Thorns And Nails

During the course of my life God has led me through a lot of things. I grew up in a U.P.C. Pentecostal Church. Here I learned the ways of Semipelagianism. I also learned a lot about what I needed to do and not enough about Christ. When I was about 18 I left the church because I saw double standards set up that I did not understand. I did not know this would be the beginning of a journey to find the truth. One of the ways God

worked was by bringing my future wife into my life. I attended the World Wide Church of God for a time. I was really interested in her not the church, but I learned a lot about the law and legalism. It was about this time I moved in with Pastor Bob Beeman at Sanctuary. It was here I began looking at the concepts presented by John Calvin. Bob told me to be careful that there was better things I could be learning. I did not realize how far he was from the truth that day.

All the places I have mentioned have a common thread. They were more focused on what we should do or be doing then they were on Christ. I think this is the most harmful thing that exists in modern religion. Everything I had learned in these churches was focused on me, what I should do. When I know all I can do is fail. Paul himself questioned his ability to do what is good.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out…. Romans 7:18″

I understand Paul so much here. This kind of acceptance of the wretchedness that we are is what I needed to see. I needed to see how bad I am, even as a Christian.

When I talk to people about the Reformation, or Calvinism I seem to always end up talking about predestination. This is actually discouraging to me a lot of times because that is all people see when they hear these terms. This is truly the focus of this site, I want to share with you the True meaning of the message of the reformation. I can say it in one word. GRACE! So please join me as I and some friends try to bring the message of the reformation to a modern world.

May the lord bless you.

Ron Foster

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21