By John and Jack, Administrators
This article will be somewhat different than our norm. Our Goal at ExPreacherMan has always been to share with you the simplicity of the Gospel of Salvation in Jesus Christ alone — and to expose those who would pervert that Good News message.
If you, as a friend of ExP feel so inclined, we would appreciate you telling us and our readers in a short note, what ExPreacherMan means to you. Your note may include your thoughts of how ExP has helped you understand God’s Word, His Grace, salvation, your assurance of salvation, your encouragement, helping get you out of LS, Calvinism, etc. We know all of our readers will be thrilled and encouraged.
A short time line of ExPreacherMan:
- 2006 was the first year.
- 2011 we added Bruce Bauer as a co-Administrator. We were so thankful for him and saddened when he resigned due to his other ministry pressures. Thanks Bruce, the Lord used you wonderfully.
- 2013 John came on board as co-Administrator. [Jacks comment: We are so thankful for John and Jane.]
Since we launched ExP, we have been blessed by the Lord with:
- Over 609,000 total views of the web site.
- Viewers from 53 different countries in just the last seven days, many more in entirety.
- Views ranging from 400 to 600 or more views per day.
- ExP has 256 personal subscribers who have signed up to receive notices of our posts.
We see so many folks have been positively influenced by ExP, including your ExP administrators who have been encouraged. The Lord has blessed this ministry by your participation.
We will appreciate you telling us your short story to encourage us and our readers.
Thank you!!!
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Fruit and blessings from this ministry. Years ago I prayed for Christian friends and I prayed for many years. I knew that the Bible says that to have friends, one must show themselves to be friendly, so I set out to try to just be friendly to others by encouraging them with Scripture. I think I was more blessed by those Scriptures than maybe they were. I made many enemies, but the blessing in it was that for many hard times, meeting just one who knew the truth of the gospel and stood for it was a huge gift. It was how I began to pray, if just one would hear, and sometimes I never knew. Other times I’d find out later. My longest one to date is someone who told me that she had hated me for seven years, and read everything I wrote to try to prove me wrong. I cannot express what an answer to prayer a sister like that is. I love the body of Christ and I love the fellowship here. I sure miss Jack, but am thankful for the time the Lord allowed me to know him, and thankful for whatever time we all have together.
When I feel we who truly believe in salvation by grace alone thru faith alone are loosing out to the faith/works=salvation crowd, I look at this “What this fellowship of believers means to me” thread. I am so happy and thankful that more and more people are rejecting “Lordship Salvation” and other legalistic beliefs. I have been there too and it’s tough to stand for grace alone against Satan’s arrows of false doctrine.
I pray that more people who are weary of the bondage of today’s legalistic LS teachings will come to this Grace Oasis at Exp. and know that God loves you and wants you to be with Him forever, and all you have to do is accept this by faith as a gift of the gospel.
I know that is both of your desires, mine too, and this is hard as I know very well, Satan will attack where there is truth being spoken. You know how much I am affected by the compromise of men, and am so appreciative of your firm stands there. Continuing to pray for people to grow in His grace here, in wisdom, in discernment, and to be laborers for the harvest too. In Christ eternally too 🙂
Holly
Thanks Holly,
We do need and appreciate all of your prayers – that we will be accurate in Biblical analysis, kind yet firm in our responses and uncompromising in the doctrine of salvation by Grace alone through Faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Genevieve, Jan, David, Curtis, Lisa and everyone else. The Lord is so good to us, and we need to continue to pray for Jack and John too, who need encouragement as our brothers and elders in Christ who labor sometimes with much spiritual battle, and it’s difficult, I know from my own little blog, so we need to keep them in prayer and encourage all ministries who are standing for the truth.
In Christ’s love to you all.
Thank you for contending for the faith and Gods honor, in the words of Holly He is awe and then some!
Blessings to All, Lisa
I just wanted to post again since it seems I came in at a time that other very important testimonies were being shared and my post got kinda lost in the shuffle. I just wanted to thank the Lord for Bro. Jack & you all! God Bless!
As long as we are just seeking Him, and acknowledging Him in all our ways, He will. He also knows we will miss acknowledging Him in everything, so just ask for help. He is faithful. The Lord answered the enemy always with ‘it is written’, so sharpen your sword 🙂 Love in Christ.
I’m glad Holly
Genevieve, he is directing your steps 🙂
i believe He will avenge me Curtis & thank you.
Luke 18:1-8
Thank you for the scripture,particularly Eph 4:27
I’ve really felt alone with this.So I memorized Joshua 1:9 & know that He is with me.
Amen Sister G
also
be-careful to speak words of Truth to ourselves
be careful not to get caught up looking for devils everywhere don’t give them the satisfaction of you looking for them. The Blood of Jesus should be our focus He is our deliverer Let Jesus have our attention let Him be our avenger. Speak Praises unto Jesus
Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
1Jn 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Thanks Curtis
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth,& the truth shall make you free.
No problem John, you are NOT persnickety, you are accurate and correcting my error and as someone with asperger’s Syndrome, I approve of your action. ;D
~Soil 2 had “head faith” versus heart faith, and thus was unsaved.~
Oh, in the Ruckmanite group I was in, saoil 2 had no root in itself and therefore was unsaved, but then again, saving faith in Jesus IS saving faith in Jesus, no exceptions.
~“Faith” itself is the gift of God.~
Yeah, that’s classical Calvinist and LS error.
~Believing in Jesus is not enough – one MUST ask for eternal life.~
That in my opinion is just a variation/mutation of calling on the Name of the Lord, the Romans 10:9&13 error, he doesn’t seem to read Romans 10:10 very well or Paul’s other epistles or the gospel according to John.
Jan, not to be persnickety, but, it is “Grace thru Faith”.
I do not recommend the site. It is rife with error, but you have to dig a little below the surface.
Among the errors:
Soil 2 had “head faith” versus heart faith, and thus was unsaved.
“Faith” itself is the gift of God.
Believing in Jesus is not enough – one MUST ask for eternal life.
I think I know who she means, if I’m not mistaken, it’s Jack Kelley, who has a website called “Grace through Faith”.
I don’t know what Holly found, but I know that he has some dubious connections to Hal Lindsey and “Rapture Ready” as well as some positivity towards Tim LaHaye, I’ve avoided him for quite some time myself for those reasons.
But maybe Holly is referring to another “Grace through Faith” website.
I read your testimony before it was edited Genevieve , I can relate to what you have been delivered from and being delivered. emotional religious trauma I had found no help other than Jesus it is Him and Him alone. All I have found is the religious leaders would rather just turn me away because they were afraid .
God did have 1 close friend who He used to reach out to me in my darkest hour.
I continue to be set me free by knowing my Identity of who God the Holy Spirit say’s I am in Christ Jesus .
It is sound doctrine and or Clarity of the Gospel were freedom is found
You have found the place to be for Truth Genevieve , continue to seek That Truth in Christ Jesus of who YOU are in God’s Word .
they were afraid.
Mar 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
If some have come to trust in Christ Jesus as their personal Savior then my testimony has become a great joy to me. For I am not embarrassed by my story for it was the glorious, loving hand of my Father in heaven. How beautiful His love is to allow me to suffer so greatly so that I may be His forever. He used so many individuals in my life to bring me to His love. I’m so thankful for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. They’ve helped put me back on track. They’ve given me back the most important thing to me…….my Lord! Thank you all!
I will like to hear it (the testimony). Yankee recently published a testimony of a friend of mine hear too, Debbie.
As for Grace thru faith, I could not recommend him (Jack Kelley) either. Interestingly some asked me about him a few months ago, and as I do I went through his gospel, and I emailed him with a few issues. The reply wasn’t as gracious as I had hoped for, nor did he concede any issues with his presentation. Interesting he should be brought up here also.
You know a lot of people out there claiming to preach the gospel. One is an ‘evangelist’ someone pointed out to me who is now heading up BJU. Interesting, extremely hard to find his ‘gospel’ that he is known for. Was not a Biblical gospel, it too was added to.
Seems like men just can resist adding to God’s Word. Lord help them and those who hear them.
Glad that made you smile Benholdason.God is good.That’s for sure.
Hi Genevieve,
Your words, “I love waking up every morning to my God.I love thinking about Him as soon as I open my eyes & I’m so excited that I can’t sleep much.” made me smile.
It is a blessing to have a relationship with the Lord that is like this.
God is good. 🙂
I cried watching your testimony Bobbi Jo,it showed me how beautiful & loving God is,not that I didn’t already know,but it still made me cry hearing it again.That He loves us so much,so much so that He died for us.I’d love some of those tracts of Yankees,but I’ve been making my own & I put expreachermans address at the bottom,for in case people have any questions.
Loved your testimony Bobi Jo,it was so beautiful. Our God is so beautiful.I’m grateful for all the hardships of my life too.I didn’t have a life before He saved me.Not a good one anyway.It’s was awful,but now I am on top of the world,knowing Him.A fella from Yankee Arnolds church has been helping me out too.
