Charlie Brown’s parents.
So lately in my youth group, there has been a hot topic issue going around.
Calvinism.
But the hot button isn’t really Calvinism (though some might say it is), what the problem really lies in is the topic of predestination vs free will.
Apparently, some kids in the youth group do not like the idea of a God who predestines everything, who decided before time began who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. And because of this, there are a handful of the youth who bring the topic up constantly (that isn’t to say that there aren’t a couple of “pro-predestinationers” who do the same).
The problem I see is: why bother? Both sides are steadfast in their viewpoint, either wrong or right. Neither side will really give up any slack. If there is a verse that uses the word “elect(ed)”, a free will advocate will claim that it is faulty translation.
A quick disclaimer: Although it seems like I’m ragging extra on free will advocates, this is only because I side with the viewpoint that believes that God predestined everything (including who goes to heaven). There are definitely a couple of kids who side with this view who attack the opposite side just as much.
So I say again- why bother arguing? The Bible is clear on such matters.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:3-6…
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.
The youth who persist to argue each side of the free will vs predestination debate have turned to meaningless talk. The knowledge of whether or not God elects people to salvation or not will not affect your ability to love your neighbor. God commands you to love your neighbor regardless of the status of their faith- saved or not.
The closest thing I can liken the situation to is: those people who keep talking about God’s sovereignty (in the sphere of predestination), the freedom of the will, or the lack thereof- you sound like Charlie Brown’s parents to God.
Mwamp mwamp mwamp. Your debates bring God no glory. And I am confident in assuming that they do not edify your faith, because you continue to argue about it.
You know who you are- whether you are a part of my youth group or not. Turn your eyes solely on Christ, and emulate Paul when he wrote
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you Jesus Christ and Him crucified. [1 Corinthians 2:2 ]
Good night.
Tonight was a good night. None of my original plans came to fruition (besides hanging out with my best friend). The original formula for my plans tonight was
1 best friend+ 2 girls+1 abandoned hospital= awesome.
The night actually went a little like this
1 best friends+ 1 meal at BK+ an awesome soundtrack= awesome.
An hour of our night was spent waiting on the aforementioned two girls to leave a family party (which they later found out they could not leave). This hour was spent in a Burger King parking lot, with Chauncey and I playing air guitar and leg drums (basically just slapping my legs really hard). It was great. Although, my thighs are on fire. You don’t notice how hard you’re hitting yourself when you’re into the music (especially classics like The Scorpion’s Rock You Like A Hurricane).
Then I was immersed in what makes me user friendly in the black community. T. Pain- Church. Go listen to this song. It is so amazing. Not a fan of the foul language? Watch the video on Youtube- its all censored.
On another note, I’m a little sad and disappointed. My favorite pro wrestler, Jeff Hardy, has reached the highest point ever in his career. He was set to have a WWE Championship match again Randy Orton, but tonight at No Way Out (a WWE pay-per-view event), Jeff Hardy lost to Triple H in an Elimination Chamber match, losing his title shot. Me sad.
In closing, because we were headed to a creepy, abandoned hospital, an amazing line was spawned…
“Make sure you don’t get eaten by no ghosts…”
“Nigga! Ghosts don’t eat people! Zombies do!”
I’m a fan.
Keeping busy.
Definitely one of the things that helps to keep me feeling sane lately is keeping busy. As long as I occupy myself with some sort of activity, I get to live with an “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy, if only for a few more hours. I know it might not seem like the healthiest thing to ignore problems, but hey, thats not the point of me writing.
The point of me writing is to marvel at how amazing my friends are.
I spent tonight at my friend Kasey’s house for her (rather late) birthday party. All we did was hang out. Seriously, there were no activities, no T.V.- just friends and a backyard. Its great to see what friends can talk about when the night is coming to a close and everyone is tired. The night’s goings-ons went from things as cheesy as laughing contests, to talking about how great the WB used to be before it was taken off the air.
Here is a highlight of the night to give an idea of how great it was:
Kinshiro (after taking Beca’s seat) – What do you call a retarded asian baby?
Beca (after realizing her seat was taken) – In my seat.
Biggest burn of life. Seriously. Especially coming from Beca. Burns always hurt more when you don’t expect them from someone.
So all in all, my friends are great. And they keep me just busy enough to keep my worries at bay.
Boo yah.
