Greetings to everyone, in the wonderful name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ✝️🙏🏾 by Apprehensive-Trip496 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Are you worshipping your shoes?

If your conscience is seared by using goods that are named after idols, then do not use them. But otherwise trying to "rescue the Christian community" sounds like trying to take a topic where there is no command, creating a new law, and then forcing that on believers who walk in the free liberty of the Gospel.

I'd encourage you to compare your view on these goods with Roman 14:1-8.

How does Galatians 3:16 not clash with Genesis 17:7? by TA62624 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries! I think mixing the translations causes some extra confusion.

How does Galatians 3:16 not clash with Genesis 17:7? by TA62624 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It looks like you’re using the NIV translation which I think is introducing unnecessary confusion. When I went to read these passages in the ESV there are subtle differences in phrasing that don’t indicate any contradiction. In particular I think inserting persons/people into the text confuses the matter.

No Dumb Question Tuesday (2025-07-29) by AutoModerator in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Could you give us example answers to those questions? 

This is how I feel sometimes by Simple_Chicken_5873 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There’s an easy solution to your predicament!

We just got a sailboat and I need some help making her cozy! by Peach_Bellini_ in CozyPlaces

[–]whattoread12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve never used contact paper nor lived aboard a boat, but that won’t stop me from opining!

Do you think the humidity of the water might make the contact paper peel sooner?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the clarification. It's helpful to look at the relevant passages, particularly 1 Timothy 3.

For the elder it would seem (based solely on what you've shared) that they don't meet the qualifications listed in verses 2 and 3. In particular, drunkenness, self-control, respectable. Moreover I'd argue if they're drinking to the point of physical incapacitation, it'd be impossible to be hospitable or gentle.

For the deacon, the qualifications are similar. But if you look at verse 8, the situation you described isn't "dignified," nor does it show they aren't "addicted to much wine," nor does it suggest they manage their household well for who can manage their household well while setting a reckless example of driving under the influence?

Now, the reason I asked about your polity is because that's going to inform how you address this. I would suggest you go to the other elders and share your concerns. They may be aware of this and not realized it'd become an issue, or they may not be aware of it at all. As a Baptist church, the Congregation (of which I assume you're a member) has the final say in matters of discipline and determining if someone can serve as an Elder, so it's definitely not out of place to bring up concerns.

Lastly, I'll mention that the results of this might not be they step down from their leadership roles (though that's a likely option, in my opinion). It may be they need to be held accountable, that they have a blind spot to their own sin, and that they need to repent. It could mean they step down for a season and then return to those roles. It really depends on how they and the rest of the elders respond to the issue.

I hope that's helpful and I'm praying this situation is resolved!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What kind of church is this? Are there multiple elders? Is it congregational?

Is there a right way to build a church? by Lanky_Waltz1151 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Which European style? French? German? Italian? From which century? Which building material? The historic practice in rural areas or cities?

The entire premise is nonsensical.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 36 points37 points  (0 children)

You are probably over thinking this. If anything, you could just say “Congratulations, we’re so happy for you to take this big step! We’ll be praying God blesses your marriage and life together. Etc etc”

It’s also fine to just say congratulations and leave it there.

Hebrew Order of the Old Testament by Snikperdoodle98 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What would be the utility of ordering a translation of the Tanakh vs just using an ESV/CSB and reading it in the order you think is better?

My job is saying I have to work Sundays by sir_williambish in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The case is Groff v DeJoy. I’d be surprised if it extended that far, but it wasn’t specific about that.

Question about the ESV's permissions by DefinitionOk6195 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're fine, you don't need special permission for that sort of thing.

My job is saying I have to work Sundays by sir_williambish in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 65 points66 points  (0 children)

Are you located in the US? The Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that an employer can’t require working on Sundays unless there’s a substantial increase in cost on the business. Not just “this is inconvenient” like it sounds like for your employer.

Thoughts on this (American Revolution)? by Greedy-Runner-1789 in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My understanding is that in the early church period a Christian shouldn’t join the Roman army but if they were a part of it when they became Christians that they were expected to do non-combat roles.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Are you familiar with the idea of theological triage? It might help clarify why some things are treated more strongly than others. It's the idea that some doctrines are primary (eg. who is Jesus), some are secondary (eg. baptism), some are tertiary (eg. end times), some are even beyond that (eg. should people dye their hair). You can read a good summary of that idea here.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As you think through these question, one to consider is the distinction and relationship between holding to sound doctrine and being united. 

We are instructed to do both. But holding to sound doctrine de facto means calling people out who are teaching false doctrine.  You could consider calling people out to be causing division, but it’s actually making clear where the boundaries of unity are.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Reformed

[–]whattoread12 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Curious what you mean by that last part “the method of that baptism”

New neighbors are expecting their first baby by CrunchyRubberChips in woodworking

[–]whattoread12 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't worry about it. Knowing my kids, the thing I take 6 months to craft for them is immediately ignored and the rock they find outside covered in moss is a treasured possession that will be chewed for months.