{{ Administrators have edited portions of this comment due to content that requires private counseling — which we at ExP do not do. We suggest you continue your conversations with the folks at Yankee’s church }}
I love waking up every morning to my God.I love thinking about Him as soon as I open my eyes & I’m so excited that I can’t sleep much.Love you guys,you mean a lot to me.I’m praying for you all.
Thank You for your testimony Bobi Jo how God set you free from LS , Yankee read your testimony today for all to hear and souls trusted Christ Jesus as personal savior . Praying many more will hear and Trust Christ Jesus as Savior
Curtis
I’m so thankful that I came here today! I’ve been away from ExP’s site for awhile, not because I have changed in my beliefs or have anything AT ALL against my dear brother, it is simply due to the fact of other things taking up my time. I could fill a book in sharing what this dear brother and his 1st wife, and now that she is with the Savior, his present wife have meant and continue to mean to me! I was once caught up in Commitment Salvation, and I cannot express the constant fear and dread that I experienced due to the unreal burden such a belief puts on a believer, mainly because the belief system is a conglomeration of Bible doctrines fused together where they were never meant to be so forced. Thankfully at one time long ago I had already believed the simple Gospel truth presented to me by my dear Dad, but soon got sidetracked by theologians. Anyway, I’ve already gone on longer than I meant to, but bro. Jack Weaver is a blessing in my life just due to his selfless attitude of genuinely wanting to help confused and trapped believers and genuinely seeking unbelievers to find and/or rediscover the simple truth of Biblical salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. I count it a joy to call him my brother in Christ and my friend!
I would like if the moderators could remove my YouTube link above and in its place use pastor Tom’s Galatians series
Mary brings up a good point about souls getting side tracked going to you tube
http://northlandchurch.com/content.cfm?id=213&download_id=26
Thank you for your testimony Mary
you do bring up a good concern about youtube and posting links , we don’t know what is going to come up after vid is over at the close and or what links will be along side a featured vid. I am definitely re thinking posting youtube links
It is so very important to read the word of God for ourselves I have learned that the hard way myself .
Mary I’m so incredibly happy for you! I know how difficult it must’ve been to come out of being Catholic as I’ve known quite a few. Sweet people but nonetheless they simply are filled with such incredibly false doctrine. I often thought coming out of this”religion” would be the most difficult. Well, coming out from any false doctrine is difficult really.
I’m happy our God has shown Himself to you in the true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’ll be praying to thank Him for you coming out of bondage. Welcome Mary 🙂
Mary, you gave your friend great advice. It is a terrible idea to listen to, or read, false doctrine. Some people actually seem to revel in scaring themselves be reading non-Biblical religious garbage. Christians are supposed to feed on the Word of God, not on the twisted lies of Satan.
I would like to comment on my looking at the doctrine of eternal security, my friend was sharing on how she was listening to Ralph Arnold and along side the you tube video. Another video came along side as they do, but one on Joe Schimmel who puts out all the dvids on how they sold their souls to rock n roll, which i thought were great years ago, know i am not so sure.
Someone warned me a few years ago that he believes u can lose yr salvation. (A Calvanist acturally)
She decided to listen to about an hour of his message of how evil it was to believe in the evil doctrine of “Once saved always Saved”. They claim we are not saved and we claim they are believing in a false salvation. What confusion, for the new ones coming in or trying to find truth. As they say u guys can’t even agree amongs yrselves.
My friend was sharing of how bewitching and convincing it was. I advised her to stop listening to satan and advised her to get it from the free gracers sermons rather than from the enemy. I guess what i am saying is, there is such a power there, where satan energises these ministers in error and uses them to capture the undiscerning people.
We are really living in such confusing times, where i see that satan has attacked every doctrine, for every teaching out there, there is another truth, and so it is hard to know which side is of god and which is satans at times. No wonder people are so messed up because of the false doctrines that have made inroads.
I pray that we know by the help of the spirit to rightly divide the word of god.
So we do not become deceived, which we have all been at one time of another, as the enemy is good at persuading and convincing, just because it makes sense its not always truth.
THANKS GUYS AND ALL ON THIS BLOG, I CANNOT BEGIN TO THANK YOU AND GOD FOR THIS REFUGE OF TRUTH. NOW THAT I HAVE ARRIVED TO THIS POSITION OF FREE GRACE (THIS GOSPEL OF GRACE) IT HAS TRULY LIBERATED ME. I CANNOT GET MY HEAD AROUND THAT I CAME OUT OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND WENT INTO A FALSE GOSPEL WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS SAVED. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT HAS TAKEN ME 15 YEARS TO SEE I WAS UNDER A FALSE GOSPEL.
ITS SUCH GOOD NEWS, BUT SUCH BAD NEWS TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE IT. ITS MAINLY THE PEOPLE WHO ARE UNDER FALSE PLANS OF SALVATION OF LORDSHIP, CALV, ARMINIANS THAT ARE SO HARD TO PERSUADE. ITS SO DISCOURAGING AND DIFFICULT TO GET THEM TO SEE “it”.
THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK JACK, HOLLY, MARK, CURTIS, JIM AND ALL THE OTHERS FOR YOUR RESPONSES THAT KEEP US GOING AND REASSURING US THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK, WHEN THERE IS SUCH A TSUNAMI OF LIES AND OPPOSITION COMING AT US.
AS I SAID TO MY FRIEND TODAY, I HAVE A HARD TIME PROCESSING IN MY MIND, THAT ARMINIANS AND CALVANISTS AND LORDSHIP SALVATION PEOPLE ARE NOT SAVED, I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT THE ONES WHO HAVE BELIEVED, THEN FELL FOR ANOTHER GOSPEL. BUT THAT THERE ARE PASTORS WHO HAVE WORKED SO HARD AND YET , JESUS WILL SAY I NEVER KNEW YOU, KNOW THATS A HARD THING TO GET YR HEAD AROUND.
THANKS MARK S. FOR YR DOCUMENTARY ON ANTOHER GOSPEL, JUST WANT U TO KNOW ITS STILL BEING PASSED ON TO OTHERS.
THANKS ONCE AGAIN, BRING YOUR FRIENDS ALONG AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS, EVEN THOUGH ITS HARD. WE HAVE TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON REGARDLESS OF HOW HARD IT IS. JESUS WILL MAKE IT WORTH OUR WHILE WHEN WE SEE HIM, AS HE IS GOING TO BRING HIS REWARD FOR US. IN THE MEANTIME IT IS COSTING US SPEAKING OUT AND LOSING PEOPLE WHO WE THOUGHT WERE ON OUR SIDE.
MAY THE LORD KEEP THIS SITE GOING, NOWHERE ELSE TO GO, NO CHURCH TO GO TO,. LET THE LIKE MINDED BELIEVERS HAVE A TRUTH HAVEN TO COME TO AND REFRESH THE WEIRY SOULS.
Folks,
“Ask to be saved” case closed. We agree with John’s Biblical position quoted here:
Please let us cease this merry-go-round conversation and concentrate on clarifying and sharing the Gospel of Believing in Jesus Christ for eternal life.
All future comments suggesting or proposing that “ask to be saved” is a legitimate Bible Doctrine will not be published. Thanks.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Dan, like I said, if someone makes asking for salvation a condition to be saved, then I think it is inappropriate.
The Bible says that salvation comes from belief in Christ. If someone believes, asking isn’t necessary. If someone does not believe, asking won’t save them.
John in NC,
Another (third) example might be the thief on the cross who said, “Remember me…”
Also significant regarding the woman of Samaria, is that not only did she ask (vs 15), but Jesus said it Himself in verse 10, “thou wouldest have asked.” If asking were necessarily wrong, He wouldn’t have said it.
Certainly if the church says that asking is absolutely necessary, (as did that organization for which you provided a quote) then there is a problem.
If you are drowning in the lake, and a boat comes by, and you cry out, “help!” – you are not going to trust in your cry for help, but in the one who can rescue you. The problem arises if we say to ourselves, “I hope I’m saying ‘help’ the right way.”
As one who is recovering from Calvinism, for me this a practical question as I explain the gospel to my kids. I’m used to thinking that we need to do something – I have thought that way for a long time. I don’t want to transfer my history of unbelief to them, in making them think that their prayer is what saves them. But I still wonder at times whether I am wrong for refraining from telling them that they should ask? I must be at peace and allow them to either ask or not ask and not worry about it.
Bobbie Jo
“I feel I need to take a break from there and dive into God’s Word and start there.”
Amen , Let church be church for a time and you take care of who YOU are in Christ Jesus according to God’s Word.
happy you see this Bobbies Jo , I bounced around a lot coming out of my indoctrination wished I would of just taken some time to study the Gospel for myself asking God for wisdom and understanding. It did all work out for my benefit I am all the more sharpened . It was hard on my emotions and my family but I am Free thank you Jesus
by reason of use have their senses exercised
Heb_5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Bobbie Jo, sometimes believers get duped into things after they have trusted in Christ as Savior. I think I am one. Galatians was written to address this.
“Words matter. God has seen fit to communicate with us through the words of the Bible. Therefore, it is important to understand and simply believe what He says.”
https://expreacherman.com/2013/02/15/3-reasons-why-the-gospel-of-grace-is-the-true-gospel/
I want to thank all of you for helping me stand up for what is right. I went today and while listening very closely…..I’m honestly not sure. I feel I need to take a break from there and dive into God’s Word and start there.
