The Formal Launching of the Potter’s House: Why?
“Christian fathers have been sold a bill of goods. They have been told by the inept Christian academia of our day that they are not qualified to teach their families the word of God. Supposedly, the academiacs are the experts, but all they have done is regurgitated Reformed orthodoxy and tradition for hundreds of years.”
I became a Christian in Dallas, TX circa 1982. I was pursued by a young Christian zealot named Mark Cline. Mark was an individual whose life commanded respect from the saved and unsaved alike. Mark was a member of the Prestonwood Baptist mega-church located in Plano, TX during its infancy. I often visited with Mark and associated with the young singles group there. Mark died unexpectedly during minor surgery; an event that facilitated my full commitment to Christ. I now know why God took Mark home; the insidious scandals that where revealed at Prestonwood shortly after Marks death would have absolutely crushed him. The infamous womanizing founder of the church, Dr. Bill Weber, who Mark had infinite respect for actually conducted Mark’s funeral.
I moved on and eventually joined Richardson East Baptist Church where my calling to the ministry was formally recognized four years later. The pastors that participated are men of qualities hard to find in our day—that means a lot to me. But as one who grew up in the faith as a Southern Baptist, being Protestant has always been the greatest challenge in maintaining my faith. How can I still have complete faith in God and His Son after all that I have witnessed among Southern Baptists? It can only be chalked up to saving faith.
Recently, I have finally concluded what the problem is. It’s our foundation. Protestantism itself is the problem. First of all, it was founded on the false gospel of progression justification; that was Luther and Calvin’s gospel. Protestantism is a religion founded on a false gospel—it’s just that simple. Empowering the laity and starting home fellowships is not a radical alternative, it’s the only solution. “That’s throwing out the baby with the bathwater!” Absolutely, the baby is a Nephilim. That’s what Christians have to come to grips with in our day: the Western church was built on a faulty foundation. The only true road to revival is a rebuilding on the authority of God’s word. The anemic American church’s lust for control and indifference to spiritual abuse does not happen in a vacuum—it happens because of the pagan foundation it is built on.
Thank goodness for the New Calvinism movement. It is responsible for drawing attention to the real problem. Authentic tyrannical Reformation doctrine oscillates between the weakness/easy believeism that it created and New Calvinist resurgences claiming that the full dose of the disease is the cure for Calvinism Light. The president of Southern Seminary recently stated that Reformed theology in the form of New Calvinism is the “only alternative” for the present condition of the church. He failed to mention that Reformed theology is responsible for the present condition of the church to begin with.
In contrast, Susan and I have learned more about Christianity in the past six months than we have in the combined eighty years of our Christian lives. And I wonder if we haven’t had a bigger impact in the lives of others than we ever have as well. This is the result of merely studying the Bible for ourselves, and with the minds God gave us. But the statement by Al Mohler really incited me to make the Potter’s House an official church. Susan and I have filed the necessary papers with the state of Ohio. The Potter’s House will operate as a non-profit organization under TTANC L.L.C. (a non-profit LLC). Our Sunday evening Bible study will start at 7PM and will be streamed live weekly. All are invited to join us.
We endeavor to incite others to be the alternative to the formal church’s present-day tyranny and arrogance born of the Reformation. Christian fathers have been sold a bill of goods. They have been told by the inept Christian academia of our day that they are not qualified to teach their families the word of God. Supposedly, the academiacs are the experts, but all they have done is regurgitated Reformed orthodoxy and tradition for hundreds of years.
We hope to publish materials that will aid the laity in teaching their families the word of God. We hope this will be a major thrust of our ministry. Our present materials can be found at tancpublishing.com. We also have plans to start a Bible Institute as well.
Our new church website address is freebereans.blogspot.com. It is also the location of our live feed for the Sunday Bible studies.
Because only truth sanctifies,
Paul and Susan Dohse
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Reblogged this on Clearcreek Chapel Watch.
