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

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Random Apostasies and Heresies


Henry Blackaby has been on my radar since his spiritually-dangerous book “Experiencing God” came out.  Sola Sisters posted an article about Blackaby’s teachings on hearing audible words from God.  This is the sort of tripe which develops as these false teachers are given popularity by fundamental churches promoting their books in the form of “group studies.”  Where is the discernment among the leaders of these assemblies who allow this stuff in?!?

A major problem which has invaded the Churches over the past decades is the friendship with secular psychology, and syncretizing it with Christian teachings.  This runs rampant with such organizations as “Focus on the Family” and the many so-called “Christian” psychologists especially.  I have done a previous series about the psych field and the harm it has cause society, as well as how it is completely opposed to the Christian worldview.  “the Cripplegate” has an excellent article questioning if psychology is the “67th Book of the Bible.”  Thought-provoking.
Goatherd Ed Young continues to spread more spiritual junk food with his C3 conference and the “seeker-driven” line-up of teachers.  In his past conferences he has included Word of Faith teachers.  He’s a perfect example of a popular preacher who has no discernment.  Oh, and if pastors need to know where to go for fashion advice, Young is there to help you with your vanity.
Great video to watch - John MacArthur rebuking Joel Osteen.  If only every pastor would do so!
More on Moore:  Apprising Ministries has another example of problems with Beth Moore  - she teaches on discernment!  How ironic.  Those with discernment would never listen to her!
Lastly, Janis Hutchinson has part three of “How to Confirm What You Believe.”  Excellent series on discernment.

3 comments:

Louise said...

I thank you for this post Glenn. I haven't been posting and/or reading many blogs lately and I'm thankful I picked this up today. I purchased a devotional by Blackaby (Experiencing God Day by Day) over a year ago and could never 'get into it' and so I laid it aside. Now I know the reason why.
We must so be people of discernment and be willing to heed the Holy Spirit's quiet leadings as He tells us not to read something.

Lydia said...

There are maybe a lot of things true in your posts, but I find it more disturbing then helpful. Every time I concentrate on things Satan is doing it brings me down, I would rather seek for what Jesus is doing and God said he would speak through stones, I will read the bible, pray and listen to a lot of different preachers and take what is good and let go what is not. Bless you

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Hi Lydia,

I find it very frustrating to see all this garbage infecting the church. But the important part of my ministry is warning people what to avoid, what to stay away from and who the false teachers are. Too many wolves are out there and will devour the unwary sheep.

Discernment is often learned one mistake at a time, while other times it is learned from others' experience or warnings.