There is a reason I’m having this nagging feeling. The “asking” for a gift thing has begun to really leave me with more questions and the Lord wants us to stand firm. I’ll call the pastor once I’ve begun to be able to stand firm and gain knowledge of the Word of God.
I find it disrespectful to”ask” God for a gift He tells you is free by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. To me…if one needs to even ask God has he really believed the gospel and taken God at His Word? To me the answer is no. It’s making God a liar and He. will not be mocked
Agree Johninc
I stepped in that side trail for a short time up front we agreed on the Gospel and agreed on biblical repentance and that the Gospel is a free Gift.
then I started hearing things that didn’t set right and they are all on that list you posted except for #3.
Thanks John,
That Chafer excerpt (and I agree with your disclaimer on Chafer) is excellent — and far more theo-logical [God Logical] than my pony story.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Curtis, as long as one realizes that eternal life is the gift of God, received through faith in the person and work of Christ, then I agree.
There are many religions that start with this concept, and then add things to it, so that it appears that they believe in the gospel when, in fact, it is something else. For example, some people think the “gift” is, or includes”
1. Faith itself
2. The notion that faith in Christ includes believing that one’s life (behavior, attitudes, conditions, physical maladies, etc.) will automatically change for the better
3. That the gift includes believing that one will receive special spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, healing, etc.
4. That the gift must be “maintained” by works in order to keep the gift
5. That one can give the gift back, or walk away from it
6. That one can determine, from his behavior, attitudes, etc., whether or not he has received the gift
In other words, many don’t know what they are believing in Jesus FOR.
along with what Jack said
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth :
“A gift horse is a horse that was a gift, quite simply. When given a horse, it would be bad manners to inspect the horse’s mouth to see if it has bad teeth. This can be applied as an analogy to any gift: Don’t inspect it to make sure it matches some standard you have, just be grateful!”
as far as souls who were baptized under another Gospel . I would not be concerned about it. God know’s our heart and now upon believing THE Gospel the curse of another gospel or spell you recognize you were under is gone.THE Gospel is the power of God unto salvation
a consequence is we need to be careful now we don’t just grab another system of thought that’s what I started doing.
we need to unlearn what we have learned and for me in my experience some of the same passages of scripture that had me bound are the ones that set me free.
study THE Gospel ask God for wisdom and understanding seeking the next step that God would have for you be anxious for nothing ………
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Bobbie Jo,
Eternal Life is God’s FREE Gift to everyone. The GIFT was paid for by Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. To be transferred (to use Dan’s word) to the recipient, a gift needs only to be accepted unconditionally by the recipient; no Biblical reason to ask, plead or beg for it.
Why would anyone deem it necessary to ASK for a GIFT already paid for and offered freely by God?
Illustration:
A father buys his son a pony and then announces to him, “I give unto you this pony and…” Then some folks would expect the son to answer by asking, “Father, may I please have that pony”???????
NO! That is a ridiculous premise.
The pony is the son’s for the taking. The son merely accepts or refuses the gift offered by the father.
Eternal life is God’s “paid for” FREE gift, offered to anyone who will take it by his/her faith decision to trust/believe God’s Promise in Jesus Christ. (John 3:16, John 10:28)
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Fryingpan, that seems to be exactly what they are saying. And, they are using scripture to make their point. What if someone was saved without ever hearing Romans 10? Would their faith be invalid?
John,
Thanks for sharing that confusing message from that site that again, WE ARE NOT ENDORSING. I say thanks because it is very illustrative.
That Q & A answer ends with,
” ‘The Lord already knows what all of her sins are. Now He’s waiting for her to ask Him to save her. She doesn’t need to do this publicly or even audibly, but she does need to do it.’ ”
I will try to be brief as this is getting a bit off topic, but do the administrators of that web site have even a clue to how absurd that sounds? Think about it logically. If this line of reasoning is accurate, then this person’s friend, whom it’s already been established, has put her faith in Christ for her salvation after hearing the gospel, understanding it and believing it, never “asks Him to save her”, Jesus will deny knowing her at the Great White Throne judgement and have her cast into a lake of fire on a mere technicality.
Am I missing anything here? Am I out of line? Or is it as bad as I’m saying it is? I’m asking in complete sincerity.
Thank you.
Following is an excerpt from Chafer on the concept of the REQUIREMENT of asking for salvation (Please note that I am not making a blanket endorsement of Chafer):
By demanding that one believe and ask for salvation. Since God is propitious (1 John 2:2), it is wholly out of order to ask Him to save, as though He must be persuaded to do what He, at infinite cost. has prepared to do.
The incident of the publican in the temple (Luke 18:13) is too often assumed to be the norm for the sinner who would be saved under grace. The setting is before the death of Christ and reflects the relationships that existed in the Jewish era.
Though the English version makes the publican to say “God be merciful to me a sinner,” he really said. God be propitiated to me the sinner. At no time, either in the Old Testament or the New, may one reach God on the ground of mere mercy as such apart from needful sacrifice. The publican asked for propitiation which was a justifiable request before the cross, but wholly unjustified now.
To ask for mercy as such is to assume that God may deal with sin apart from adequate sacrifice. To ask for propitiation is to discard what Christ has done and to ask that something more effective be provided.
Men are not saved by getting God to do something; they are saved when they dare to believe that God has done something.
Good observation Dan
another thought
here is a passage were a soul simply confessed a need for mercy or Loved mercy himself as in Mic ?
what doth the LORD require of thee
Mic 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
God be merciful to me a sinner.
this man went down to his house justified
Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Bobbie Jo, I agree that it seems to have been presented as as step to getting to heaven. That is why it needs clarification. There are sites posing as free grace that will say one is not saved unless he asks for salvation as a separate step. Following is a Q&A from a site called “Gracethrufaith” (WARNING: I AM NOT ENDORSING THIS SITE):
“When Believing Isn’t Enough”
If a person does not have a definite instance in their life where they declare that they are a sinner and accept Christ as Saviour by praying something similar to the Sinner’s prayer (i.e. a salvation experience) are they really a believer?
Q. My question is this. If a person does not have a definite instance in their life where they declare that they are a sinner and accept Christ as Saviour by praying something similar to the Sinner’s prayer (i.e. a salvation experience) are they really a believer? It was a topic of
conversation with a friend who has no such experience yet believes she will go to heaven and longs to see Christ.
A. Romans 10:9 states that there are two conditions necessary for salvation. 1) confess with your mouth and 2) believe in your heart. Verse 10 continues, “It is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:13 says that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
It sounds like your friend has believed in her heart. What prevents her from formally asking the Lord to save her? Does she understand that the word confess means to agree that she’s a sinner in need of a Savior, not to spout off a list of all her sins? The Lord already knows what all of her sins are. Now He’s waiting for her to ask Him to save her. She doesn’t need to do this publicly or even audibly, but she does need to do it”
I completely understand what you are saying but this is the last step to “getting to heaven” in their pamphlets. Then he preaches free grace through faith alone in Christ alone. My concern is people thinking, especially visitors, that the asking is attached to the faith. Faith +asking= NOT acceptable to God. Besides, to me, if eternal life is a gift, which God says it is then one doesn’t need to ask. I’ve never asked for a gift.
And I pray I’ve explained myself in a reasonable and respectable manner and it was well received. My hopes is that I didn’t sound condescending. I greatly appreciate all the help and am grateful for it.
Dan, you bring up a good point. There are two incidents I can think of in which someone asks for salvation. You brought up one. It was the tax collector in Luke 18:13. This incident was prior to the crucifixion and resurrection, so I’m not sure it is the church-age pattern.
There was also the woman at the well. She asks for living water before she knows who Jesus is or exactly what he is saying. The asking does not appear to have resulted in her receiving eternal life. Later, after she realizes that Jesus is the Messiah, she appears to have received eternal life. Was the asking a necessary step? I don’t think so.
So, is it inappropriate? Maybe not. But, is it necessary? Definitely not. That’s exactly what I suggested Bobbie Jo ask her pastor:
You might ask him specifically if someone believes in Christ as Savior, but does not ask to be saved, are they still saved? If he says yes, ask him why they have this wrong in their pamphlet. If he says no, leave.
Good point, Dan.
Regarding “asking” God to save you:
I.M.O., we need to be careful in saying whether it’s right or wrong.
First, the tax collector in the parable in Luke 18:13 appears to ask God for mercy.
Second, we should consider what is important: is it the asking, or the transference of dependence? Whether or not we “ask” God to save us is not the focus, but whether we trust him to do what he says He will do. If we have transferred dependence to Him, He saves us, whether we “asked” Him or not.
Now if someone is trusting in the asking as necessary, that is a different thing, as “asking” would then become a work.
The important thing is not whether we “asked,” but whether we’ve trusted in Christ alone.
I am afraid for many years people thought they were not to ‘speak against someone’ or these things were ‘just semantics’. And men compromised for the same of a name, a bigger church, a wider audience, more money. They starting quoting the popular men and started teaching about the ‘church fathers’. Why?
