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

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

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.

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.

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).

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