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, May 20, 2015

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

It really shows the sad state of the Church at large when after only five days my collection of stories for another “RAAH” post has made it necessary for another post!

First, let’s look at what you should look for in a church (i.e., a local assembly).  I have to agree with Randy, in that I couldn’t attend the majority of assemblies out there.

There’s been a big brouhaha about a recent survey about people leaving churches in droves.  I really think the case is overstated, but it isn’t fundamental Christian assemblies they are leaving.  People are leaving apostate assemblies, but also those who are truly seeking God aren’t finding it with the seeker-sensitive and market-driven varieties.  In addition to this, however, is the fact that most of those leaving the Church were never believers to begin with!  Matt Walsh suggests it’s just because they are being “bored to death.”

I’ve recently discovered a new blog titled, “Guarding the Deposit.”  I have found it to be a good source of reports about what’s happening in the Church today, as well as some teachings about discernment.  I give a hat tip to this blog for the next four items.

Christine Caine has been on my “radar” for quite some time, since she’s just another one of those false teachers who so many love to listen to.  An excellent example as to her lack of discernment is this post where she lays her hands on a Joyce Meyer Bible seeking “an impartation of that teaching anointing & revelation.”  Need I say more?

Check out who is speaking at the emergent “Catalyst” conference.   Great line-up of false teachers, including Andy Stanley!

Cindy Jacobs, another false teacher I’ve previously reported about, now claims that the “Lord’s Prayer” is really about Dominionism.

Thanks, Pamela, for these reports.  

Now, moving on to other sources, Lifesitenews, a Roman Catholic site, never ceases to amaze me with how many reports they have about apostate Catholic leaders who still hold their positions.  Pope Francis seems to be quite liberal in many ways, one of which is his recent appointment of Timothy Radcliffeas a consultor for the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.” This man is a staunch advocate of homosexuality, and thinks homosexuality “can be expressive of Christ’s self-gift.”  ?!?!  Then there is the Catholic Relief Services president who thinks homosexuality and same-sex fake marriage is just fine.  And then there is the Irish bishop who says one could support same-sex fake marriage with a clean conscience!  Why none of these people are not excommunicated is beyond my comprehension.  The RCC really needs to get the issue of homosexuality under control.

Oh, and did you know that the Pope now has the power to forgive abortion?

For those who still think Romanism is not an apostate version of Christianity, I suggest you review my series on the RCC from June 2010.  Meanwhile, take a look at this article by Eric Davis.

The Always Ambiguous Andy Stanley.

The “least of these” are not the poor.

Here’s a good conference lineup—if you’re looking to hear heresy, that is.  “MegaFest”—sure to fill your head with garbage.

Mark Driscoll again.  Sigh.

United Methodists praying to “Mother Earth” and calling crops “sisters”?!?

Wheaton College, an ostensibly Christian institution, now allows homosexual student groups on campus.  What is it with everyone jumping on the bandwagon of supporting 2-3% of the population and its sexual perversions?!?!

For just a wee bit of cult news, here’s an article about Scientology.

If you need more proof that Rick Warren is just a vicious wolf in sheep’s clothing, watch this 3-hour video.  It is a real eye-opener.

Finally, long ago when “Game of Thrones” first began broadcast, I saw reviews which said it contained lots of nudity and sexual immorality.  And yet it has become so popular that I see mention of it about every where!  The sad thing is that so many Christians talk about how good the series is!  I’d like to see them justify to Christ why it is okay to enjoy being entertained by such sin.  Matt Walsh has a great commentary on the topic.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glenn, yes, Guarding The Deposit is a great site! Pamela's writing is honest, from the heart, not pretentious, sincere, and she reflects a genuine love for the Lord and her born-again brothers and sisters.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

Excellent round up today!

Both of Matt Walsh's posts were very good. Walsh's statement, "There are still plenty of Christians who desire the true faith, but they are mostly ignored or scolded by the very people who should be leading them.", rang so true for us. We actually had a pastor ask us to leave the church when we complained that we didn't want to see entertainment and irreverence in the assembly. That pastor was following the Willow Creek model. Sad, because that pastor is a very capable preacher and a bold evangelist, but it seems he has fallen into the false belief that the market driven/seeker sensitive method is a good way to "build" a church. And yes we did leave.

RE: Millennials leaving a faith they never truly believed. I agree, from the behavior, attire, and expressions I see on the faces of today's "Christian" youth, teens, and college co-eds, I do wonder if these upcoming generations really care about Christ and holiness.