We see the foundation that was built, and I don’t see that the foundation was still open for construction.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: Eph 2:19-21
Sorry I didn’t warn you about that church Bobbie Jo.Most of them believe that they can tell a christian by their fruit too,which is works as well.
I don’t’ like it either, Genevieve. I’m going to have to ask him about this. The pastor that is. His sermons have never worried me that I remember but I’ll have to be on guard now. I’ll simply have to pray God shows me the way and what I should do with this knowledge. Thank you all.
I don’t like the idea of asking Jesus to save you,or the sinners prayer.We are told to believe not ask.
Thank you fryingpan. I’m sorry but I don’t know your name haha. And it’s def difficult to find people who believe in the actual gospel. So many fake ones. I’m saddened by this……
Thank you for the live sermons, Curtis. I appreciate it.
Bobbie Jo
“This is causing me so great uneasiness. I cannot quite explain it. It’s this feeling deep in my gut that this is wrong. Thoughts?”
guard this and search out what troubles you asking God for wisdom and understanding.
something that helped me was adopting my own personal statement of faith the one on this blog is a good one.
also what Johninnc said I agree biblicaly
Thank you all. I’ll attend tomorrow, speak to the pastor about my concerns and keep my eyes open.
there is Live services online for those with out an assembly at CCC and the live streaming has been top shelf they got some serious camera and audio equipment and personnel to run it
http://yankeearnold.com/?page_id=489
Hang in there, Bobbie Joe.
I too grew to love everyone here very quickly. But I’m also here to echo what John said:
“If someone does not believe, asking will not save them. If someone does believe, asking is unnecessary.”
John has said the same thing about the “sinner’s/salvation prayer” (and he can edit or correct me if necessary): “If someone does not believe, saying it will not save them. If someone does believe, reciting is unnecessary.”
Those are two of the GREATEST things I’ve ever heard, not just on this blog, but in my Christian walk in general. So very insightful yet simple and beautiful.
Bobbi Jo, I was just explaining the passage, not evaluating the church.
You might want to talk with the pastor about this and see what he says. You might ask him specifically if someone believes in Christ as Savior, but does not ask to be saved, are they still saved? If he says yes, ask him why they have this wrong in their pamphlet. If he says no, leave.
If you are unsure as to whether this church and pastor are clear on grace, I would proceed cautiously.
Thank you for your wisdom, John. I entirely agree with you. As soon as I saw this statement it upset me and I felt uneasy immediately. It sounds crazy but something inside of me just didn’t like it.
I appreciate your help with this. I told my mother in law and great aunt in law, if that’s a thing hahaha, that I wouldn’t be attending the church anymore as I don’t agree with everything. I didn’t even CATCH it cause of how he was preaching. I never thought to look at the SoF. As soon as I saw it I just knew deep inside….I wanted to check my logic with Christians who were further along than I.
This makes me sad as I am now in a position many of you are. I can’t find a church….:( I’ll have to teach my girls on my own I suppose. But I must stay true to the gospel and not go back to bondage. I can’t allow my girls to be deceived. God entrusted me with them and has blessed me with them. I suppose tomorrow I’ll read the Word to my girls and pray for a service. I pray the Lord will find it sufficient.
Bobbie Jo, you do not need to ask Jesus to save you. The Bible says that believing in Jesus is how one becomes saved. If someone does not believe, asking will not save them. If someone does believe, asking is unnecessary.
There are a lot of people that misinterpret Romans 10:9-15. The Bible says repeatedly that one is saved by grace, through faith. One does not receive eternal life by calling on the name of the Lord. Following is an excerpt from one of my previous comments on this topic:
Romans 10:9-10:
[9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
[10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Once someone believes in Christ, he is justified. That means he is declared not guilty of his sins. He has eternal life from that moment on. Once someone has received eternal life, by Grace, through faith in Christ alone, he may pray to God for deliverance from trials, temptations, etc. I do not believe that “saved” or “salvation” in this passage refers to the receipt of eternal life.
Jesus never mentions confessing Him as a requirement for eternal life (see John 3:16). Nor is this mentioned in other direct salvation passages, such as Acts 16:31.
We see this same concept in Romans 10:13-15, in which the Apostle Paul speaks of this process, rhetorically, in reverse order.
Romans 10:13-15:
[13] For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[14] How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
[15] And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Here is the chronological order:
1. A preacher is sent – verse 15 (except they be sent)
2. He preaches – verse 15 (how shall they preach)
3. The unbeliever hears – verse14 (how shall they hear)
4. The hearer believes, and is therein saved – verse 14 (how shall they believe)
5. The believer calls on the name of the Lord – verse 14 (how then shall they call on him)
Okay. Hmmmm….I’m a tad confused but I just read the last step they have on their pamphlet……it sounds like backdoor ls but I can’t be sure. Advice please.
Here’s what the pamphlet says
1 admit that you are a sinner
2 realize there is a penalty for your sin
3 realize that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sin
4 accept God’s free gift of eternal life by faith alone
5 ask Jesus Christ to save you???
Number 5 is causing me great confusion cause they say in number 4 to about God’s free gift by faith ALONE then number 5 they say ask Jesus to save you? They quote Romans 9, 13.
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This is causing me so great uneasiness. I cannot quite explain it. It’s this feeling deep in my gut that this is wrong. Thoughts? I mean, I’m not very far along in my belief by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone so, technically, I’m still a babe in Christ.
Could someone kindly help me with this nagging feeling? Thanks to all that read this.
You all are quickly becoming my family. 🙂
Thank you so much for your concern for me Curtis. I am a professional at wording things incorrectly. I simply meant that he tells us someone can continue living in sin the rest of his life and still be saved. That our actions have no bearing on whether or not we are saved. But I will look online at their SoF for sure. And I’ll discuss it in depth with him before I accept baptism. Thank you!!!
Excellent advice Curtis! Back door LS is more subtle than overt, front-door LS, but just as insidious and deadly.
Happy for you Bobbie Jo
I sense your excitement , please take sometime and research the doctrinal statement of your assembly and ask for a presentation of the Gospel.
I myself got side tracked a little in back door LS. it looks good up front but evidence is required of salvation “because we are saved” .
Thank you, Genevieve!!! I’m sorry yoy don’t have a church to be baptized. John didn’t baptize in a building, he did it in a river. You could always havw a fellow believer baptize you I believe? Anyone? Is that accurate? I don’t want to mislead anyone.
I finally found a chuch that teaches the true gospel. The pastor makes it a point to remind us not to think someone isn’t saved simply from the outside. He explained what a carnal Christian was and we obey the Lord not to BE saved but because we ARE saved. I’ve been blessed. I pray you can be baptized and find somewhere acceptable to Him.
I was baptized in the past too Bobbie Jo,but not by a good church,one was pentecostal & I didn’t even know the Gospel at the time & also by a woman who thought she was a prophetess & saw angels.I’d love to get baptized, but there is nowhere to get it done.But I’m glad you are getting baptized,it will be really beautiful.
I have grown to have love for all of you in such a short amount of time. I wanted you all to be the first ones to hear of my decision.
As some of you may know I was baptized by the church of Christ 10 years ago as I thought I had to. Now I’ve heard the true gospel and I’ve decided I’m going to be baptized again. The RIGHT way. Not to be saved as I already am but simply because the Lord commanded us to and I love Him.
Thank you all!!! I’m eternally grateful as I’ve finally saw the light and how bright it is!!!!
There is so much that is and has been helpful to me on this blog. Its like drinking from a fire hose in an oasis of Grace first coming here.
If I may post one of many remedies available that I have found helpful to me. Here is a condensed version from Yankee in below vid.
Keep praying for for family and friends and divine appointment’s which I am sure you do. I myself have come through the mind field of prescribed prescription drugs anti anxiety and anti depressants coming out of my indoctrination.
21 years ago I quit smoking cold turkey as a chain smoker and there is no comparison what I went through being on and coming off prescription drugs. I was only on them for less than a year and took me 2 years to recover. I understand some souls may need them for general health condition but for emotions you should have solid biblical counsel while on them as well. the heart ,mind,and soul health is very sensitive subject. the only remedy for me was and is THE Gospel and clarity of it. Jesus healed Me and set me Free.
If you know of friends and family on those type of drug’s please keep them in prayer and keep in touch.
listen to vid yes but also follow along with scripture and study for yourself these things.
{{Thanks Curtis. As a side note, Readers, please understand that the opinions expressed here belong to Curtis’. ExPreacherMan is not a team of doctors, psychiatrists or psychologists. As Curtis says the Gospel is the answer — but no one here recommends ceasing medically prescribed drugs without your doctor’s advice. For tgose who have not read our Guest Rules and Disclaimer, Please do so now at:
https://expreacherman.com/comments/ }}
Thank you for the reminder, Jack. And you are so right, Curtis. I know I need reminded more than some. It’s sad that the gospel has become so polluted and made complicated.
Thanks to all for this site. I’m most grateful.
