My mother passed away when I was in my teens, but she knew she was dying and asked for a NT ... there were no church conections in my family and I was wary of "religions". Over the next 20 plus years, I would read passages and eventually developed a great interest in the Book of Revelation [B]even though I had no desire to become a Christian.[/B]

I am a "calvinist" not by books or learning, but by experience. I was now in my late 40's and still had absolutely no desire to become a Christian. I was living the life I wanted, and I answered to no one. If I had "free will" [B]it was not to change[/B], but for some reason the Lord had different plans for me ... and He "lowered the boom" on me big time.

The "conversion" was not one of those smooth transitions that some experience ... it was almost violent ... very traumatic. Through some previous study of the Reformation saints and martyrs, I thought I knew who the numbered beast and false prophet were, [B]but I did not "know" Jesus Christ[/B].

It was not an experience that one would want to go through, but He wrestled me to my knees and finally I had to submit to Him as Lord and Saviour.

When others tell me that we have "free will" to accept or reject Jesus, believe me, I did not have that option ... theologically, I guess it was because my name (like yours) was written in the Book of Life [B]before[/B] the foundation of the world.

Here is the part of the story I like to tell.

I was now saved and experienced full immersion baptism. My unsaved 18 year old daughter had a boy friend who was a nice enough fellow, but he and his parents moved two provinces away (that's far away in Canada!). This was now my opportunity to pray that the Lord would bring her in contact with one or more Christian friends.

Well, that same boy returned to BC, got employment and asked me to take him to church one day, just he and I as my daughter was still unsaved. I don't know what happened!! but he then decided (was led) to study at our Theological College and Seminary, my daughter got saved, they married and now live in a small town in Nebraska with their two children.

He pastors the Reformed Church USA (RCUS) in Sutton Nebraska.

I am now 74 and attend a small church called ... "Bible Presbyterian". The congregtion is 70% Chinese and I am not, but the preaching and teaching is solid, and my interest in prophecy and God's prophetic numbers (144 and 153) has not diminished.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR HIS GIFT OF GRACE!

I would appreciate prayer for my unsaved wife and another daughter.

Calvin ,I will pray for your wife and daughter, to come to SALVATION through JESUS Christ. Thank you for sharing. May I ask, what is calvanism? I am not familiar with the term. Also, what brought you to your knees to accept Jesus? Do you remember the messgae given, or what exactly changed your heart?

I will be praying for your wife and your daughter.

Your family will be in my prayers Calvin...

Many Blessings!
Love, Lisa

[quote=Jack Lavictoire,Mar 30 2006, 12:44 AM]
[quote=onetiggerroo,Mar 29 2006, 06:22 PM]
May I ask, what is calvanism?[/quote]

Google search under "calvinist" should give you an idea.
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[/quote]

Thank you Jack. Now, why didn't I think to do that?

Thanks Calvin,

When l started reading your posts l said to myself with a chuckle..."I wonder if he's a Calvinist"? I guessed yes! I'm a Calvinist too.
Not by choice but l like you said;

("It was not an experience that one would want to go through, but He wrestled me to my knees and finally I had to submit to Him as Lord and Saviour").

was wrestled to the ground.....only more than once! and ... Ta Da! I'm still a Calvinist!

In fact l'm still wrestling with Him.
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How precious about your son in law....

My oldest son is studying in a good Christian College right now to be a military Chaplin. He blesses me everyday with all the things l could never do. Sometimes l feel like David getting the shocking news that he would would never build the temple...but his grace was sufficient and his son would build.

Poor Solomon.
Do any of us ever stand till the end?

Ok, off course...

I guess as a women l'm more interested in the person of Jesus than his numbers. Tho they are fascinating, l just like to hear him talk regular. In fact he talked to me the other day. His rebukes are always sweet to me... because he's my God.

Miki ... good to hear about your elder son ... and that you are a sister "calvinette".

I usually refer to my son-in-law as my "son-in-grace" !

Father in Heaven,

Pour out your mercy and love upon Calvin's Wife and Daughter. Let them hear your voice Father, let them feel your hand upon them. Touch them with Your hand as You have so many of us. Not for our glory Father, but for Yours.

Place in their hearts the desire to seek You.

We humbly ask this in the name of our Savior, Your Perfect Lamb of Sacrifice, Yeshua the Messiah.

Amen

Thank you all for your prayers ... much appreciated.

Miki says:
[quote]
Thanks Calvin,

When l started reading your posts l said to myself with a chuckle..."I wonder if he's a Calvinist"? I guessed yes! I'm a Calvinist too.
Not by choice but l like you said;

("It was not an experience that one would want to go through, but He wrestled me to my knees and finally I had to submit to Him as Lord and Saviour").

was wrestled to the ground.....only more than once! and ... Ta Da! I'm still a Calvinist!
[/quote]

Really? I have a feeling this is going to get really interesting.

Just a gut feeling..

Marta, I hope this would not turn into a debate particularly in this testimony section.

Both sides can quote scripture till the cows come home convinced that their side is "right". I was convicted by the Holy Spirit as much as by scripture ... but that was my experience.

Perhaps you could start this topic in the "debate" section, listing the five points of Arminius (that started this controversy) followed by Calvin's rebuttal. But, like rapture timing, it usually "proves" little and is often divisive.

"My mother passed away when I was in my teens, but she knew she was dying and asked for a NT"

Calvin,

Interesting that you would open your testimony with that line...
Do you think that was a catalyst for you?

"Interesting that you would open your testimony with that line ... (my mother's passing)
Do you think that was a catalyst for you ?"

Miki ... it was not until I realized that I was saved (many years later) that I could look back and see this chain of events ... my mother, a NT, a daughter that would marry a future pastor etc.

God had a purpose for saving me. I know that it had nothing to do with any merit or "faith" on my part. The faith I have is only because He gave me faith.

He is the catalyst ... amen

But such a great influence...our Mothers. The act of her just requesting a Bible added veracity to the word in your eyes. You held it and remembered. You put it in your pocket and kept it.

Wonderful Mothers ... I do believe I will meet her again in heaven.

Speaking of them....My mother was an avid Gardener..

Yesterday was her birthday... She's been gone a while now.

But once in a dream it was revealed that my father and her where asleep upstairs.

This was in the early to mid 90's. I believed my Mom was saved as the ignorant of Nineveh...When l had this dream it seemed to be an assurance that my father would be with her as well....

Last week l got a bee in my bonnet to write him a letter which l haven't done for nearly a year. I've been afraid he won't be able to make it to see my new place and garden (he's at the end of his life) so l spent hours in a long description. I was delayed in mailing the letter...only to realize yesterday that it was my Mom's birthday and he would receive it that day...It had completely slipped my mind.

I knew God had his hand in that...and this. What a great assurance he afforded me once again.