10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very good summary of Calvary Chapel theology, January 3, 2008
This review is from: Calvary Chapel Distinctives (Paperback)
Some bullet points:
*After reading this book, I have to say... his spirit I like and I have real respect for someone who teaches right through the Bible (eight times!).
*A lot of his distinctives aren't exactly unique distinctives. That's to be expected. No one would want an entirely distinct denomination--it wouldn't be Christian.
Holy Spirit
*Regarding the Holy Spirit's indwelling, empowering, and baptizing, he places a lot of stock in the difference between Greek prepositions para, epi, and en.
*States categorically that believers need to have a second experience with the Spirit, whatever they might call it.
*He says Calvary Chapel is episcopal because it has an overseer with elders under him.
*Dismisses the church growth movement: says programs and hype create a self-perpetuating need for more of the same whereas simple Bible preaching is solid food and the best way to grow a church.
*He firmly defends his decision to restore fallen ministry leaders. He spends so much time on it that it seems like he's taken a lot of flack for it. But he couches much of it as if he's speaking only of restoring fallen people, not putting fallen pastors back in their authority positions. He admits he's been burned on this but would rather err on the side of grace.
Calvinism
*A quotation from page 55: "It's easy to fall into legalism. We need to beware of this temptation. Beware of taking a hard stand. I have found, for the most part, that when a person gets heavy into 'Reformation Theology,' they usually get heavy into legalism. They want to make sure the 'T's' are crossed and the 'I's' are dotted just right. 'Reformation Theology' has some good points, but so does a porcupine. When you embrace it too forcefully, then you're going to get the points." He says right after this that the Bible teaches both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.
*He's on his eighth preaching tour through the Bible.
*He opposes tongues speaking in church on mostly practical grounds: it's not convenient, because not everyone can hear the interpretation. He encourages the private use of tongues, however.
Eschatology
*"I believe it is God's intention that every church age be convinced that they are the last generation." 75 "Paul believed that he would probably be alive and remain until the coming of the Lord." 76 Smith is pre-mil, pre-trib.
*He takes what can be called the "historical" view of the seven churches (they were seven actual, historical churches) but thinks they also represent periods of church history--and (!) types of churches in existence today.
*Lot is a type of the church (following 2 Peter's mention of him), evidence that God will not allow the church to go through the Tribulation.
*"He that now letteth" is the Holy Spirit. 93
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Model, May 23, 2005
This review is from: Calvary Chapel Distinctives (Paperback)
The first time I was exposed to Calvary Chapel was back in 1977. I was invited to what is now called Harvest Christian Fellowship and the teaching ministry of Greg Laurie.
Coming from a 'fundamentalist, independent, Baptist' church, you could probably imagine my 'shock and horror' to see the guys and gals greeting each other with hugs of affection, progressive worship music, relaxed dress code, people laughing and carrying on, having a good time, etc. - buncha hippies :-)!
But then Greg, with his long hair and all (cue the spoof song 'Hairology' from 'The Fundamentalist Hour'), opened the Word and taught it simply yet powerfully.
My confusion only escalated during the 'Harvest Crusades' where hundreds of people would go forward proclaiming Christ as Lord and Savior - how could God 'bless' all these hippies and their unbiblical doctrines and practices (at least the way I saw scripture)? Drove me nuts!
Fastforward to 2002 - for the last 2.5 yrs, I've been attending a Calvary Chapel. It is exactly what my wife and I needed - she cried after the first sermon - she was introduced to a Jesus she always wanted to meet. More than anything, my personal philosophy of ministry was confirmed by the precious folks at Calvary Chapel.
Pastor Smith has written and synopsized Calvary Chapel's distinctives in a clear and forthright manner, leaving no doubt as to where Calvary Chapel stands on numerous issues. It becomes a framework for all future CC pastors.
Pastor Smith has through the years cultivated a unique relationship with his 'sons in the Lord' to love the Lord and teach the Word very effectively. You may or may not agree with all that Calvary Chapel holds to in this book, but to employ the principles in this book for 'doing church' will go along way in getting your church off on the right foot.
I heartily recommend this book to folks from all doctrinal persuasions as an excellent guide on where and how Calvary Chapel stands and worships Jesus.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's the Insider's Scoop, June 4, 2001
This review is from: Calvary Chapel Distinctives (Paperback)
This book presents the view points of church management of one of the most successful churches in the states today. It touches some controversial aspects like Calvinism vs. Aminianism, Pentecost view vs. Baptist view of the Holy Spirit, etc., and shows the balanced ground that Calvary Chapel is taking on these issues. It also illustrates by examples the point that, throughout the church history, many movements were born of the spirit but attempted to be perfected in flesh and ended up dying. It contains a lot of godly counsel and scriptural quotes, yet without an attempt to convince people for argument's sake. Finally, this book is another exmaple of pastor Chuck Smith's casual and personal communication style.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