Galatians 1:9 “As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
Galatians 2:3 “Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
I know I need a constant reminder , Iron sharpens Iron
Thanks for posting
Jack, Bobbie Jo, and all
Bobbie Jo
My comment was not directed specifically to you but as a gentle refresher and reminder to all of us to correctly understand the word Repent. The lie of the LS folks is constantly drummed in the media, social networks, odd-ball web sites and everywhere.. I needed to write that as a reminder to myself.
No Apology necessary — I know what you mean. 😀
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Thank you, Jack. I read the booklet and have gained some incredible knowledge from it.
I’m sorry as I worded what I was trying to say the wrong way entirely as I forgot about religion associates repenting with turning away from sin.
What I was trying to say was how I understood things was to start by focusing onJesusChrist as our starting point instead of focusing changing our sinful lifestyle to be saved. I apologize as I still don’t think I worded it correctly. Hahaha
Oh well…in my head I know what I mean 🙂
We must remember that there is no “turning” in the NT word “Repentance or repent.” It simply means “a change of mind” toward the object of that repentance, Jesus, God, etc.
Repentance MAY lead or prompt one to do works meet (suitable) for repentance or may lead one to turn to God or turn from sin, etc. But repentance is not turning.
To be a tad factious, the word repent itself has no autopilot, no steering wheel or GPS by which to turn anywhere.. it is simply a change of mind that MAY lead to a turning to or away from.
Read Dr. Tom Cucuzza’s great article on Repentance:
https://expreacherman.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/cucuzza-repentance-booklet-pdf.pdf
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Luke 13:3 “I tell you, nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
Mark 1:15 “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and BELIEVE THE GOSPEL”
Compare with
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
It seems to me this is sealing the deal that the issue is in fact to believe the gospel. To turn from unbelief to belief.
Acts 26:20 “But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and TURN TO GOD, and do works meet for repentance.”
Another thought Revelation 2:21 “And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not”
This seems to me to mean that the “church” is not being faithful to Him since He’s the bridegroom and His church is the bride. Perhaps this is the vast religious people. Processing Jesus but not truly knowing him? Therefore committing fornication. A form of spiritual adultery if you will.
Amen Matt “He Paid for my Sin’s”
I got blinded to that I didn’t see Jesus because of all my Sin and nearly destroyed myself. Telling myself i’m no good worm food .
religion has the way of salvation backwards and upside down and most don’t even know it . LS is just one of many of mankind’s attempt to make another way God.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
come to Jesus WITH all your sin as you our helpless to help yourself as a child Trust in Him That HE PAID for your Sin’s from before the foundation of the world and before you even took a breath in this Life. Then do not forget to forgive yourself and get over yourself knowing because of Jesus you are Loved and favored in spite of yourself.
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
You can repent of sin and never Trust Jesus as your Savior. .
They feared Jesus as Lord but did not Know Him as Savior
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
right now there is not one soul in eternal torment Hell because they are sinners .
They are there because they have not Trusted Jesus as their Savior that He paid their sin debt.
Joh 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Matthew, as you have aptly pointed out, repenting from sin for salvation is a false gospel. People who teach this false gospel are telling you (please pardon my grammar) to repent TO what God is telling you to repent FROM. They are pointing people 180 degrees in the wrong direction.
Dear Friends,
We here at ExP are so grateful for each one of you and your stories, testimonies, scriptures and expressions of Christian Love for the Gospel and each other. Indeed, we are a Family in Jesus Christ.
We believe the Lord raised up this ministry to share the Gospel of our Salvation by God’s Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ with the lost, to encourage the discouraged, to help those who are swamped and slogging through the sticky morass of Lordship “salvation” find a way out. We wanted ExP to be an Oasis of Grace to those looking for refreshment in the the Pure Word of God. We have all been blessed and learned from each other and from God’s Word.
We especially thank our co-administrator, John (JohnInNC) who has for many months graciously handled the bulk of this Labor of Love we call ExPreacherMan, while I (Jack) have dealt with my infirmaries. It is time consuming and John has done a magnificent job while holding down a full time job. I thank the Lord for John and his wonderful wife Jane.
We continue to pray for all of you and thank you for your prayers for the continuation and outreach of ExPreacherMan until we all meet each other in the air at the Rapture of all Believers worldwide!!
1 Thessalonians 4:17
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Even so come Lord Jesus!!
In Jesus Christ, contented and eternally, Jack
Bobbie Jo, the Lord has helped me tremendously, a couple of passages that showed me what I needed to do has stayed with me and continues to remind me to trust Him with more of my life, to acknowledge Him to pray to Him about more things (always with His help). I used to think that Mary was lazy, and I realized that even though Martha was doing good, it was not the one thing that was needed. And I saw what would not be taken from me ever, so I try to choose that good part. Then I started learning about not only studying caring for His approval, but I learned about searching daily (Acts 17:11), applying my heart to knowledge (Prov. 22:17-21) and more ways that I could continue to grow in His grace (Acts 20:32). This time I wanted to grow in knowledge of HIM. He has forgiven me much. I guess in the worldly system I wouldn’t have been considered much of a rebel rouser (sp?), however, I was worse. I thought I was pretty good. Better than most. That is most shameful. He is faithful to forgive us though and cleanse of from all of that.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths. Prov 3:5-6
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42
Some other passages that have helped me in learning to love His Word and ways to be in His Word.
Heb 11:6, Ps 119:2, Acts 17:11, I Thess 5:21, Ps 1:2, Ps 119:97, James 1:5; Pr 2:2; Ps 119:25, Ps 119:28, Prov 16:24, Ps 119:11, Ps 119:9, Ps 119:40, 119:162
Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12; Rom 10:17; 2 Tim 3:14-15; Psalm 119:24, 105; John 15:7-8
It’s a joy to dig for treasure. God bless your week 🙂
Yes John John. I agree with Curtis as I needed to be reminded of that psalm as well.
Curtis it sounds as though we have a great deal in common, as do a lot of us as well. My mind, body and soul was a mess. I was almost utterly destroyed by Lordship’s teaching. I started drifting further and further from God and misery took an incredible hold of my life. I felt abandoned. I believe one of my all time favorite passages is found in Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
What an amazing God we have! Blessed are all who believe in the Christ. Thank all of you for giving me a safe haven here.
Holly, it’s easily seen how much you love our Lord. I pray God will help me get to the same place in my walk with Him. All of you are so knowledgeable and well versed in His Word. I have so far to go.
This site helps tremendously!
Happy He blessed you with it (as He did me too)! Bless you in Jesus, Curtis!
Thanks be to God for listening to the Spirit’s leading and posting that John John , I needed to hear that
Psalm 126 seems to be a good metaphor for many of our stories of going out weeping and then—praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!—coming home with shouts of joy….
A Song of Ascents.
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like streams in the Negev!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Like so many others who have responded to this question posed by Jack and John, I have been mulling over the past few days as just how to put into words something that is really beyond words. After being under the false Calvinistic teaching of the enemy of the gospel R. C. Sproul for many years, and then finally coming to the realization that it just didn’t make sense; and after being bombarded with not-so-subtle judgement from LS family members who have embraced Richard Stearns’ social gospel so offensively preached in his revolting book The Hole in Our Gospel, I began to search the internet for what I hoped would be some really excellent Biblical perspectives on both the social gospel and Calvinism. And that’s when I found expreacherman.com. God had been preparing my heart and the Holy Spirit led me to this treasure of a website and the community of believers behind it, and the joy and peace that have resulted from reading the posts and discussions here are truly indescribable. There is just nothing like The Truth, is there?! The truth of free grace is astounding!! Every day I am more amazed and humbled and overwhelmed by the love, mercy, and lovingkindness of our Heavenly Father. I am so very thankful to Jack, Bruce, and John for being the effective messengers of such a breathtaking message, and to Matt, Holly, Jane, Abe, Pearl, Mark S., and so many others for their so very helpful contributions, also. And the wonderful sermons of Dr. Tom Cucuzza, Dr. Hank Lindstrom, Dr. Ralph “Yankee” Arnold, and Dr. Jim Scudder, to whose teaching I was introduced through this site, have become Sunday morning church for us! I hope to participate more in the future, having been mostly in an absorbing mode since that day in Sept. 2012 when I found this Oasis of Grace. God works in such amazing ways! I was just a couple of months past completing surgery, chemo, and radiation, one of the lowest times in my life, when the most magnificent time began – the time of understanding, appreciating, believing, and enjoying the true free Gospel of Grace, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ – thanks to this precious website ministry and the dear faithful administrators and contributors. God bless everyone here. And God’s special healing blessings, love, and peace to you, Jack and Shirley. We are keeping y’all in our prayers. In His Love, Kim
been pondering for awhile for the words to express what expreacherman means to me. reading over all the testimony’s I see a piece of me in everyone’s staements. It was very personally traumatic what I went through coming out of my own indoctrination I found little comfort from anyone or in church. pastors who didn’t know what to do with a messed up soul with an emotional mess I was in. I know now the counsel I sought though they had the best intentions they were Lordship Salvationist except for 1 old friend who is solid on the clear Gospel of Grace and he helped me and prayed for me the best he could while holding down 2 jobs.
the shorter version is it was at a revival ministry I heard the pastor say “repent of sins” and what it means to repent of sin’s and be sorry for sin’s before God. That set me right off and woke me up. For some reason I knew what I just heard was not the Gospel But How could this be ? this is a revival ministry that does this full time ? and at a IFCA church ?. I emailed the ministry leader but got No response. I dug and dug on the internet looking for answers and found Hank Lindstrom on youtube and listened to all his sermons. I was also looking for a very clear gospel presentation to present to people. so I dug some more and finally found expreacherman and Clear Gospel Campaign . It is puzzling to me why I didn’t find this blog right away I figure its God’s timing. I received correction from expreacherman of which I am thankful that the moderators hold the hard line on the clarity of the Gospel.