I like Pamela's blog too! A hat tip to you for introducing me to her blog.

MegaFest and Catalyst, no thanks. Though isn't it amazing that you keep seeing the same speakers over and over at these Apostasyfests?!

Re: Driscoll, he is UNREPENTANT and UNCHANGED folks! I have to admit, those who still support him are either ignorant of what truly transpired (at the best) or are condoning of his wickedness and crocodile tear "turnaround" (at the worst). Those who condone him make me mad as a hornet. He was never qualified to be a pastor in the first place. Ever. But he used the magic password (TULIP) to get into the church through its reformed branch, and was just assumed to be "one of us", even though his mouth was foul, his speech irreverent, and his behavior shocking. Even a cursory read of the pastoral epistles should have pegged MD as disqualified from the get go.

Oh wow, the Church Of Tares video, I watched that a few years ago. No kidding. Another wake up call to sleeping sheeple. Warren is a wolf, folks.

Finally Randy White's article, excellent. Though I personally prefer NASB or NKJV, I'm not ruffled if I see churches using NIV (the 1984, not the 2011, which has been altered), HCS, or ESV. ESV seems to be the "darling" Bible of the day, especially in reformed circles.

-Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Quick PS:

1. About Randy White, one issue I do have with him, he's a solo pastor. Scripture states multiple elders.

2. I didn't realize the Church of Tares video was a newer, updated edition. Three hours! When I first saw it years ago, it was shorter. The author must have added additional material.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Carolyn,

I too have some problems with Randy White from what I read on his site. For the most part he has some excellent teachings, though.

As for which Bible a church uses, I would not attend a church which uses the KJV because the only ones who do are KJV Onlyers - cultic - or those who use junk like the 2011 NIV (PC Bible) or "The Message" (a new age mess).

ESV is the darling of "Reformed" churches because they are the ones who instituted the translation.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

I agree, I wouldn't attend a KJVO church, ever. That's a divisive doctrine, and their churches tend to be full of legalism. I don't mind the NKJV though. I also agree, I would never go to a place that uses the 2011 NIV (yes, it's PC!) or any of the illegitimate translations like the Living Bible or the MESSage.

Figured the Reformed community did the ESV translation. I just giggle at how everyone in their community jumped on board with that version. I remember watching a promotional video at church about the ESV, and my husband and I just groaned.

Our church is reformed baptist (they are not heavy handed with the reformed end, hence tolerable to us), and we attend with our NASB in hand. :)

-Carolyn

Unknown said...

Thank you for the mention and the hat tip Glenn and for continuing to expose the wolves. As I've mentioned, you were instrumental in opening my eyes to the deception, so here's a public ten gallon hat tip to you!

I appreciate the support and encouragement Stephen and Carolyn! God bless you all.

Pamela

Anonymous said...

WOW, ok, I am glad I took the time to listen to the updated Church of Tares. It has significantly more information than before. Rick Warren is a boastful, arrogant wolf. Mark Driscoll is a pervert, who has no business in the church. Plus many other problematic "pastors" are highlighted.

Mark and avoid everyone in this video.

THANK YOU GLENN for posting the updated edition!

-Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Glenn,

I just read the saddest new today, about the Duggar family and the hidden child s3x abuse their eldest son committed, and claims to have repented. But how it was handled by the family, according to what I read, was not proper at all. This broke my heart, seeing the comments of how people scorned Christians because of this hidden sin. I fear the church has brought so much reproach on Christ's name lately, it is damaging our witness to a critical point.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

It didn't really surprise me. I may be wrong, but from what I understand, the Duggars are ardent Gothardites.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn, I believe you are correct, the Duggars are part of the Gothardites. I wasn't surprised either. In fact, I said to my husband quite a while ago that I bet that exact sin would be exposed in their family.

I'm just tremendously sad, for another blot on the Good, Holy, and Beautiful Name of Jesus Christ.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

It was the non-discerning Christians who really promoted the Duggars. Just like they promote that other family - Duck Dynasty. What are Christians doing on "reality" TV anyway?!?!?

After I wrote that comment I did check to see if I was correct about the Duggers and Gothard - they are a legalistic family indoctrinated into Gothard cult legalism, and I noticed that they are still homeschooling using Gothard cult material. And Christians promote them as ideal. No wonder the Church if falling apart!