Sorry Sister to comment a second time..but I was watching again this morning and you made so many good points that inspired me and, along with my morning tea, got my blood pumping, my brain percolating, and my soul praising "Amen".

Calvinism does so many thought stopping devices when presenting their theology—every other Protestant theology , like Anabaptism, Arminianism or Provisionism is labeled "Pelagian" so you automatically don't consider them; and other theologies from the Reformation era, such as Lutheranism or Anglicanism, that have differing views to some doctrines Calvinism hold dear, are ignored or labeled "too Roman Catholic." While there are Dispensationalists who hold to Calvinist soteriology (like MacArthur) I have had several Calvinist Covenantal pastors/teachers tell me Dispensationalism is heresy. All thought stopping devices.

When I began to look at the cross-references in the Westminster Standards that were placed by the original authors to "prove" the Biblical basis for the doctrines in those creeds and confessions, I was hoping I was going to get a major Bible study; instead I found many are out of context and have nothing to do with the doctrine being espoused. Because I was being taught that the creeds are THE LENS YOU must read the Bible through, this disconnect was eye-opening and theologically shattering. You have to read the Bible through the creeds to see Calvinism in the Bible. You cannot read the Bible for yourself and see the creeds and Calvinism plainly.

Finally, you are right about spiritual warfare. At this time in history spiritual warfare is more apparent than at any time in my 60 years. But Calvinism cannot truly participate in combat. We can give lip service to Satan's influence "out there" but "in here" we are elect —we do not have to worry about apostasy, deception, believers falling away. And if they do fall, they were never of us and were made for damnation. This is why MacArthur's Lordship Salvation and Piper's Final Justification doctrines are so wicked. There can be no comfort or joy in Christ, just anxiety and depression because you have to prove your election by thoughts, words, and deeds already predetermined from eternity past. If you don't have those works, then they weren't given to you, and you were deceived into thinking you were Elect for the Glory of God. So twisted. No wonder so many Christians live lives of utter despair.

Keep up the good work my Sister in Christ. I hope you and your family have found a church home where Christ is preached, his Word is taught, and the Spirit fills you and yours with the joy that comes form knowing God is good and He loves you.