The purpose of Once Lost is to encourage those that were (once lost) in their sin to reach out with the saving message of the Gospel to those that still are.
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Joined April 2012
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REFORMATION DAY: DID WE REALLY RETURN TO BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY?
Every October 31, many Protestants celebrate Reformation Day, remembering when Martin Luther challenged the abuses and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church in 1517.
And let me be clear, there was good that came out of the Protestant Reformation. The recovery of the authority of Scripture, the emphasis on salvation by grace through faith, the rejection of indulgences, and the widespread availability of the Bible were all important developments.
But here's where I believe we need to have an honest conversation.
You cannot reform something back to a biblical foundation it never possessed in the first place.
The word reformation suggests restoring something to its original condition. But if the goal is biblical Christianity, why make the Roman Catholic Church the starting point?
The Roman Catholic system, with its papacy, sacramental priesthood, Marian dogmas, and claims of ecclesiastical infallibility, cannot simply be equated with the church established by Jesus Christ and His apostles.
The biblical church existed long before the medieval Roman Catholic system developed.
So while the Reformers rightly challenged serious errors, they didn't necessarily return to the full pattern of New Testament Christianity.
And some of the theological baggage they carried forward is still affecting Protestant churches today.
1. The problem with Calvinism
Many Christians associate the Reformation with the five solas, but they also embrace a theological system that raises serious questions about God's character, His love, and man's responsibility.
Calvinism, particularly its doctrines of unconditional election, irresistible grace, and limited atonement, teaches that God has sovereignly chosen certain individuals for salvation in a way that does not depend on their response of faith.
But Scripture says:
1 Timothy 2:4: God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
1 John 2:2: Jesus is the propitiation “for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”
John 3:16: “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
God's grace is absolutely necessary for salvation. Nobody earns salvation by believing. Faith is receiving what Christ has freely provided, not performing a meritorious work.
The Gospel is a genuine offer of salvation to all people, and every person is responsible for how they respond to Jesus Christ.
I don't believe the apostles preached the deterministic system that later became associated with Reformed theology.
2. The problem with replacement theology
Another serious issue is the way many churches influenced by Reformed covenant theology understand Israel.
God made specific covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants in Genesis 12, 15, and 17.
Those promises included a nation, a land, and blessings that would ultimately reach the whole world.
Yet many Reformed traditions interpret these promises as fulfilled in the Church in ways that deny a future national restoration for Israel.
But Paul asks:
Romans 11:1: “Has God cast away His people? Certainly not!”
And Romans 11:28 to 29 reminds us that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable.
The Church is not a replacement for Israel. Gentile believers are blessed through Israel's Messiah, Jesus Christ.
This does not mean every Jewish person is automatically saved, nor does it mean the modern Israeli government is above moral criticism.
Jews and Gentiles are saved the same way, through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
But God's faithfulness to His covenant promises matters. If God can permanently abandon His promises to Israel, what does that say about His faithfulness to the promises He has made to us?
3. The problem with carrying over church traditions
The Reformers rejected significant Roman Catholic teachings, but many retained elements of the church structures and theological frameworks they inherited.
Some retained infant baptism, formalized state church relationships, and practices that deserve careful examination against the New Testament.
Now, not every Reformer believed the same things, and not every tradition inherited from Rome is automatically unbiblical.
But that's exactly the point.
Our standard should never be whether Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, or Rome taught something. Our standard must be whether Jesus and His apostles taught it.
Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans because they searched the Scriptures daily to determine whether what they heard was true.
If Paul's preaching was examined against Scripture, why would any Reformer be exempt?
4. The problem with confusing Protestant identity with biblical Christianity
Being Protestant doesn't automatically make someone doctrinally sound.
You can reject the pope and still misunderstand the Gospel.
You can affirm the five solas and still adopt theological systems that distort God's character, confuse Israel with the Church, or diminish the responsibility of individuals to believe the Gospel.