Jack helped me discern doctrinal statements while i looked for an assembly to attend and confirmed what I saw in responses to email inquires i sent out looking for a church. Jack took time with me and John while I was all wound up on Jesus and the wonderful clarity of the Gospel I found.
This blog has helped me get back on and square off the Clear Gospel and to study Gods word for myself and to think for myself. I takes time and is still taking time I have not arrived anywhere but I know I am going to heaven because of Jesus shed blood and resurrection for my sins past present and future freely given and received.
The Clear biblical Gospel you find here will bring healing to you in your heart mind soul . I am proof of that
Thank you all for contributing your time here I feel God has brought us here together for a purpose and continues to add to our numbers as we stand for the clarity of the Gospel desiring others to be set free
Love you all In Christ Jesus
Curtis M
A few years back I had become a recent annual member of a website founded and administrated by a man who seemed to teach an accurate Biblical Worldview. I liked his analysis of how World events related to Christianity, etc. Unfortunately I started observing a common belief system of he and all his guest ministers: that of legalism and Calvinism. Also this website founder always seemed to quote and defend John MacArthur. Jesus Christ was rarely mentioned, as well as unmerited grace, unless in context to the false teaching of Grace + __________ = salvation. I decided I would defend the Gospel message in the comment section of all the articles. I began searching the web for scriptures and a clear Gospel message that would help me in my understanding and defense of the Gospel. (BTW I discovered stuff about 2 of the singles’ ministries @ John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church who’s pastors clearly followed the Rick Warren, Purpose Driven model. But that’s for a different discussion).
I was blown away when I discovered ExPreacherman. Meditating on Jack Weaver’s careful and knowledgable Biblical explanation and defense of the simple Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone Good News message was the most comfort I had experienced in all things Christian in such a long, long time. And he was the Biblical example of Grace, just by the way he taught and responded in Biblical love. Being so indoctrinated in Calvinism and John MacArthur for four decades, at different churches, I was astounded by the amount of love and grace expressed and taught on ExPreacherman. It truly is a ‘Grace Oasis’. I began submerging myself in Jesus’ perfect love and endless grace. I eventually left the ‘HATERS’ behind, thanks to Jack’s wise council. Saying this website is a blessing is an understatement. It is a gift from my faithful God and Father. He provided me this ministry when I was desperate for sweet fellowship. (Churches no longer bring my family and I this type of Biblical fellowship. They’re just organized seminars held on Sunday mornings).
Thank you Jack, John and Holly for tirelessly contending for the true faith and true Gospel message. God be glorified!
‘And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Colossians 3:14-17 KJV)
Before I was saved, I used to be in witchcraft. it wasn’t until the age of 17 I was forced to go to a church (was at a friends house), and then later invited to another church. so I went and I heard that you have to repent of your sins for salvation. so I went down and accepted this false gospel, thinking it was true. Later I studied under him and began street preaching; I even took over for him when he went on vacations. There were times I questioned my salvation because I questioned if I repented enough.
Much later in life, I heard that repent of your sins is not in the bible. I got mad and went to prove him wrong. To my surprise he was right. But I started thinking well it does say repent. I fought with it for several months! Finally after much studying, I was down to one last verse that I couldn’t understand, it was Luke 13:3 & 5. When I did get understanding, I finally seen it was nothing that I could do, but what Christ did for me on the Cross. He paid for my sins, and all I had to do is believe he did it for me and that their was nothing that I could do to save myself (repent of sins, etc). I trusted Christ at that moment.
From that time, I started studying and I was looking online for other believers and websites that preached the true gospel. I was wanting a site that could replace the sites I used to go to daily. That is when I found this site and I’m very happy that I have. It is an encouragement to be able to come to this site and read what my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have to say.
Genevieve, I think I accidentally moved your previous comment. Sorry about that. Thanks. John
Praying for you Genevieve, I have told my kids, and apologized and asked them to forgive me for giving them wrong information. They were gracious about it, and thankfully none believe otherwise, although my oldest son and two stepsons got the legalist Holly for a mom.
I pray the Lord will convict your husband, that somehow he might read the Word more as he sees you reading. Love in Christ to you. And you can call into the study after awhile, we’ll figure these things out. If you have long distance, you’ll be able to listen. Sleep well, although it’s probably nearing on supper for you.
I thought I added a comment but its not here,don’t know what I did. What i said was my husband was going to ban me from using the computer & stop me from using my phone,to stop me from talking to other believers,which is you guys pretty much.I feel like he is tightening the reigns on me,I can’t talk to other people about the gospel when he is around,because I am worried that he will say that it’s not true & give his version.I’ve prayed about it & have put this in gods hands.I know God is with me.Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: &, lo, I am with you always,even unto the end of the world. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; & be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said< I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. & He cares for us.1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you. John I love my kids very much.
My husband was going to ban me from using the computer & using my phone,to stop me from getting in contact with other believers.I feel like he is tightening the reigns on me.I cant do anything without him commenting.It’s hard for me to talk to people about the gospel,because I’m worried he’s going to tell them his version. But I’ve prayed about it & its in Gods hands,I know God is with me.Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: &,lo,I am with you always,even unto the end of the world.Amen. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; & be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said I will never leave thee,nor forsake thee. & I know He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him:for he careth for you. John,I love my kids very much.
Genevieve, your children are fortunate that you care about them so much and that you now know the truth.
Philippians 3:13-14:
[13] Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
[14] I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
What I meant was that when I preached to my kids in the past,I told them the gospel mixed with works.For starters I told them to ask Jesus into their hearts & I was fruit inspecting myself & that might have rubbed of on them.I talked them into getting baptized at a false church & I had an anglican priest talk to them.Its awful,poor kids,I was disgusting.
Ok Holly,will clunk you over the head.I still get some pretty good stuff from you.Bobbie Jo,I’ve given my husband the gospel before & he ripped it up & has told me to pray,he says that I am grieving the Holy Spirit by believing in that. I’ve got three daughters too,one is 21,another one is 19 & the youngest one is sixteen.I thought that 2 of them believed,but they now believe in works aswell.I’m not sure if they believed in the gospel at one point or not.Because when I used to preach to them I didn’t know the gospel.The middle one says that what I believe is better than what her father believes,but she isn’t really interested,they don’t like me talking to them much about it. & no we cant force them.I just try to get them to hear the gospel & then I can leave it up to God.I have to pray to get an opportunity to tell them,because they don’t want to listen & my husband gets cranky,he’s hard to live with actually.But I do love him,but its hard to talk to him these days,because all I am interested in is God & I cant really talk to him about Him because he doesn’t believe & it just starts arguments. I’d love to do the online bible study,but its done by phone isn’t it Holly,that would probably be difficult.
Genevieve, then you just clunk me over the head and tell me to speak with ‘great plainness of speech’ as I should, and as I want to learn. So please always feel free to let me know if I don’t quite explain it as simply as I could. And willing to take time as I have it. Maybe you can join the women’s online Bible study this Thurs. 🙂
Thank you kindly, John. It’s so sad what this world has come to. Jesus did tell us there would be division so it should be expected. Doesn’t make it any easier. I’ve talked to my mom as well and she recently said God just wants you to be a good person. I tried explaining it to her. I tried with my niece as well. I even sent them the same ebook I sent my husband. It makes me sad and confused cause my niece must’ve asked my mother what’s wrong with Bobbie? What is she into now? I know God tells us these things will happen but you never want to believe it’ll be your family. What an awful condition everything is in….truly this world is a mess and there’s so much pain. I offered my best friend from high school to attend church with me when she was telling me she was having a tough time and needed to get more anxiety meds. She told me thanks but I’ll stick with the meds and laughed. These things make me sad. The world truly hates anything to do with God……..He created all and how quickly one forgets how fleeting life on this planet is.
I thank God for you all. When I’m feeling weak I know I have fellowship with brothers and sisters thats just a click away. I can walk away ready to face the world again. Thank you all. This site has made my hope and faith become rekindled. There is noooo price tag on that!
Bobbie Jo, thanks for sharing about your husband. I have prayed for him just now.
Hello Genevieve. I’m sorry to hear about you having a tough time with your husband. I can def relate. My husband doesn’t want to talk about it and I figured I would attempt to get him to go to church with me but that was a no go. I left the churches pamphlet on kitchen counter with the plan of salvation on it. I even texted him a salvation ebook showing one simply trust in Christ alone and by grace are we saved. I hope he reads it but you cannot force someone to listen. You can give them the news and pray to God for help and wisdom as to what to do. It’s hard cause I love my husband truly but my love for God will always be greater. I won’t miss out on heaven with the Creator for any human.
