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Presbyterians/Questions Answered by Expert Chris Larimer
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Communion | 1/29/2012 |
| Q: How important is it to use the phrase "only baptized persons" in the invitation to the Table of the ... A: The Lord's Supper is the perpetual renewal of the covenant. Why would a person who has scorned the ... | |
| uncivil marriage | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: I am a pastor of 30 years. I had a former parishioner come to me and confessed living with another ... A: Marry them. The purpose of marriage is mutual support, and if the states laws inhibit that good, ... | |
| canon question | 6/17/2011 |
| Q: Can we know with certainly that all books of the New Testamant have been included correctly without ... A: No. If we were to propose such a scheme, it would be circular reasoning (i.e., a self-referential ... | |
| If Paedo-Baptism, why not Paedo-Communion? | 5/27/2011 |
| Q: Pastor Larimer, Thank-You for taking the time to look at my question. I am a newer Presbyterian ... A: Are you aware that in the Orthodox Church, infants are baptized, then immediately ... | |
| apostacy | 5/3/2011 |
| Q: At which point in time do you believe the Catholic Church apostasized, and how is apostacy ... A: Define "Catholic Church." Do you mean the Church of Rome? Or do you mean all Christians who confess ... | |
| schism | 4/24/2011 |
| Q: Is schism ever justified? A: We must make sure we understand the terms. Schism only refers to a break with lawful church ... | |
| sin | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: I love God and I pray everyday, and I go out and spread his word to people in other towns and I ... A: Unregenerate people feel no remorse over their sin (though they may hate its consequences). If you ... | |
| Biblical interpretations | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: I have been studying sacred texts recently and after some theological reading I have more questions ... A: Jeremy, I hope you're getting fine responses from people in other categories. To address your ... | |
| Communion | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: I am Catholic. My wife is Presbyterian and is very upset because my denomination asks her to ... A: The PCUSA has no law against you receiving communion if you are baptized with water in the name fo ... | |
| Healing | 12/2/2010 |
| Q: "I have a friend that is atheist. Recently he stated that if God still heals today why is there no ... A: The fact is that medical journals concern themselves with reproducible trials of clinical treatment, ... | |
| willful sin | 11/8/2010 |
| Q: I just had a question about the bible and Gods word. If you could help me I would greatly thank you. ... A: Josh, Christian perfectionism (the idea that real Christians can't willfully sin) is an Arminian ... | |
| Baptism | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I have recently accepted Christ as my Savior. I was baptized in the Mormon church as a child. Would ... A: Harry, You asked the right man. The Office of Theology and Worship for the Presbyterian Church ... | |
| Help | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: Chris, I am a young girl of almost 17(in a week) and I need some help, obviously. I live in Mesa, ... A: Mormonism is a late-comer to the religion scene, coming up a bare 150 years ago. It made some ... | |
| Help | 6/19/2010 |
| Q: Chris, I am a young girl of almost 17(in a week) and I need some help, obviously. I live in Mesa, ... A: First, Mormons are some of the best neighbors you could have. They are industrious, kind, and ... | |
| unpardonable sin | 3/30/2010 |
| Q: a long time ago i said "i dont think everything in the bilble is true" to my friend in a way i did ... A: The unpardonable sin is to resist God's Spirit as He ministers to you the truth of who Jesus Christ ... | |
| Mark 16:16 | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: I recently finished reading a book that made the following claim about Mark 16:16: (paraphrasing) ... A: A little Greek is a dangerous thing, primarily because the weightier concepts (such as aspect & ... | |
| Mark 16:16 | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: I recently finished reading a book that made the following claim about Mark 16:16: (paraphrasing) ... A: Mike, I understand you're probably in a KJV-only CofC church, so this isn't going to convince you, ... | |
| Mark 16:16 | 3/20/2010 |
| Q: I recently finished reading a book that made the following claim about Mark 16:16: (paraphrasing) ... A: First and foremost, we need to recognize that vv. 9-20 are a late addition. While they were known ... | |
| Salvation | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: Let me first say your time you contribute here is a blessing to many people, including myself. To ... A: Funny you should ask that. The very subject came up in my own devotions this morning. Here's the ... | |
| Revelation | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: What is the formal teaching of the Presbyterian denomination on the symbols in Revelation 17 of the ... A: There is a diversity of opinion on the symbolism of the Book of Revelation in current ... | |
| Marriage ceremony | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: What are the exact wording differences between a service of Marriage Blessing and a regular Marriage ... A: The Presbyterian Church, being a "free church" (i.e. having no liturgy to which one must conform, ... | |
| can i lose my salvation | 1/7/2010 |
| Q: i have been a pentecostal for 11 years, i had a really bad experience and i backslid for about a ... A: Here's the fundamental question you need to answer: Why are you saved and your unbelieving neighbour ... | |
| predestination | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: Chris, I have been reading about Protestant denominations, including Presbyterians, and have ... A: Yes. The doctrine of original sin (and total depravity) means that none of us is so good. (“… all ... | |
| abortion | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: What is the Presbyterians' stand on abortion? A: It depends on which Presbyterians you're talking about. The historic and widespread Presbyterian ... | |
