Calvinism? Again?

The material in italics is an article that came to me by way of e-mail. It is false! Please don’t think I am writing these things.
I knew the article was bad when I read the first paragraph. Notice how he refers to “Christians in many other denominations.”
Since the Lord only built and died for 1 church (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28), and since his church is not a denomination, there are no Christians in any denominations.
The five phrases represented by the acrostic "TULIP" came from Calvinism, but their essential truths are officially taught also by Lutherans, Anglicans and, to varying degrees, by Christians in many other denominations. The five petals of this "TULIP" are as follows.
But since the article was written by an elder (supposedly) in the Lord’s church, I thought I would take time to read it anyway. I never expected him to so totally approve of Calvinism, and to do so so openly.
"Total depravity" -- Humankind's fall into sin affected every natural capacity. We cannot climb back to God by our own wisdom, will or works. God must take the initiative in saving us, from first to last. This old idea is completely discredited by the idea that man can seek God and find him (Acts 17:27).
"Unconditional election" -- God's grace began in eternity past when he lovingly chose every person who later would choose him. However, God's choice was not based on anything he foresaw in us but solely on his own purpose and grace. Unconditional election is the idea that God decides who will be lost and who will be saved without regard to anything in man. It is false, because salvation is conditional on man’s response (Hebrews 5:8-9) Notice that in an effort to make this false idea more palatable the writer talks about us choosing God. However, he doesn’t believe we have the capacity to choose God (total depravity), and he goes on to say that God’s choosing us had nothing to do with anything in us. So according to this writer it must not have anything to do with our choice at all.
"Limited atonement" -- Jesus' death actually saved all who finally will live with God forever. These are real people with names and faces, not a theoretical mass of people in general. The author softens this principle of Calvinism also. Limited atonement means that Jesus only died for those who God had chosen, and God had not chosen everybody. This implies that God chose by his will not to offer salvation to all so atonement was limited, but 2 Peter 3:9 says God wants no man to perish.
Irresistible grace" -- All those for whom Christ died will respond to God's kindness and grace when they encounter it. God does not force people against their will -- his love draws our will joyfully toward himself like a flower to the sun. This terrible idea treats men like robots – like robots, if we are among the chosen we have to respond to God’s grace – Like robots, if God chose us to be saved we cannot be lost – and like robots, if God chose us to be lost we cannot be saved. Doesn’t this make a terrible mockery of John 3:16?
"Perseverance of the saints" -- God will complete what he started. He guards his own people and they will be faithful to the end. This is the old once-saved-always-saved doctrine. It is easily proven to be false, see 2 Peter 2:20-22.
His conclusion is a masterful self-contradiction! To the world we truthfully say, "Whoever wishes to do so may come!" And after people have come to Christ, we remind them: "Salvation is from the LORD!" Is there mystery here that we cannot explain? Yes, indeed -- as surely as God is God and we are not. To God be all the glory! He admits the contradiction, calling it a mystery we cannot explain.
Years ago a Baptist preacher told me, “I believe God chooses who will be lost and who will be saved, and man chooses his own destiny, and I don’t have to reconcile the two.” I just never expected to hear it from an elder(?) In the Lord’s church.
Remember, we do decide our own destiny for all eternity. Romans 2:6-11 – 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Family Bulletin Board

Remember those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler,  Savannah Green,  Lola Mae Hamlett, Louise Hunt, and Edith Lechenet

Rusty and Laura are in Steubenville, OH, for the Unity in Truth Lectureship. They plan to be home tomorrow.

‘SOUPER’ SING - October 4th, at 6:00pm, at the Stan Morgan home. Please bring a home-made dessert and something to drink. Don’t forget to sign up.

DIRECTORY addition- Ken Gathing and daughters, Brittney, Temesha, and Kenniya, 271 Fisk Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Ph. 925-1411

PANTRY needs - please check the list posted on the bulletin board by the coat rack.

SERVING in October: Ushers - Bill & Bruce Crossman
Communion preparation - Mark & Lisa Reed
Communion ware and baptismal garment care - Danielle Adams and girls
Potluck kitchen help - Mary Nemethy & Mary Flagel

EYG meeting here, this afternoon at 4:00pm.

OCTOBER calendars are available on the table in the foyer.