I’m glad you can find peace when you are alone with God. It’s amazing how being in prayer and His Word helps relieve our souls from such misery.
LS salvation virtually destroyed me as well as many. I pray for your family that they can break through the bonds and be free and find salvation.
I was weeping in prayer when I accepted Christ as my Savior a little while ago as well. I apologize profusely for thinking I could get into heaven by anything that I could do. How self righteous of me!!! I was def a modern day Pharisee.
I’m so happy for you! Welcome to the family! 🙂
P.s. everyone here is so wonderful and helpful
Expreacherman has helped me out heaps,Tom Cucuzza( whom my husband says is poison)aswell & Yankee Arnold & a few others.I have lots of questions,but limit them,because they are never ending,but Jack & John have answered a fair few.I’m not real sure how i came across this sight,I think I found a pdf of Jacks,I can’t remember what it was called,but it was about a lot of false preachers,like Billy Graham etc.That’s where I picked up that following Jesus was a false gospel & after that when I heard people say that’s how you are saved I knew that it was wrong & I realized bit by bit that a lot of what I believed was wrong.Life is a struggle, for me, it probably is for other christians aswell.When people don’t believe & try to tell me that believing in Jesus alone & that works dont automatically follow salvation is wrong,it really gets to me & my husband is one of them.I usually just have go & be alone with God & that helps.Just looking forward to going to heaven to be with Him ,but there is people here that I worry about.But anyway I am grateful for you all,being here.Holly appreciate you too,I feel a lot of what you talk about is a bit advanced for me,but I try to understand.Be praying for you all.We are few.Matthew 7:13 -14
For the love of Christ constrainteth me….. 🙂
Holly, I daily need a lube job of “greasy grace” to keep my spiritual engine running smoothly…. the “oil of joy” (Isaiah 61:3, see also Psalms 45:7)
John John, yesterday someone used the term ‘greasy grace’ which always rubbed me the wrong way when I heard it. Then came ‘easy believism’ and whatever phrase the accuser of the brethren can make up to accuse believers and equip his ministers of light with derogatory phrases. I am so glad that others here have experienced and are hungering and thirsting after His righteousness, not our own, and that we want to be fed with His Word, and not the wisdom of words of some hireling.
So true about the law and finishing in the flesh, it is destructive. Bewitched to the brink of despair… Praise God for His liberty, for His grace, for His goodness, forbearance and longsuffering with us. Praise God for His Word of truth which the hearing of helps build up our shield of faith so we might quench the darts of the fiery one. Praise Him for His gospel which is the power of God unto salvation, His Word giving us seed to sow, and food to eat.
This place and my brethren, I praise God for too.
I’m not a longtime voice here, but can say that from the first time I found the site and emailed Jack—who replied with a grace-filled response—that blessings have flowed! I enjoy reading everyone’s replies to the various posts.
The Lord has been working on me for some time around the free gift of righteousness. As many of you can probably attest, when reading Romans 4 (for example)—”And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works…”—you get a lift in your spirit. You KNOW that is the truth and exactly what you—one of the ungodly—needs and craves!
Yet shortly someone somewhere will make their attempt to take it away. Can’t be that easy. “In James it says…”! Arrrgggghhhh! One can twist in this ever-tightening vice for a long time. As a believer you don’t feel comfortable in defeat, but after imbibing the law method of right standing sin INCREASES! Just like the Bible says. Fancy that, lol.
Grace and peace to you brothers and sisters, and (with Paul) I “pray that the eyes of [our hearts] may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.”
I’m not entirely sure how I stumbled upon this site in the search engine.
I was a member of the church of Christ and it messed with my emotions tremendously. The doubt I began having about the “love” of God was warped drastically. I knew I couldn’t do the things that I was supposed to and was taught I could lose my salvation. It started to make me question God and wonder if I hated Him.
How ashamed I am of this. I am slowly coming out of that thinking. Unfortunately I have good days and bad days but the Lord will pull me out of this cause He’s more loving and gentle than I ever thought possible. He’s been incredibly patient with me and I believe it was Him who directed me to this site.
Thank you everyone for your stories and professions of faith. I’m extremely thankful to have found you all and this site. I’ve come back to the love I’ve always known God had for me deep in my heart. Unfortunately this LS messed me up and made me question everything I believed God to be. Thank you for helping me putting my eyes and thoughts back to Christ and off myself.
God bless you all! I have found an online family. Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ. I love you all and my soul rejoices at the true gospel. What terrific news!
I have only commented once here, I think, but the Lord surely has blessed me. I had not been in church for years. Just did not know what was wrong with me. I knew Holly, first, and she introduced me to Expreacher. I am so grateful for this ministry. I had no clue what was wrong with me for so long. And now… All is well with my soul. Thank you Jack, your wife, your faithful friends and Holly. I am thankful most to the Lord for guiding my steps to all of you. I wish you could have heard my 14 year old grandson telling his 10 year old sister this summer, it is NOT by works. 🙂
Keeping you in prayer, Jack and Shirley.
This website has been a tremendous blessing to me ever since I discovered it. I love the fact that it is free from the poisons of Calvinism/Lordship Salvation, Arminianism, and any works based false doctrines which is so prevalent in all the churches in society today. I’ve learned much more here than when I went to church. May God bless Jack, John, Holly, etc for all their hard work and for their comments and may everyone who visits this website be blessed and spiritually edified!
I cannot say when I found Expreacherman. I do know it was several years ago. I had been getting back into the Word after a sound Biblical upbringing maybe around 2005, and after some years of not walking with the Lord, attempting to ‘come back to the church’, I met with some very difficult challenges.
I had run across Lordship teachings before, ‘repent from sin’ in order to be saved, even in my “Christian” high school had argued with two of the teacher’s children on eternal security. (I am pro-eternal security, seems simple that everlasting means everlasting). Anyways, back then, some of that type ‘behavior’ cost me my ‘being invited back’ and that was good in the long run. I just didn’t know back then this was still Lordship false doctrine..
I also seemed to be disdained in most churches I went to, as I asked questions based on understanding certain verses and it was not appreciated. I truly didn’t understand that, it seemed one could just show me in Scripture and not be condescending or unkind, but I thank God for that too. A lack of patient teaching in His Word was a real red flag.
So in and out of churches we were until there came a time we stopped for awhile, some was due to my husband’s ill health. Before he died, I started going back to an off-shoot of my childhood Bible church. I was just going to a Bible study and got a lot from that, and started into a second Bible study. Somewhere during that time I was reading here (but I didn’t know how to comment on blogs or even read them, I was just going down the list reading) 🙂
In recognizing errant teachings, I have had a huge number of direct letters or conversations with pastor’s, elder’s, teacher’s etc. over the years. These errant teachings, coupled with compromise to name unsound names, or share platforms with unsound people became also a huge discouragement. Was I wrong, nitpicky? I saw the compromise or outright false teaching of some in that very church, where were the elders?
When I became aware of Calvinism, and the reformed persuasion, the Lordship style teachings, this site really gave me a lot of Biblical answers in understanding what was being taught, and why this was not just ‘splitting hairs’.
How much of a blessing it has been to meet other like-minded believers, especially in the storm of being ridiculed, or ignored even in class, even called a false teacher myself. The wolves out there do a good job in preparing even sheep to bite and protect them. I thank God for the truth of His Word, I pray and thank God for Jack and John and Bruce who have been such a blessed respite in these perilous days.
Praise God for the fellowship of the saints, and those who want to know the truth of His Word. Who are willing to unlearn the traditions or preconceptions, and will to do His will, so we might know if the doctrine is of Him.
God bless you all, it’s been a real encouragement to read your letters.
Thanks to Expreacherman.com that has refined my understanding of free grace eternal salvation as taught in the scriptures, especially the subtleties of Lordship Salvation teaching.
Thank you for making what I was trying to say so much clearer and also for directing me to the “Difficult Verses” section. I appreciate it.
Kirk, thanks for your story. You make a great point that we are justified by grace through faith and we are to live by faith.
We are told to walk in the Spirit, and that if we do, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
So, the means by which our flesh gets out of the way is by our moment-by-moment decision to walk in the Spirit.
The only evidence of salvation is found in Whom one is trusting for eternal life.
Our works do not provide evidence that we have eternal life (justification), so it would be equally difficult to identify those works which are evidence of “God completing the work He started.”