| God's Law | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: I’m searching for a certain denomination and was hoping that by contacting you, you could help me in ... A: We both know this isn't a question but a Seventh Day Adventist tirade. If the Apostles believed ... | |
| The Pope | 8/17/2009 |
| Q: Do the majority of Presbyterians hold the view that The Pope is the anti-christ as per (Paisley) in ... A: Brendan, The Westminster Confession of Faith, which is the theological statement that most ... | |
| Unforgivable Sin? | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I was just reading an unforgivable sin article and I came across a theology question I had in mind. ... A: Dan, I see your question came at 2AM (my time, at least) - a poor time for theological reflection, ... | |
| Need a Presbytherian prayer. | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I am a a Hospice volunteer, and recently I visited a lady who is very ill and is of the Presbyterian ... A: Presbyterians believe in spontaneous prayer, as well as using written forms. Simply pray that God's ... | |
| How do you know if you are called by God? | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: How do you know if you are called by God? Does the PCUSA provide a Litmus test kit? :) Seriously, I ... A: The classical reformed position is between the inward call (which only an individual can discern) ... | |
| pre-marital "fooling around" | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: I know that you are opposed to sexual intercourse, but like are you opposed to oral sex? What ... A: What on earth makes you think I'm opposed to sexual intercourse? The Bible has an entire book ... | |
| Presbyterians & Catholics... | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: No doubt you have answered this question many times. My question is; In twenty five words or less - ... A: I'm sure you mean ROMAN Catholics, since Presbyterians are - by nature of their Trinitarian Baptism ... | |
| homosexuality and Christianity | 1/23/2009 |
| Q: I've always taken the position that my faith gives me great comfort and contentment. So, when it ... A: If your faith is only good to you, it's of no good to God's kingdom. Read the parable of the talents ... | |
| Divorce and remarriage | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: I understand that the Presbyterian interpretation of the bible is against divorce except on grounds ... A: Abuse = abandonment of the marital covenant, so Paul has already covered the issue. Sorry if I ... | |
| Divorce and remarriage | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: I understand that the Presbyterian interpretation of the bible is against divorce except on grounds ... A: Abandonment of the marital bond (either through adultery or vacation or abuse) is a justifiable ... | |
| Sin | 1/5/2009 |
| Q: G.I. learnt from my Catechism that there are two types of sin, which; 1. Sins of the flesh and; 2. ... A: Leslie, I'm not sure which catechism you're referring to. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says: ... | |
| predetermination | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: If God knows exactly what will happen to us from the time of our birth-who will go to Heaven and ... A: It is true that no action you do can affect the outcome. However, it is equally true that your ... | |
| Apostles' Creed | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: This past Sunday our creed had the following alterations.. we said "i believe in the HOLY SPIRIT" ... A: It is not sanctioned by the PCUSA, as the Book of Confessions uses a modernized-spelling version of ... | |
| church history | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: About how many Denominations of Presbyterians are there? What are the differents between the ... A: The Ten Commandments - though obedience to them is only possible for someone who has been saved. ... | |
| church history | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: About how many Denominations of Presbyterians are there? What are the differents between the ... A: I'm not sure if you mean worldwide, or just locally. If you mean in America, here's a link to a ... | |
| painting pictures | 10/10/2008 |
| Q: it is said by some that everyone paints a different picture. my perspective of the world and the ... A: Let me ask some beginning questions so I can see where you're coming from. 1) How do you know the ... | |
| Authority of the Bible | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: What is the Presbyterian view on the Bible as being the authoritative Word of God? What do ... A: Real Presbyterians will follow the Westminster Confession of Faith, which says: Of the Holy ... | |
| depression and anxiety | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I feel that I dishonor God when I am depressed or anxious... I ought to be rejoicing in the Lord, ... A: I believe that God loves us no matter what, and that mental illnesses are part of the brokenness of ... | |
| Denomination of Protestants | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: Why Protestant have so much so denominations? like Catholic and Orthodox have no sub denominations ... A: It's not quite accurate to say that there are no sub-denominations in the Roman and Eastern ... | |
| God command of killing | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ... A: First, there are general reasons for the annihilation of peoples like the Canaanites. These are the ... | |
| Throne and Lamb | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: according to Presbyterians Who is sit on the Throne in Revelation 4:10 and who is the lamb in ... A: God is seated on the throne in Revelation 4:10. It seems specifically to point to the person of God ... | |
| Old testaments mention Trinity | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: Does Jews also believes in trinity ? What about Adam , Cain , Noah, Abraham, Isac , Jacob , David ... A: Jewish Jews do not believe in the Trinity. There are, however, Jews who have converted to ... | |
| Age of Mary | 8/1/2008 |
