Help Me Explain The Doctrines of Grace

Sermons that will help you think through this process more deeply and sermons that will help you to keep fresh in your mind the sovereignty of God can be listened to from the following links:

Description:
This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell and Dr. Josh Philpot discuss another listener’s question. Molly writes asking for some passages of scripture and questions to ask when engaging her Arminian relatives in conversation about the doctrines of Grace. She has written that she is eager for her family to know and believe these truths; she wants them to love and submit to them as the Word of God. However, she shares that she is fearful that her zeal over her new convictions will be more of a deterrent than anything else. Dr. Philpot asks Dr. Caldwell what kind of advice can be offered and given in this situation.
Dr. Caldwell assures Molly that for those of us who have come to this place of understanding and loving these doctrines, we can definitely identify with her zeal. We understand this desire for those we love to see and embrace these things for the glory of God. It’s because of God’s glory that we are driven for Him to be in their minds and hearts as He should be. Yet what’s interesting about this is that it’s these very doctrines we have embraced that should set us free to rest in God’s sovereignty. As we go about striving to teach our family members these things, we ought to be able to rest as we present the truth, waiting and watching for His work in their lives. Dr. Caldwell suggests a way of approaching this that is more about sharing what God is doing by way of enrichment in our life, instead of just sharing information. He encourages an approach that is more personal, conversational instead of confrontational, i.e., describing how we have been blessed as a result of understanding these truths, how the things we are hearing at church have enriched our appreciation for salvation, etc.
Dr. Philpot gives an example that applies to our conversations as they relate to these hard to accept doctrinal truths. He shares that our aim ought to be to win the man instead of the argument. We are more app to win our family over to hearing the beauty of these things by a gentle, loving approach versus the hard hammered dogmatic approach that attempts to beat them over the head in an argument. Dr. Caldwell confirms the truth of this. He reminds us that our family will be watching our life and our life will demonstrate a stability that comes from believing these doctrines. As we go through hardships and trials our family will be able to see the peace, rest, and trust that we know because we understand that God is sovereign over ALL things, not just salvation. These sorts of experiences often open the door down the road for deeper conversations and explanations for how we go about handling life this way.
Final words Dr. Caldwell shares are to remember the doctrines themselves, remember God is sovereign. Conversationally share the truth in a way that emphasizes the blessing and the beauty found in the doctrines as they have impacted your life. Lastly, trust the Lord to change the hearts of your loved ones.

[MeiGunner]

so, , the doctrine Of Grace, ,, is Having a Thirst to be Saved?

[timwoodiwiss]

Great concept: John says, the law came through Moses, Grace and Truth through Jesus Christ. See the story of the woman caught in adulatory, Jesus applies Grace, followed by Truth, He said, neither do I condemn you, don’t let sin bring you back to this place of death.

[leonardouellette]

Well nothing was explained….what is grace?

[skafan]

my question is what doe the word sovereign mean ?

[allentomas]

oh, an deformed theoillogical, yea & veritely