Calvary Chapel

[SnakeMauler]

I recall listening to the radio and they were saying that they’re pretty convinced we’re in the end times. Once the two guys on the Calvary Chapel radio station were laughing about how they predicted Jesus coming back in 1988 or something and writing a book about it and laughing about how he didn’t come or something like that. Who are they and how should we feel about them?

-Snakemauler

 

[Myqyl]

From their website :

What We Believe
Overview

Calvary Chapel has been formed as a fellowship of believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and to be conformed into His image by the power of the Holy Spirit.

* We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their over-emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ.
* We believe that the only true basis of Christian fellowship is His (Agape) love, which is greater than any differences we possess and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.
* We believe worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship.
* We believe worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, we give a great place to music in our worship.
* We believe worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, our services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct us how He should be worshiped.
* We believe worship of God is fruitful. Therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshiping Him.

Like all denominations (and non-denominations ) they have their share of “the sky is falling” end-timers… You’ll find that the RCC has her share of them too… For the most part they are your normal, run-of-mill Christians. They seem to put great emphasis on music in their services. In fact it’s not a real stretch to call them concerts more than services (in my experience)

How should we feel about them? They are our sisters and brothers in Christ and we should love them and pray for them. But that’s just my opinion…

God bless!

 

[jlmagee]

I recall listening to the radio and they were saying that they’re pretty convinced we’re in the end times. Once the two guys on the Calvary Chapel radio station were laughing about how they predicted Jesus coming back in 1988 or something and writing a book about it and laughing about how he didn’t come or something like that. Who are they and how should we feel about them?

-Snakemauler

The radio show you are speaking of is probably the nightly call in apologetics program. If this is so, the guys on the program were probably laughing about the old “88 reasons Jesus will return in '88” book possibly in reference to Harold Camping’s latest money making “prophecy”. (Neither the book nor Harold Camping is affiliated with Calvary Chapel.)

Calvary Chapel has many churches throughout the country. To the best of my recollection, I have never heard any of their pastors predict dates (yes, they are pre trib rapture guys, but no dates). In fact they discourage this type of thing from my listening to their program and the channel.

They are Charismatic. They do, however, more than any other charismatic/ pentecostal group, point out the corruption and errors within the prosperity preachers.

Granted, I am not Catholic and can not say what you should think of them, however, I did want to point out some of what I feel are important things about the movement.

 

[SonCatcher]

The Catholic position:

We are in the “end times” and have been since the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles that first Pentecost.

There is no date for the second coming of Christ nor will there be until it is already done.

As for Calvary Chapel, I doubt their denominational ambivalence will do much for Christian unity. Harvest and Vineyard are 2 “non-denominations” I am aware of to have split from them and wouldn’t be surprised if there were more.