LikeLike
You have demonstrated from Scripture not ONE THING Calvin said or wrote that is wrong. Quote a direct Calvin quote, context and source. And then quote Scripture that shows where he was wrong. No paraphrases. Direct quotes.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
Uh John, the blog has a search engine. Past that, I don’t know that I need a bigger argument than the title of 3.14. in the Calvin Institutes. What’s our first clue? But do you want a mass of data on this? Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616588438
LikeLike
As I thought, no specific, direct Calvin/Bible quotes; typical Calvin-basher; got nothing specific…..just vain babbling…beating the air…..
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John,
Why? Because I don’t drag up all the research I have done at the beckoning of every Reformed Gnostic who comes here with their dribble?
LikeLike
Forget “all” your research. Thus, far, here, you have posted not ONE direct Calvin quote and refuted it with any specific, direct quotes from the Bible. And you have not done this because you cannot do this.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John,
You have a big mouth; therefore, let’s do something that you are accustomed to doing. Let’s set up a public debate and you bring your research and I will bring mine. And then we will merely let the people decide.
LikeLike
Oh, but there is a certain way to shut my big mouth. Just post here, now, ONE direct Calvin quote, it’s context and source. And then show from direct, quoted Scripture how Calvin was wrong? This is a very teeny, tiny request which, alas, so far you have not been able to meet. Why not? Just ONE example of how Calvin was, according to the Bible, wrong….ONE…….
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John,
Calvin, the heretic, propagated progressive justification. CI 3.14; “The Beginning of Justification. In What Sense Progressive.” Du!
LikeLike
Sorry, see no direct Calvin quote here with context, source. See no direct quote from Bible showing where Calvin was wrong. You are flunking badly the Calvin-hater test, as predicted….
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John,
Set up the debate or shut-up. We can do on it on line with a moderator. You are all show and no go.
LikeLike
We are doing it now and you are losing…..badly…..
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John, it won’t work here. You can’t create your own reality on this blog. Go to T4G et al. That’s where all the Obi-Wan Kenobis talk to the Stormtroopers.
LikeLike
It’s ALREADY worked! You have been proven to be a fraud, unable to come up with ONE direct quote from Calvin which you have shown, from a direct Scripture quote, proves Calvin wrong. Checkmate.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
Whatever you say John. Have you taken your meds today?
LikeLike
Congrats are in order! I have been following your blog for a while now. I applaud your efforts and your desire to be faithful to the Scriptures. And yes, you have had an impact. Blessings!
LikeLike
BD,
Thanks much for this encouragement. Please pray for us as this in a tremendous responsibility before our Lord.
LikeLike
Will do! Pray and praise are our most effective weapons. Peace & love.
BD
LikeLike
Prayer and praise, yes. But, the most effective “weapons” is to fight in the full armor of God, as God’s Word says in Ephesians 6:10ff: “10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John Lofton,
Do you know how many millions of times we have all heard this? It gets to the point we know better than to crawl down into the rabbit hole that is discussing Calvin with a Calvinist. He was not “inspried” you know. He was a tyrant who DID have power in Geneva the second time around and was a cruel micromanager trying to build a New Jerusalem with him in the role of Jesus. It seriously amazes me that in America today people are devoted to dead tyrants as teachers of truth. Where are the grown ups?
Follow Christ. Not Calvin.
LikeLike
Lydia,
Because they say a quote isn’t a quote, and a citation isn’t a citation, thou philosopher king has spoken, let it be written–let it be done. Gag, they are so full of themselves. Susan and I are addressing these comments in a video tonight.
LikeLike
I delight in how the Calvin-haters squirm when pressed for specifics.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
PS — And my standard is NOT “the people” but Scripture. To the Law and the Prophets! If you speak not according to them it is because there is no light in you. Amen!
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
Sad. Another “Christian” bully heard from.
LikeLike
BD,
Apparently, my citation of the title of CI 3.14. doesn’t exist because John hasn’t acknowledged it this sphere.
