We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Friday, September 10, 2010

Let No One Deceive You

In Him [Christ] all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.  I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.  Colossians 2:3-4 HCSB

"Because all wisdom and knowledge are in Christ, Christians should not be deluded with the persuasive words of false cultists.  If a man does not have the truth, then he must seek to attract a following through the clever presentation of his message.  That is exactly what heretics always do.  They argue from probabilities  and build a system of teaching on deductions.  On the other hand, if a man is preaching the truth of God, then he does not need to depend on such things as eloquence or clever arguments.  The truth is its own best argument and, like a lion, will defend itself."

William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary.

6 comments:

Drew said...

What do you mean by teaching based on probabilities and deductions?

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

You'd have to ask MacDonald exactly what he meant. But I'd say something like how cult leaders always deduct from scripture something it doesn't say; e.g., the Mormons and their two sticks of Ezekial being the Bible and the Book of Mormon,when plainly in context it is Judah and Israel. People like Harod Camping using all sorts of probabilities and deductions to come up with his various end times datess.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Glenn Chatfield, i am calling you out publicly right now.

You need to address Jesse's promotion of false teachers like Lucas Banzoli who for example denies the teaching of eternal hell.

If you do not, then you are being a hypocrite because you claim to be a "watchman" and we will have to all separate from reading your blog.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Anonymous Troll,

First, you are not calling me out publicly because just troll anonymously, sort of like many internet cowards.

Secondly, I do NOT need to address Jesse's use of that person's site. Jesse states that except for his denial of hell he is pretty solid. I don't worry about on minor false teaching as long as it does not affect the gospel. I consider a "hell-denier" to be just ignorant of the truth and will probably see the truth some day.

Thirdly, if you have a problem with what Jesse posts, why don't you take your complaint to him?

Fourthly, it is not hypocrisy to ignore some teachings; after all, not everyone on the 'net is mature in the faith and often have odd ideas. It's called grace when the issue are minor or not really critical.

Lastly, if you think I'm such a poor "watchman," then why are you wasting your time reading my blog?

Jesse Albrecht said...

Glenn notified me of this complaint.

The reason for my including Lucas Banzoli on my blogroll is specifically his witness on Roman Catholicism.

Furthermore, linking to or citation of a source does not imply endorsement of everything the author(s) have written.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Well said, Jesse!