Reformed?

Many years ago I was asked if I was reformed. I stood there for a few seconds and responded with "I don't even know what that means". Apparently there has been a standing debate between differing perspectives on Christian doctrine. I was unaware of this debate. Later on, while concluding a Wednesday night study, my former pastor was informed that I was "reformed", to which he laughed and said that was "good to know". He and I do have some opinions that do not align. Not so long ago, a pastor from a nearby church plant that we supported asked for assistance to attend that year's Southern Baptist Convention to oppose the leading candidate for president because the candidate was reformed and "we needed to defeat" that theology from SBC ranks. As the person responsible for approving those type of requests, my former pastor and I discussed and I determined to approve the request. My pastor wanted to know why, if I was reformed and also felt strongly in favor of this candidate. It was simple, really. My theological beliefs should not dissuade me from supporting differing opinions. We learn more from dialog than monolog. 

The reality is I still don't fully grasp "reformed". I do, however, believe that most people's understanding of scripture is more casual listening to sermons and reading devotionals. My own approach is based on something my mother taught me early on, "do not just take someone's word for it but, research it yourself". I lean towards understanding context and allowing the scripture to be its own commentary. As I concluded my answer to the initial question, "if being reformed means studying and believing the entirety of scripture, then I would be considered reformed". To be fair, I still don't know exactly what Calvinism or Reformed is, nor does it have much bearing on how I approach studying. 

All that said, I have listened to many different preachers, teachers and people just leading a discussion. I listen intently, look at the scripture, not always on my "swipey thing" as one pastor says all the time, and let the Word speak. I will privately challenge spoken word, even look up words in Greek and Hebrew (thanks Logos app) to ensure that what is said is lining up with the Bible. I have discovered that most of the people I listen to are reformed, some are not. And yet, they still preach/teach truths. There are some that I come across that I will disagree with. However, I will not publicly call them out. I may, on some occasions, ask them individually to explain where they are coming from and how God led them to that line of thinking. The foundation for my approach to listening and learning is based on Paul's instructions found here, 

	All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.  2 Tim. 3:16–17.

While I do believe we can glean promises from God through single verses, I also believe that we should see the context. One pastor stated, as that church worked through Revelation, that "it cannot mean for us what it did not mean for them". In other words, we need to see it in light of the time, author and audience. So, pray, read, pray, study and let God speak through his word. 

As we roll into the new year, I have a renewed desire to write and feel like I should define where I am coming from. Looking forward to what is to come. 

In his name, 

Scott