LikeLike
It is appropriate in ANY debate to ask an affirming party to SPECIFY — in this direct Calvin quotes and direct Bible quotes to show Calvin wrong. I did this. No such specifications were forthcoming. Hence, debate lost by affirming party.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
Paul, I have seen this movie before. Why do you think that people think they can make assertions and challenges and try to force someone into playing their game, and then respond with “checkmate” when you refuse to play? That kind of arrogance has to be built-in to their belief system in some way.
BD
LikeLike
Asking an affirming party to specify, BD, is Debate 101. I sought such specifics; none were provided. Thus, checkmate.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
BD,
It is. I have said it before and will continue to say it–they communicate from a different reality. It is the “enlightened” speaking to those supposedly in bondage to empirical metaphysics. During a conference when Steve Lawson called for pastors to “come out of the shadows,” I don’t think it was a mere manner of speaking.
LikeLike
Have enjoyed it, fellas. Goes in my “Calvin-haters” file with all the other Calvin-haters who, when challenged, had NOTHING, no specifics, no direct Calvin quotes, no direct Bible quotes showing Calvin to be wrong. All of which reminds me of Chesterton’s comment that even bad shots look good when they ACCEPT a duel. But, when they actually have to fire…….well, they don’t look quite as good.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
John,
How should I present Calvin’s quote in CI 3.14.11 where he states that Christ’s death has to be sought daily for perpetual reconciliation to God? How do I preset that in a Chrsitocentric metaphysical construct that you can see? In fact John, are these typed words of your realm?
LikeLike
What you SHOULD have presented were what I requested: Direct Calvin quotes and direct Bible quotes showing Calvin wrong. You did not do that. You failed to support your accusations. You lost and still losing….
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
That answers my question John. A direct citation is not a citation.
LikeLike
I said NOTHING about “citations.” My request was for direct QUOTES, you know, some words some with ” at beginning and ” at the end; things actually written, said by Calvin, Bible. Is English your first language?
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
Sorry John, I assumed a Calvinist would have a copy of the Calvin Institutes. Do you have a copy John? If you do, it’s “book” 3, “chapter” 14, “section” 11. Do you have a dictionary? Or do I need to look those words up for you?
LikeLike
Burden of proof on YOU to support YOUR charges which is what you have not done and that is why you have, thus far, lost the debate because you have failed, and continue to fail, to cite direct quotation evidence to support YOUR allegations.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike
yawn.
LikeLike
Woah. Well, I got a Bible verse: 1 Cor. 13:5 – (Love) “does not behave rudely”. That one seems to get lost on them.
LikeLike
Yeah, it’s like two people having a conversation on completely different channels in completely different languages. I have seen this before and always wondered why they seem to barge in, make brazen comments and challenges, are rude and disrespectful, and then pick up their toys and go home when no one will play with them.
Your explanation makes sense. It is a different reality. I saw one on another site say the cure for people like us could be solved by a recovery of the coliseum. It is like a disease where we live. There are not many places that are not infected by it, and we have to fight against it on a weekly basis. Or so it seems. As the cancer spreads (my view of NC) it may be that the best alternative will end up being an underground church meeting in homes. I was part of a house church years ago that was destroyed by two reformed types. It was very sad. But, praise God that he saved me out of that system!
Too bad your post comments had to be hijacked by that “discussion”. You should be encouraged, not attacked like that. Nuff said. Double Blessings!
BD
LikeLike
BD,
Geerhardus Vos lamented that dispensationalist could not be psychologically examined. Like Plato, they see empirical metaphysics as a mental illness.
LikeLike
No, BD, what it is like is that one guy shoots off his mouth, makes charges against Calvin, and then another guy asks for evidence (direct quotes) to support the charges and then the first guy provides none and then the second guy says the first guy then loses the debate, which he does. THAT is what it is like…..exactly what it is like.
John Lofton, Recovering Republican
Editor, JohnLofton.com
Also: Archive.TheAmericanView.com
Active Facebook Wall
JLof@aol.com
LikeLike