If, as claimed, Calvinism is a very "high view" of Scripture, then it is no wonder that God first proclaimed his message of salvation to peasants tending their sheep. Once the highly 'educated' got a hold of the extremely straightforward and uncomplicated message of salvation, they turned it into a highly philosophical ideology tainted by bits and pieces of other religions and philosophies, to say nothing of man's assumptions and presumptions. The resulting concoction bearing little resemblance to the original message.

In view of the fact that God 'wrote' one book that not only detailed His plan of salvation, but threw in the entire spiritual history of man from beginning to end, how could anyone in their right mind believe that the volumes of writings that John Calvin devoted to various facets of this one topic could possibly have anything to do with the simplicity of the Bible's message.

Although Calvinism is all too often characterized by narrow-mindedness and doctrinal superiority, it is nothing more than a system of “baffling, almost mystical theological complexities and contradictions piled one on top of the other”. It flies in the face of everything we know about our God and every ounce of common sense we have been given as individuals, but seem to ignore so much of the time. If we do not wish to abide by the old acronym K.I.S.S. "keep it simple and straightforward" or, if you prefer, "Keep it simple, Stupid!" Let us at least endeavor to not get so carried away that we ascribe "logical clearness" where there is none. Let us not assign "keen intellect and systematizing genius" to influences that were wrong about almost everything else. And finally let us not attribute "deep knowledge of Scripture" to a new convert.

Let us not attempt to replace the fluff that all too commonly emanates from modern pulpits with complex bewildering ideas that, equally, find no basis in Scripture for all that they are presented with a deluge of words, intricate arguments and endless repetition.

Visit the website http://www.inplainsite.org/ for additional information on Calvinism.

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" [2 Corinthians 11:3].

"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:1-5

Powerful words from our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, Emmanuel - G-D with us, and yet far too many do not hear His voice but walk boldly - following a stranger - in the wrong direction.

One need only to watch a few minutes of "Christian" television or listen to a radio broadcast to understand why. We are offered It's Supernatural, Your Best Life Now, The Prophetic Whisper, Changing Your World..... Harold Camping via radio and soon to be billboards across the land proclaim the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011 with the end of the world following in October. We are also promised if we will give enough money and give it NOW - we will receive our blessing albeit our healing, a financial miracle, whatever we want - just name it and claim it.

Catholics, Muslims, Mormons, Christians all worship the same god they preach- so come together - unify- and help fight hunger and poverty around the world - aka the social gospel. Millions is spent on books, Cd's and DVDs to teach "christian' Yogi, the deliverance ministry or how to build a seeker friendly church - meet the needs of the people they say - the carnal needs that is. While ignoring the spiritual needs of the masses thousands are dying daily without hope, without peace without God.

The gospel has been so watered down and few read and study the Bible that many do not even realize they are being deceived. Touting the praises of The Shack, and Purpose Driven using it in Bible Study on Sunday morning, selling it in their bookstores, running to see the latest "christian" movies, Avatar, Twilight, Harry Potter...

While many stand gazing upward - awaiting the Rapture.??.

We MUST get our lives aligned with His, We MUST study to show ourselves approved - a workman that need not be ashamed, We MUST seek to be conformed to His image -

WE MUST.!.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... because they do not know Him who sent Me." John 15:18-21

Only by His wonderful grace can we see from His perspective, rejoice always, and continually give thanks. Only by His life in us can we walk in humility and live together in the victory of His cross. Only by His Spirit in us can we obey His Word and follow His ways. Therefore we can thank Him -- not only for the sunny days and happy moments -- but even more for those things that show us our need of Him and help us draw closer:

- conviction of sin which exposes our need for His salvation
- weaknesses that show our need for His strength
- difficulties that can keep us close to Jesus
- hardships that keep us hidden in Him each moment
- earthly disappointments that set our hearts on eternity

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Thanks to Berit and Andy Kjos for these pearls of wisdom -

'Genuine, uncompromising Christians will be despised by tomorrow's leaders and global managers. We don't fit their vision of unity, solidarity and upside-down tolerance. Like the ancient rulers who demanded conformity with "the custom of the Romans," a new breed of rulers -- like those in ancient Rome -- are beginning to trumpet the "profound danger" of Christian resistance to their rising global empire.

The times ahead will surely bring a time of purification to the Church -- a separation of what the Bible calls wheat and tares: a division between those who truly belong to God and those who prefer to identify with today's adaptable, emerging church.'

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thou art with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER!" Psalm 23:3-6