And you can celebrate the Reformation while continuing to elevate your favorite theologian's interpretation above the plain teaching of Scripture.
I am not interested in defending a Protestant label simply because it isn't Roman Catholic.
I am interested in defending biblical Christianity.
5. We need to go back further than 1517
The solution isn't to return to Rome.
And it isn't to treat Wittenberg or Geneva as the final destination either.
We need to go back to the teaching of Jesus Christ and His apostles.
Back to the authority of God's inspired Word.
Back to the Gospel preached in Acts.
Back to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Back to the biblical distinction between Israel and the Church.
Back to preaching repentance and faith to every person, because the Gospel truly is good news for the whole world.
2 Timothy 3:16 to 17 tells us that Scripture is given by inspiration of God and equips the man of God for every good work.
That is our foundation.
So should we celebrate Reformation Day?
We can absolutely thank God for the courage of men who challenged religious corruption and helped make Scripture more accessible.
But we should never confuse gratitude for the Reformation with unquestioning loyalty to the Reformers.
The Reformation was not the finish line.
Luther wasn't our Savior.
Calvin wasn't our authority.
Rome wasn't our foundation.
Jesus Christ is our Savior, and His Word is our authority.
The real question isn't whether we're Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, or Reformed.
The question is whether what we believe can actually be established from Scripture.
Because at the end of the day, we're not called to reform people into Protestantism.
We're called to preach Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, and call sinners to place their faith in Him alone.
That's the Gospel worth defending.
Happy Reformation Day. But let's make sure we're reforming our theology according to Scripture, not simply celebrating the traditions of men who came before us.
Once Lost Ministries
Is Halloween really just harmless fun for children, or should Christians take a closer look at its spiritual origins? When traditions become part of our family memories, it can be difficult to examine them in light of God's Word.
📖 In this special segment from Part 3 of our Occult Series at Once Lost Ministries, Kyle and Flynn sit down with Johanna Michaelsen to discuss the origins of Halloween, its connections to ancient pagan traditions, and why Christians must exercise biblical discernment.
Many parents associate Halloween with costumes, candy, childhood memories, and family traditions. But does having good intentions automatically make a practice spiritually acceptable?
Johanna discusses the historical connections between Halloween, Celtic traditions, and Druidic religious practices. The conversation also addresses the pressure Christian parents face when their children want to participate in activities that everyone around them considers normal.
Turning to Jeremiah 10, we examine God's warning against adopting the ways of the nations and why believers should evaluate cultural traditions through Scripture rather than nostalgia or entertainment.
The discussion also explores syncretism, the blending of biblical Christianity with practices drawn from other religious traditions. The challenge is not to judge the motives of families, but to encourage Christians to seek the Lord, study His Word, and carefully consider what they are teaching their children.
#Halloween #Halloween2026
youtu.be/bKqVyhYh0eM
Does God's Word set the boundary for your doctrine, or does speculation?
We often hear ideas that sound 'interesting' or 'deep,' but if they don't align with the full counsel of Scripture, they are a distraction. Hebrews 2:16 reminds us that Christ's mission was specific: He became a man to redeem humanity.
Sound doctrine isn't about finding new 'secrets'—it's about staying grounded in what God has already revealed.
What is a verse that has helped you clear up a confusing theological topic recently? Share it below. 👇
#OnceLostMinistries #BiblicalTruth #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #BibleStudy #Discernment #Truth
Is modern yoga really different from the religious practices of the ancient world? If yoga is now marketed as exercise, relaxation, and wellness, does that mean its original spiritual philosophy no longer matters? 📖 In Myth 2 of our 10 Myths of Yoga series from Once Lost Ministries, Flynn Huseby sits down with Dr. Alana Arguello to examine the claim that yoga has changed over time and can now be separated from its religious origins. Dr. Arguello challenges the idea that modern branding, fitness clothing, and contemporary yoga studios have fundamentally changed yoga's spiritual identity. She compares ancient representations of yoga postures with their modern presentation and argues that changing the appearance or cultural setting of a practice does not necessarily change the philosophy behind it. The conversation also explores whether Christians can separate yoga's physical methods from its spiritual meaning. Using the illustration of a pagan paper doll dressed in different outfits, Dr. Arguello explains her concern that religious ideas can be repackaged in familiar language without abandoning their underlying worldview. Flynn and Dr. Arguello encourage Christians to examine these claims through Scripture rather than simply accepting the way yoga is marketed today.
