with her husband Buddy in 1996. He passed away last year just two weeks shy of their 50th anniversary.
During her career, Valerie was a secretary and an admin assistant in the medical field. She worked in a variety of doctors’ offices, the medical examiner’s office and also in assisted care. Her husband was self-employed, buying, selling and repairing cash registers and boats.
Valerie enjoys crocheting, concerts, going out to dinner with friends and church. Though she has no siblings or children, she feels blessed to have many life long friends. Her mother came from Switzerland to the United States when just 15 and never returned. Valerie stays in touch with her cousin Nelly in Switzerland, though she has never met her. Friends translate their letters to each other.
Marian Sweigart, who Valerie knew from the Power Squadron Auxiliary, invited her to Faith, and she has been attending ever since her first visit last year. Valerie says she immediately felt at home. She loves the kindness so many have shown her and is grateful for Pastor Bobby’s faithful delivery of God’s Word in understandable sermons.
Welcome to Valerie!
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Submitted by
Mari Richardson |
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Support for Holly Findley |
For those who don’t know, Holly has completed her mid-wife training and passed the necessary exams.
In response to a $500 gift from our Sunday School mission fund, Dave Kalm received the following e-mail response from Holly indicating what her next step will be.
“My next step will be to attend an Equip training in the Spring ... it's a two week intensive for missionaries about primary health care (setting broken bones, treating common diseases in third world countries, first aid, suturing wounds, etc). I'm really excited about it! I'll be registering for that in a few weeks and the cost for the training is $900.00 so the money from Faith will be a huge help with that! You can mail the money to:
Central Community Church
300 Tucker Ln
Cocoa FL 32926”
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Submitted by
Dave Kalm |
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Christmas Prayer Breakfast |
The Women of Faith are hosting the Christmas Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, December 12th from 9:00 - 10:30 AM.
Please bring a wrapped ornament to exchange.
We will be having a cookie swap afterwards for anyone who wants to participate. Please bring 3 dozen cookies wrapped in individual packs of 4.
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Submitted by
Linda Seiffer |
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Note from General Synod |
Dear Friends in Florida Presbytery,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! I want to inform you of an excellent
opportunity for the training of ruling elders and deacons that will be made
available to you the winter of 2010. On Saturday January, 16, 2010, at the First
Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales, Christian Education Ministries and Florida
Presbytery CE committee will be sponsoring a church officer training event.
These seminars are for everyone in the congregation not just officers. The
speaker for the day will be Dr. Mark Ross. Dr. Ross is professor of Systematic
Theology at Erskine Theological Seminary in Columbia. Dr. Ross will speak on the
"Keys to the Kingdom". Dr. Ross will cover the role of church leadership to
admit people into the membership of the church, dismiss people from the
membership of the church and church discipline. He will discuss the sacraments
and admitting people to baptism and communion. He will also speak on "Why we
baptize infants." CEM encourages all church members to participation in all
sessions. A delicious lunch will be provided by the church. This will be a great
opportunity for the training of new officers and the renewal of current church
officers, as well as, a wonderful time of fellowship. The schedule will be:
Registration 9:30-10:00am
1st Session 10:00-11:00am
Break 11:00-11:15am
2nd Session 11:15-12:15pm
Lunch 12:15--1:15pm
3rd session 1:15--2:15pm
Break 2:15--2:30pm
4th Session 2:30--3:30pm
The cost of a single registration is $25/person. But if you register before
January 12 and bring 10 or more participants the registration cost will be
reduced to $20/person. After January 12, the group rate will be $25/person. The
registration cost will cover the cost of the meal and all seminars. Since it is
important for the elders and deacons to be continuously renewed in their church
responsibilities, we would encourage all churches to pay for their officers to
attend.
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| The above is from an e-mail from Greg Hamer of our general synod. |
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