| Q: How old mary was when she became pregnant and how long she as pregnant ? A: Nick, The Bible doesn't give a specific answer to either question, so no one could be dogmatic ... | |
| "unclean meats" | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: Isaiah 66:17 is, I assume, a prophecy of a future event(future from now). This verse says that ... A: While it is a future event to the prophet, the people groups (such as Tubal and Javan) have passed ... | |
| plural marriages | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: I know that in many nonChristian countries in the world, such as Arab countries and many parts of ... A: Jesus actually answers this question. In Matthew 19:1-9, Jesus refers back to the creation mandate ... | |
| my marriage | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: A few months ago I sent out a question to a number of the experts on All Experts, to see what kind ... A: Josh, What you fail to recognize is that the elders who negotiated the terms of betrothal (as ... | |
| my marriage | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: A few months ago I sent out a question to a number of the experts on All Experts, to see what kind ... A: Josh, I already explained why your ceremony was not valid in the eyes of God, the church, or the ... | |
| should the marriage bond be honored by all, if one spouse (a believer) does not attend church? | 4/3/2008 |
| Q: I'm so glad to have found a PCUSA resource, in which I ask this on an anonymous basis. Within the ... A: By "most mainline" I mean that most of the big protestant denominations (PCUSA, United Methodist, ... | |
| baptism | 3/28/2008 |
| Q: Sir, A lot of people go to the early church fathers to confirm their beliefs, such as stating they ... A: Steve, First, Christians don't worship on Sunday because of the testimony of the Church Fathers. We ... | |
| should the marriage bond be honored by all, if one spouse (a believer) does not attend church? | 3/23/2008 |
| Q: I'm so glad to have found a PCUSA resource, in which I ask this on an anonymous basis. Within the ... A: Wounded, Let me apologize for the tardiness of this email. I took a vacation after Easter and am ... | |
| What the bible says | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: What does the bible say about people who have been sexually abused when they were younger and now as ... A: First, it's Biblical to say that the vilest of sinners can be forgiven, redeemed, and used of God. ... | |
| Discord in the church involving the minister | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: We had a congregational meeting Sunday regarding the minister's terms of call. A member asked for a ... A: Under G-7.0304, the congregation alone has the authority to deal with the terms of call. However, ... | |
| Communion/Church | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: What are the differances between Southern Baptists and PCUSA? Also what are the beliefs of PCUSA ... A: There are so many differences between Southern Baptists and the PCUSA that I would prefer to address ... | |
| battling spirits | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: Spirits cannot bleed or die but there was war in heaven. And an angel was resisted by a demon for ... A: Ray, God never tells us how it is that spirit beings fight. Thus, to speculate on it takes us out ... | |
| marriage | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: "Hi, I have a question for you on marriage. I know a couple who is not legally married, nor have ... A: Joshua, That's a great question. I'm going to give two paragraphs of background, then tell you what ... | |
| why chosen? | 9/5/2007 |
| Q: What does "many are called but few are chosen" mean? It sounds like it means that people are ... A: I apologize for not getting to this earlier. I was out of town. As for called and chosen, I'm not ... | |
| language | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ... A: I don't mean to be insulting, but do you know any languages other than English? People who know two ... | |
| language | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ... A: This question seems more like an accusation or excuse, but I'll give it a shot. The Old Testament ... | |
| Forgiving others and Hell | 2/9/2007 |
| Q: But he did say nasty things to him when we stayed there naturally because I loved my husband I did ... A: Margaret, There is only one reason that God sends people to hell. It is because they chose not to ... | |
| love | 12/16/2006 |
| Q: I've been asking about love, the Bible tells us to love God, our enemies and ourselves. In what way ... A: Marc, These are huge questions. There's probably some real-life situations behind this that you ... | |
| Government | 12/8/2006 |
| Q: I would like to know how the Presbyterian church is governed. There is a church in my area that is ... A: Presbyterianism is so closely connected with Calvinism that most people think they are the same ... | |
Chris Larimer
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Reformed / Systematic Theology, Biblical Theology, New Testament, Church History, Philosophical Theology, Apologetics, Preaching/Homiletics, Sacraments, and Liturgy are all specialties in which I have some expertise. I've been told I have a "knack" for Practical/Pastoral Theology as well.
Experience
I have been a Presbyterian church worker since 1996 and am about to be ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. I served a year long internship in our denomination's Office of Theology and Worship.
Organizations
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Publications
Call to Worship. ReNEWS. The Presbyterian Outlook (online edition).
Education/Credentials
Undergraduate study at King College and East Tennessee State University leading to BA in English, with minors in Sociology and in Humanities (emphasis Classical Studies). Master of Divinity, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Additional study, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Awards and Honors
Patterson Scholar in Greek and Latin, LPTS (2003-2006).
J. K. Patterson Graduate Fellow in Church History, LPTS.
PC(USA) Ordination Exams: Bible Content 98%; Greek Exegesis 5/5; Reformed Theology 5/5.
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