10 Myths of Yoga, Myth 2: Can Christians Separate Yoga From Its Spiritua... youtu.be/fhX-9Wxtytw?si=EiF9… via @YouTube
American progressive activists reportedly expressed outrage this week after watching footage of violent unrest in France and discovering that protesters had apparently stolen their entire playbook for achieving peace through property destruction.
“This is absolutely unacceptable,” explained one activist while watching a burning car. “We have spent years explaining that destroying property is sometimes necessary to create a more compassionate society. They can't just take our ideas.”
Witnesses say tensions escalated when footage showed protesters smashing windows, setting fires, and intimidating anyone who disagreed with them.
“That's literally our definition of tolerance,” complained another activist. “At least acknowledge your influences.”
Several progressive commentators reportedly struggled to explain why violence in the name of peace looked suspiciously similar to the intolerance they claimed to oppose.
“It's important to understand that violence is never the answer,” explained one commentator, “unless the people committing it are expressing frustration about something we support.”
Sources say the situation became especially confusing when a French shopkeeper asked why his business had to be destroyed to demonstrate compassion for other people.
Experts immediately informed him that his question revealed a troubling lack of empathy.
One American activist reportedly became emotional after seeing a burning barricade.
“We've worked so hard to normalize this kind of peaceful expression,” she said. “And now France is getting all the attention.”
Things became uncomfortable when a local Christian opened his Bible to James 1:20.
“For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:20
Witnesses say several activists immediately demanded that the verse be removed for promoting intolerance.
At press time, American progressives had announced a peaceful demonstration against France for stealing their ideas, though organizers were still deciding which local businesses would need to be destroyed to communicate their commitment to nonviolence.
This is a question that deserves more attention, especially when discussing Israel, the Middle East, and the freedoms people enjoy under different governments.
Arab citizens of Israel can vote, serve in the Knesset, practice their religion, participate in political demonstrations, and challenge government decisions through the courts. These are significant freedoms, particularly when compared with countries in the region where political opposition and religious expression face severe restrictions.
We should be willing to examine the facts rather than simply repeat popular narratives.
As Christians, our understanding of Israel must also begin with Scripture. God made covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His faithfulness does not depend on changing political opinions.
"I will bring back the captives of My people Israel;
They shall build the waste cities and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them;
They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them." {Amos 9:14 NKJV}
Supporting God's covenant purposes for Israel does not require defending every decision made by the Israeli government. And loving Israel should never prevent us from loving anyone else or recognizing their dignity.
Ultimately, Jewish people, Arabs, and people of every nation need the same Savior, Jesus Christ.
#Israel #MiddleEast #ReligiousFreedom #BiblicalTruth #JesusChrist
The world changes. Cultures change. Governments change. Even churches sometimes change what they teach to accommodate the culture around them.
But God's Word does not change.
We live in a generation where people want to redefine truth according to personal feelings, cultural trends, and popular opinions. Unfortunately, some Christians have started treating Scripture as something that needs to be updated rather than something that needs to be obeyed.
God never asked us to rewrite His Word to make people comfortable.
He calls us to believe it, study it, rightly divide it, and stand firmly upon it.
“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89
That means our responsibility isn't to determine whether God's Word is acceptable to modern society. Our responsibility is to understand what God has said and respond in faith.
And the greatest truth Scripture reveals is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again so that everyone who believes in Him can receive eternal life.
