Random Apostasies and Heresies

Blogging has been delayed by an 8-day trip as well as too much time needed to catch up with everything else!  So the best way to start is to clear off my collection of things going on in the church, etc.

A good start for today is at one of my favorite sites for exposing the idolatrous nature of so many who profess the faith - The Museum of Idolatry

1.   A church stage ostensibly set for humor for a sermon series.  Be sure to look at the supplied link.

2.  The Church by the Glades in Florida consistently demonstrates their love of all things worldly.  Just take a look at their site for an example of what church is NOT for.  Then take a look at this example of the mockery of what an assembly is for.

3.  It that previous article wasn’t enough to turn you sour, try this one.  Is this an assembly of Christians for worship of the Lord and learning from Scripture, or is it a weekly fun-fest copying the world? 

One that should have been on The Museum of Idolatry is this video by “Lovin’ Life Ministries.”  It’s some really worldly begging for “tithes.”  Obviously this place has no idea that the tithe was for Israel - not for the church.  Oh, wait, I know why they don’t know this - because they don’t know much about anything in the Bible - they are Moonies!!!  The cult of the Unification Church.

Heretic Joel Osteen and Purpose-driven guru Rick Warren joined up for a show with Oprah Winfrey.  Of course they did nothing for the furtherance of the faith, and everything for the furtherance of themselves and Oprah, as they promote her as being Christian.

Speaking of the “Lifeclass,” a Muslim woman has concluded after hearing Rick Warren that “Islam is all about living a Purpose-Driven life.”  Obviously Warren’s PDL has more for the woman than does the Gospel.  But then, Warren really doesn’t seem to be all that interested in teaching the Gospel; he is more interested in getting more people to his “church” with an updated version of the worthless “Purpose-Driven Life” book.  Apparently a church with a huge attendance is more important than one with solid teaching.

Speaking of Warren’s church, now he’s had a woman preaching at Saddleback, and not just any woman but the questionable Word of Faith teacher, Christine Caine - you know, the lady who thinks Joyce Meyer is the cat’s meow.  Ahhh, who cares what the Bible says about women not teaching men in the assembly, let alone having correct doctrine!!!

A common thread with so many of these popular women teachers is the idea of the boyfriend Jesus.  Priscilla Shirer is one of these types, as Elizabeth Prata tells about on her blog.

Beth Moore is a friend of Shirer’s and also teaches the boyfriend Jesus idea for women.   As a reminder of how bad of a teacher Moore is, Apprising Ministries posted an older article about Beth and her “tent of meeting” teachings. It’s well-worth reading to understand more about Moore’s problems with Scripture.

Elizabeth Prata has a good article about people such as Moore and Shirer who make a living off of the marketing of their false teachings.  Something to really think about; Christians need to stop supporting these teachers by buying all their junk.

So what is the harm of following these sorts of false teachers?  Lots of spiritual harm, to begin with.  I found an interesting testimony by one who has been there, done that.  I recommend it for your perusal.

James MacDonald is sliding more and more into the seeker-sensitive cum emergent movement with the many bad teachers he brings to Harvest Bible Chapel to preach.  I previous told of Steven Furtick preaching there, and now we have Craig Groeschel, “pastor” of Lifechurch.tv.  The popularity of these atrocious teachers is only because people are more interesting in feeling good and having their ears tickled than they are in learning solid biblical exposition.  For more on just who this guy is and what Lifechurch.tv is about, Erin also had an article about that last year.

Wouldn’t you know it - another book is out about someone visiting Heaven!  What is with all these people who have to claim such visits?!?  Ever notice how these books never agree with each other about what Heaven is like?  Satan is having a field day with gullible Christians who purchase these books by the thousands.

Do you remember the Branch Davidian cult which was attacked by the government forces a few years ago?  They are still operating, and Doug Beaumont gives us a tour of their facility.

The Cripplegate has started a series about the false teachings of Roman Catholicism.  This article about Rome’s Gospel is a good introductory lesson.

Last, but not least, is a good article by Steve Bricker about contending for the faith.  It will be contentious, but we are called to contend for the faith nevertheless.  Just be sure to do it with “gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15)