(On a related note, please see the explanation of Philippians 1:6 under “Difficult Verses”)
Not sure how it happened but my name showed up as 246Rosie3 in my last post (that’s an old username I used based on my dog’s name, HA!). Anyway, thank you for your prayers for me, my pastor and my church. I should clarify, that the issue that has caused the stir concerns Sanctification, not Justification. It may be splitting hairs but just like justification (salvation), our sanctification is also by grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. We so want our human effort to play a part in something but it simply doesn’t. Our sanctification rests in the finished work of Christ – not on human effort. Our works are evidence of our faith in the fact the God is completing the work He started and we, by faith, are letting him do it (our flesh has to get completely out of the way). There is incredible freedom in this and though some would argue that Free Grace in regards to sanctification will lead people to sin, the exact opposite is true! A Free Grace encounter makes us want to fall in love with Jesus all over and we do what pleases him because with love him – not because we’re striving to do the right thing. When we fail, it’s because we’ve lost sight of our first love. Our only effort comes in reminding ourselves of whom we love with all of our hearts, souls and minds! It’s incredibly freeing and liberating. Instead of being quick to pounce on wrong behaviors, we are free to love as Christ loved because we have nothing to lose! Justification, Sanctification and Glorification all rest on on Christ. He said it, not me! “It is Finished!!:” Praise be to God!
This site has been a true Grace Oasis, and i praise God for brethren who refuse to give in to the works based teachings, permeating throughout all of Christendom. Lordship Salvation, Calvinism, Arminianism’s Conditional Security, Torah Keeping, etc, have all invaded the Church like the Ebola Virus, and sadly, many people are being destroyed by those pernicious and satanic doctrines. I praise God for Jack, John and everyone else, who have stood boldly and publicly, for what God’s Word teaches, concerning our common salvation– that we are saved by Grace Alone, thru Faith Alone, in Christ Alone, APART from ANY works. May God continue to use this site to refresh the souls of weary saints, who have been burdened by the heavy loads placed upon them, by the lying snakes who are standing behind the pulpits and teaching in apostate Seminaries. God bless you all.
Good day,
lets see; where to begin. I had be studying on my own with the bible, God and the internet. After 2.5 years I thought the truth was free grace. As a result of this, I started discussing the bible on-line with many. I was taking a beating. After 6 months to a year, certain thoughts were coming to mind..
1. am I the only one who believes this?
2. Maybe I am wrong, how could everyone else be wrong and little ol’ me be right?
3. if I am wrong, THEN my message is wrong—I thought, “could there be anything worse than being wrong about salvation.
Don’t know how I ended up at EXP. But I read about every article there was to read in about a month. I read every comment from many. it was like I was addicted.
A big sigh of relief. I thought I was not alone. There ARE people like me. After feeling down for a while, I got refreshed, refueled, remotivated to go out there and take some more beatings. 🙂
IF I have earned anything at the Judgment Seat, I KNOW EXP had a role in it. my passion is the gospel and winning souls. that’s it!!! I know I should be passionate about other things, but it is NOT YET in me to do so (IE. earning other crowns) I can truly say “For I determined not to know anything about you save Jesus and Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2). Would I have this passion anymore without finding EXP? who knows.
Today, I stop by daily just to read comments and new articles. Every once in a while I even get a “nugget”. IE, the “fearful” in rev are the “fearful godly” and not the literal “fearful”.
Thanks to you all.
Rosie,
that is awesome. I have discussed with folks in the church hierarchy. IF they change their beliefs (repent), how many MORE people will change theirs because of an already set “trust” factor. He will get opposition, that’s a fact. BUT the “fruit” production could be great!!! my prayers are there for you and Him.
God Bless,
Expreacherman’s site has been a real blessing to me. I was searching for the Truth of God’s word and believe I found it being proclaimed here. I grew up in a Mennonite community, most of whom believe you can lose your salvation. That never sat well with me. I believed in the simplicity of John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9. But at the same time felt confused and had very little assurance of salvation. Free Grace was not being preached at any church I’d ever been to. And when I read certain verses I felt my sins might exclude me from Heaven. I did not understand the two natures which I have now come to understand clearly. Seeing stuff online about so called ‘easy believism’ also caused me to doubt. So I am so grateful that the free gift of salvation and eternal security are being proclaimed and defended here. I’ve learned a lot since discovering this site a few years ago. I praise God for this site(Jack&John) and for pastors like Yankee Arnold and Tom Cucuzza who preach Free Grace. I’m not always great at expressing myself, so I hope this made sense.
Rosie, thanks for your story. I am praying for you, your pastor, and the people in your church.
Having spent 10 years in the Christian Reformed denomination (and other churches that had been influenced at some level by reformed theology) the ExP site was about the only place I could go when I was working my way out of that teaching. Unfortunately, Calvinism, LS, etc. has permeated the church like a pernicious weed! When I visited the ExP site I didn’t feel crazy, or worse, like a heretic. Instead, I began to understand that I was right and that the Holy Spirit has the corner on the truth, not church tradition. As it was, I was often discouraged and felt alone so I don’t know how God would have provided for me if not for ExP!
I do have something excellent to report. My pastor, who was solidly LS/Calvinistic in his preaching/teaching has had a conversion of sorts. He has been taught by the Holy Spirit the truth of Free Grace! In due time, I’ll be directing him to this site as he’ll need the support. I anticipate that he’ll continue to be conflicted as he realizes the tenants of reformed theology are a difficult fit in light of Free Grace. His change of heart and position has already caused some dissension in our church but I am thrilled!
When I first believed in Christ as my Savior, I felt very alone. With the exception of my wife Jane, it seemed like I couldn’t find anyone who believed what I did. Every church we attended, or even looked into, was either in league with Calvinists/Lordship “salvationists” or was overtly teaching and promoting salvation by works.
I came across the ExPreacherMan site while doing a search for Southern Baptists. I grew up in churches affiliated with the Southern Baptists, and once I trusted in Christ as my Savior, I knew that the SBC doctrine didn’t comport with salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. ExPreacherMan was the first site I found that directly, and correctly, addressed the error of the SBC.
I began sending e-mails to Jack Weaver in the fall of 2011. I was then, and continue to be, extremely wary of false doctrine. After a couple of e-mail exchanges with Jack, he encouraged me to post comments to the articles on ExPreacherMan. I found a quick connection with many others whom the Lord had led out of the dark world of LS.
ExPreacherMan has been an integral part of my life ever since. I look forward each day to sharing the struggles, joys, victories, sorrows, and lives of everyone who comments on this site. I pray for this ministry and each of the people who come here. I know that there are many silent readers out there who I don’t yet know about. I believe that God has brought us together to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus. I believe that this ministry is useful in advancing and defending the gospel and helping to fulfill the Great Commission. I am truly thankful for this ministry and each of you who is involved in it – and those yet to come.
ExP helped me at time when I was transitioning away from the Lordship and calvinist doctrine that has been taking root in baptist churches. I am thankful for the personal study that this site prompted me to do and that I was inspired to start my own blog to take a personal stand for the truth. This blog succeeded at helping me throw of the misinformation that was weaved in with the truth over the years.
The discussion has helped as well both in helping me learn how to deal with opposing views and also in how to effectively share my faith. Also, it is great to know one is not alone in their beliefs.
Thanks Jack and John, God Bless.
Jim F
I have learned how to defend the Gospel and made many notes in my Bible after reading the articles and comments on this website.I have had my ability increased to spot false teachers almost immediately.I have had so many questions answered by going through the archives also.I dont have a church to attend so this is really helpful to keep me.My thanks to all of you that keep this website going.
A short note?
Well, with God all things are possible . . .
The expreacherman.com blog has been a huge inspiration to my wife and me.
I credit this blog and the not only the administrators here but the family of folks who support it and each other with having perhaps the most significant influence on me spiritually since I became a believer a little over 22 years ago.
I was basically drowning in bad doctrine (and had been for MANY years) having become bewitched by LS. Around 2 years ago I started an earnest quest to get to the bottom of what was causing me so much confusion and loss of assurance of my salvation. Eventually I was lead to this blog in Feb. of 2013 and began gobbling up every bit of useful info (and fellowship) I could get my proverbial hands on.
Not only was I delivered, but I ended breaking off fellowship where I either knew (or strongly suspected) I was fighting a losing battle.
And I’ve made friendships with like-minded free grace ministries through my involvement with this blog.
But most importantly I no longer doubt my salvation or that God REALLY loves me, even when I don’t love Him as I should.
To our Dear Friends,
I am so grateful that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of ExPreacherMan.com. This ministry is the result of seeing virtually no Truth in churches and the Internet. There was an obvious need so ExP evolved and revolved around the Simplicity that is in Christ!! I pray ExP will continue with the same clarity and purpose long after I am at Home with my Savior in Heaven.
ExP could not survive without all of you, your prayers and enlightening, Biblical comment support. John and I thank you.
Keep it up – we love you folks as our family and blessed fellowship of believers in Christ, at this Oasis of Grace.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Dear Expreacherman ,
The tentacles of Lordship salvation tried to take hold in a big way in my church. I’m an elder there and thank God I saw it for what it was ..I fought it and one those pushing it were resisted by the teaching of the true gospel and the gospel remains intact .. in my fight against this lordship teaching I found your website and although I knew the teaching was false expreacherman was like a breath if fresh air to my soul .. I also learned some things here like the connection between Lordship and Calvinism . I really enjoy getting your emails because its nice to know I’m not the only one left.. haha but mostly expreacherman gives me a place to go and get refreshed ..Exprecherman is my favorite internet ministry ..keep up this great work and thanks — elder Mike your brother in Christ