The question isn't whether God's Word will stand. The question is whether you will stand upon it.
#GodsWord #BiblicalTruth #Bible #ChristianFaith #JesusChrist
Posts from Once Lost Ministries for 10/25/2026 - eepurl.com/0nw8RlvAAU
What is happening to religious freedom in Europe, and could America face similar challenges? How should Christians understand the relationship between Islamic communities, Sharia law, Western governments, and the biblical responsibility to stand for truth?
📖 In Session 12 of our Understanding Islam series from Once Lost Ministries, we examine concerns about political Islam, immigration, Sharia law, and religious freedom in Western societies. The discussion looks at developments in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, including questions about cultural integration, government authority, and the freedom of Christians to openly proclaim their faith.
The conversation explores the speakers' experiences and concerns about Islamic influence in European communities, the role of mosques, religious courts, and proposed Islamic developments in Texas. The discussion also raises questions about constitutional protections, government oversight, and whether religious communities should be permitted to operate under rules that conflict with civil law. Several political and legal examples are presented as claims and personal observations rather than independently verified findings.
The session also addresses marriage between Christians and Muslims, the spiritual responsibilities of pastors, and the importance of biblical discipleship. Christians are encouraged to understand what Scripture teaches about marriage, examine religious differences carefully, and lovingly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Muslims and people of every background.
#islam @Acts17David
@ApostateProphet
youtu.be/pFFQ08U8dlc
We hear it all the time.
“You have to learn to love yourself before you can truly love others.”
It sounds encouraging, but is that actually what Jesus taught?
No. Jesus never commanded us to love ourselves first. He commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The assumption is that we already care about ourselves. We naturally look after our own needs, comfort, interests, and well being.
Jesus calls us to extend that same concern to others.
This does not mean you should hate yourself in an unbiblical way, neglect your health, or believe you have no value. You are created in God's image.
But biblical love is not built on making yourself the center of everything. It is demonstrated through humility, sacrifice, compassion, and putting the needs of others before your own.
“And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39
And the greatest example of love is Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for sinners so that we could receive forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Him.
Stop waiting until you love yourself enough to love others. Start loving your neighbor the way Jesus commanded.
#LoveYourNeighbor #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTruth #ChristianApologetics #JesusChrist
Imagine someone proposed dividing France into two countries, giving nearly half its territory to establish another nation.
Would the French people simply accept it? Would anyone expect them to ignore questions about history, national identity, security, and sovereignty?
Now consider Israel, a nation much smaller than France, and the ongoing debate over a Palestinian state.
Of course, the actual Israeli and Palestinian territorial dispute is more complicated than dividing France in half.
But Christians should remember something important. The Jewish people's connection to the land did not begin in 1948, and God's covenant promises to Abraham were not forgotten.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
I believe God still has a future for Israel.
The question is whether any proposed agreement can provide genuine peace and security rather than simply creating another conflict.
And ultimately, both Jews and Palestinians need the same Savior, Jesus Christ.
What do you think? Does comparing the proposed division of Israel to dividing France help put the issue into perspective?
#Israel #TwoStateSolution #MiddleEast #BibleProphecy #JesusChrist
Here's something I've noticed in apologetics discussions.
People will spend time arguing in comment sections, making accusations, and dismissing an entire biblical discussion without actually taking the time to understand the argument being made.
In this exchange, the issue was whether Christians should financially support businesses connected to Mormonism. Rather than working through the biblical principles involved, the response was that the subject was a "nothing burger" compared to everything else happening in the world.
But here's the problem.
Just because you don't consider something important doesn't mean Scripture has nothing to say about it.
Not every disagreement requires an hour of study. But if you're going to challenge someone's biblical position, shouldn't you at least understand what they're teaching before dismissing it?
We should be willing to examine the evidence, consider the context, and even change our minds when Scripture corrects us.
“The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15
Biblical discernment requires more than strong opinions. It requires a willingness to learn.
