Last Sunday night was my final day of worship with the congregation of First Baptist, Carmel. In three years time this church body has become very dear to us. It has been a great privilege to serve them as one of their pastors.
The congregation honored me at the end of the evening service with a standing ovation. It is something I will never forget. Our continued thoughts and prayers will go up on behalf of these dear friends in Christ.
4 comments:
Caleb,
On behalf of the Tacosik family, we miss you and Andrea (and Evie and Jude too). I am sorry we did not make it to your final Sunday. I have too many irons in the fire and not enough to go around right now. Unfortunately, relationships with anyone outside of the local area has been a challenge due to time and money.
Fred, me and a few others will be making a road trip up to worship with you some Saturday night and Sunday morning after you get settled in. We'll leave it up to you to tell us when will be best...perhaps this fall.
I am sure you are sad to leave, but then again you are the new top dog and have many exciting and challenging opportunities ahead. God will work many mighty things through you at the other FBC. I look forward to seeing your development and maybe even read a few of your books in the future. Can you imagine...there are probably a few out there that can say "I remember when MacArthur was a young pastor andjust getting started". I will be able to say that about you.
On a more personal note, Fred is grieving the fact that you are leaving, but rejoicing that you have found a great opportunity. Please make sure to keep in touch with him.
We love you all...the Taco6.
PS: Go Colts!!!!!
PSS: Class job by the Bears re-signing Harris.
Mark,
We'd love for you all to come visit us with Fred. Please stay in touch!!!
Hey Caleb! We have a question over the passage of Hebrews 6 and don't quite understand the full meaning of it.
I read the introduction of Hebrews that MacArthur gave, giving reference to who the book might be written to. And he gave three groups: Hebrew Christians, Unbelievers who are intellectually persuaded but have not placed their faith in Christ, and Jewish Unbelievers who were attracted by the gospel but reach no final conclusion. He goes on to say that Hebrews 6 is targeted towards the unbelievers who are intellectually convinced but not committed.
The passage, Hebrews 6:4-6, "for it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the word of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame."
So, here are my questions about the passage:
1.) When it says "it's impossible for those who were enlightened...to renew them again to repentance", does that mean if I convince someone however so much to the point where they are intellectually understanding the gospel, and reject it, that I should give up hope on them? And personally for me, it reviews the idea that someone can be intellectually enlightened, participate in all the YG's and stuff and yet still not be saved, so, this passage to me is quite interesting. If they believe that Jesus died as a fact, then quite commonly in today's Christians world, they're "saved", but don't commit themselves, it isn't really correct to tell someone to be saved by just simply believing in His name right? So, when my friends ask me, how is it that someone is saved, what do you recommend for me to say to them?
2.) What does it mean when the book says, "they crucify again for themselves the Son of God"?
3.) I understand that God can fully control the will of man to His good purpose, so, to me, would I be wrong to say that God can also stump a man's chances to be saved? I've heard of the verse that God wishes all men to be saved, but since not all men are saved, it's hard to say that God plans to save everybody. So, correct me if I'm wrong on that view.
Also, after they "have tasted the fruit...and fall away" would that mean from that point, God stops His salvation work in the man's heart? So would that qualify as a point to say that God ultimately controls man's will, for without Him (Romans 3:10-11), no man can be saved?
Thanks for all the help! If you don't reply for a while, I understand too! :D
Double A
Arthur and Austin,
Good to hear from you guys? How are things going this summer?
Please listen to my lecture on this topic at www.fbccarmel.com
It should be underneath the following heading 06-01-08 - Christian Perseverance and the (Pastor Caleb Kolstad)
After you listen to my lecture let me know what questions you still have... Great questions as always
Caleb
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