And ultimately, our goal should never be winning comment sections. It should be knowing God's Word, defending the Gospel, and pointing people to Jesus Christ.
#ChristianApologetics #BiblicalDiscernment #Mormonism #BibleStudy #JesusChrist
If you didn't know, Facebook has reportedly increased its friends limit from 5,000 to 10,000!
For those of us who use Facebook to connect with people, share content, have conversations, and build community, that could be a pretty exciting change!
I've met so many incredible people through this platform, and I'm grateful for the friendships, conversations, encouragement, and even the occasional theological debate. 📷
For me, social media has always been about more than numbers. It's another opportunity to connect with people, share biblical truth, and point others toward Jesus Christ.
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
If we're not already connected, feel free to send me a friend request!
And thank you to everyone who continues to follow, interact, and support the content I share. I appreciate you!
#FacebookUpdate #FacebookFriends #ChristianCommunity #ChristianApologetics #JesusChrist
Did you know that you and I probably disagree on a whole lot of things?
And guess what? That's okay! 😂
Somewhere along the way, people started acting like disagreement automatically makes someone an enemy.
It doesn't.
I enjoy a good theological discussion. I enjoy challenging ideas, asking questions, and defending what I believe Scripture teaches.
But here's something important.
I can disagree with your theology without hating you. I can challenge your beliefs without attacking your character. And I can genuinely care about you even when we strongly disagree.
Now, that doesn't mean truth is relative or that every belief is equally correct. There are biblical truths worth defending, and I'm not going to compromise Scripture just to avoid disagreement.
But defending truth doesn't require treating people terribly.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”
Colossians 4:6
My goal isn't to get everyone to agree with me. It's to encourage people to examine Scripture, think carefully, and ultimately come to know Jesus Christ.
So disagree with me all you want. Just know that disagreement doesn't mean we can't have a good conversation, or even be friends. ❤️
#ChristianApologetics #BiblicalTruth #RespectfulDisagreement #ChristianLiving #JesusChrist
Is yoga really just stretching and exercise, or is there a deeper spiritual philosophy behind it? Can Christians separate yoga's physical movements from its religious worldview? And what does the Bible say about the growing influence of Eastern spirituality within the church?
📖 In Session 1 of our 10 Myths of Yoga series from Once Lost Ministries, Flynn Huseby sits down with Dr. Alana Arguello to examine the spiritual philosophy behind yoga and its relationship to panentheism. Together, they challenge the popular belief that yoga is simply a physical fitness routine disconnected from its religious origins.
Dr. Arguello explains how yoga has been presented in Western culture as exercise while arguing that its underlying philosophy promotes a worldview fundamentally different from the God revealed in Scripture. The discussion explores panentheism, the belief that everything exists within God and God is present in everything, and why this understanding of the divine conflicts with biblical Christianity.
The conversation also examines how Eastern spiritual ideas can enter Christian thinking, worship, and church practices. Flynn and Dr. Arguello ask whether renaming yoga as exercise changes its spiritual identity and why Christians must carefully examine the philosophies behind the practices they embrace. The goal is to encourage biblical discernment and point believers back to the truth of God's Word and Jesus Christ.
youtu.be/hRsfXqKDwmU
One of the biggest misconceptions about Israel is that Jewish history in the land began with the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948.
But Jerusalem and the Jewish people's connection to the land go back thousands of years.
Around 1000 BC, King David established Jerusalem as the capital of his kingdom. Solomon built the First Temple, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC, and the Jewish people later returned and rebuilt the Temple.
In AD 70, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple. Yet the Jewish people and their connection to Jerusalem did not disappear.
All of this happened before Islam emerged in the seventh century.
1948 marked the establishment of the modern State of Israel, not the beginning of Jewish history.
Any serious discussion about Israel must acknowledge the ancient Jewish presence in the land.
And as Christians, we recognize that God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remain significant.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
God has not forgotten Israel. And the greatest blessing promised through Abraham finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Messiah, through whom both Jews and Gentiles can receive salvation by faith.
#Israel #Jerusalem #BibleHistory #BiblicalProphecy #JesusChrist
Should Christians boycott businesses owned by Mormons? Does purchasing a movie ticket, watching Christian entertainment, or supporting a company with LDS ownership mean we are financially supporting a false gospel? And how do we distinguish biblical discernment from placing unnecessary restrictions on another believer's conscience?
📖 In this full conversation from Once Lost Ministries, Kyle Peart of Once Lost Ministries and Pastor Chris Quintana of Old Path Theology join Doreen Virtue to examine Mormon theology, Christian entertainment, religious compromise, and the biblical principles of conscience and Christian liberty.
Clips of our discussion originally appeared on Doreen Virtue's channel but we wanted to share the full conversation so viewers can hear our comments in context and understand exactly where we stand regarding the freedom believers have to walk by faith, grow in biblical discernment, and mature in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Throughout the conversation, we examine the theological differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity, particularly the identity of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and salvation through the finished work of Christ. We also discuss ecumenism, false teaching, and why Christians must never compromise the Gospel for the sake of unity.
But an equally important question is how Christians should respond when purchasing products or supporting businesses associated with religious beliefs they reject. Using Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 10, Kyle and Pastor Chris explain why these decisions require prayer, biblical understanding, and a conscience informed by God's Word.
Our position is not that every Christian must boycott the same businesses or entertainment. We believe Christians must reject false doctrine while also recognizing that Scripture calls each believer to walk by faith before the Lord. Biblical discernment should produce greater holiness, spiritual maturity, and love for one another, not manmade rules imposed where Scripture has not commanded them.
We encourage you to listen to the entire discussion, examine the Scriptures for yourself, and seek the Lord's wisdom as you grow in Christ.
@DoreenVirtue
youtu.be/Xba8vDCbxo0
Israel is a tiny country surrounded by a much larger region of Arab nations. But the size of a country does not, by itself, settle questions about history, sovereignty, or disputed territory.
Here is something that often gets overlooked in conversations about Israel.
The Jewish people's connection to the land of Israel did not begin in 1948.
Jewish history, archaeology, and Scripture document a connection to this land stretching back thousands of years. Jerusalem was central to Jewish life long before the modern State of Israel existed.
That does not mean every policy of the Israeli government is justified but we should examine every action accordingly.
Reducing Israel's entire existence to the word colonization ignores important historical realities.
As Christians, we also recognize that God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob matter. The Church has not erased Israel from God's purposes.
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29
And while we pray for Israel and seek peace for everyone in the region, we must remember that both Jews and Arabs need the same Savior: Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah.
#Israel #BiblicalIsrael #Romans11 #BibleHistory #JesusChrist
Halloween is almost here, and every year the same question comes up.
Is Halloween just harmless fun, or should Christians be concerned about what they're celebrating?
Some see costumes, candy, pumpkins, and family traditions. Others recognize the growing fascination with witchcraft, sorcery, divination, demons, and the occult.
But here's where biblical discernment matters.
Putting on a superhero costume doesn't automatically mean someone is participating in witchcraft. At the same time, Scripture clearly condemns occult practices, and Christians shouldn't dismiss those warnings simply because something has become culturally acceptable.
The question isn't just whether something is entertaining.
Does it honor Jesus Christ?
Parents especially need to consider what they're allowing into their homes, what their children are learning, and whether certain activities encourage fascination with practices God has forbidden.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”
Ephesians 5:11
This isn't about living in fear or seeing demons behind every pumpkin. It's about following Jesus Christ, exercising biblical discernment, and refusing to normalize what Scripture condemns.
Our hope is not in avoiding a holiday. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again.
So what do you think? Should Christians participate in Halloween?
#Halloween2026 #ChristiansAndHalloween #BiblicalDiscernment #ChristianParenting #JesusChrist
