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, May 7, 2015

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Wow, didn’t I just do this?!?!  So many things to be aware of, so many wolves among the sheep.

Erin Benziger has an interesting, short discussion about “life verses.”  It’s a fad that should never have started.  Elizabeth Prata then really digs into the subject!

A problem I have addressed quite often is the entertainment mentality behind worship services.  Mike Livingston writes about “The heresy of worshiptainment.”

I occasionally give examples of Scripture abuse, abuse which is done for a multitude of reasons and yet always for control by the person abusing it.  I have seen abuse of Scripture in some marriages where the husband is an overbearing, dictatorial martinet who rules with and iron hand and physical and/or emotional abuse.  So, I found this article rather interesting as it examines a particular passage often used against abuse victims.

Neil has a good lesson about proper understanding of the Word, and he gives some examples of commonly abused passages.

Should Christians be enjoying violent entertainment?  Personally, I don’t think ANY civilized human being should be enjoying violent entertainment.

I was pointed to this article about “lectio divina” and the spiritual formation movement.  Very interesting and informative.

If you want to destroy your church, follow liberals advice”.  Who is the liberal?  Rachel Held Evans.

A Hat Tip to Elizabeth Prata for this article from August, about exercising “Moore” discernment.

As for more discernment being needed, look out for the new female prophetesses!  A direct result of the teachings of people like Henry Blackaby, Beth Moore, et al.

Just when you think you’ve heard everything, you get surprised with something like “Christian Swingers.”  That’s as oxymoronic as “Christian homosexuals.”  I have a real problem with Christian Today publishing this story as if it is an acceptable practice (no condemnation of it in the article), and especially with the fact that they published the link to their web site.  I went to the link, curious to see if they had a statement of faith or some mission statement or some biblical principle they were appealing to, only to be shocked at what came up!!!! 

Answers In Genesis continues their reviews of “A.D.”

If you have a bit over an hour to spare, listen to this interview with Robert Bowman about the teachings of the Word of Faith heresy.

Looking back to the Creflo Dollar $65 million corporate jet “need,” this article examines Dollar’s vast wealth and love of money.

Here’s  wolf in sheep’s clothing claiming the title of “pastor.”  He’s almost as bad as Fred Phelps!  He is an embarrassment to the Christian faith.

Perry Noble is again demonstrating why he is known as a false teacher.

Finally, some really good reasons [link gone by 3/6/16] why Christians should sing hymns.

14 comments:

Jack Morrow said...

That's Christian Today, not Christianity Today--it's easy to get them confused. Your comments are just as valid, though.

castiron said...

I loved the Hymn article. I'm going to print it out for fodder when the topic comes up in Sunday School, as it often does. My husband keeps bringing it up and then everyone older than us (in our 40s) whole-heartly agree with him. It's like they are never asked what type of music they would like, it's just assumed that everyone wants the new stuff.

My church has a few worship leaders who take turns leading, one has no hymns, one has a few hymns, and one who used to have no hymns has starting adding some in, so we're making progress!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for the link to the Lectio Divina article! It is indeed an eye-opening piece, written beautifully, and it has fantastic and solid resources. A true gem of a blog!

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

First, the 'christ'ian swingers - ok, they aren't saved, they're not genuine believers, and they are following a false Jesus, that's pretty obvious. But as you said, C-Astray did not REBUKE their blatant sin, not one iota!!! THAT is disgusting.

Article on worshiptainment, very good. Article on why we should sing hymns, A+.

Glad to see you address the issue of abuse of scripture, including by despot husbands.

Still waiting to see if any pastors apologize for recommending that awful "Bible" miniseries, given how many other off-the-mark productions Downey has made (ie: AD).

The new female prophetesses? You mean Witches of Endor? :)

Oh, and violence isn't entertainment, violence is violence. If one enjoys violence, one is a sadist.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Thanks Jack,

I fixed it.

I guess those URL's are easy to confuse!

Anonymous said...

Glenn,

Speaking of RAA&H, I had seen one blogger mention this, but wanted to wait for a second confirmation. I couldn't find anything until now. Yes after only 6 months off from Mars Hill, Driscoll is back taking a leadership position speaking at Thrive:

http://www.828ministries.com/Diary/Mark-Driscoll-Returns-Unr-by-Anthony-Wade-Prophet-150504-807.html

The guy is unrepentant and unreal.

-Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

PS, on my last comment, HT to Entreating Favor.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Yep, I read that exact page this morning, and it is on my list for the next installment of RAAH!

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

Another 'gem' for your next RAAH... I'm sure you already found it, but figured I'd share just in case:

http://www.onenewsnow.com/church/2015/05/10/rick-warren-says-gov’t-afraid-of-church-holds-elton-john’s-hand

http://www.christianpost.com/news/rick-warren-foreign-govts-not-nearly-as-afraid-of-the-church-as-us-testifies-with-elton-john-to-urge-congress-not-to-cut-aids-funding-138772/

Believers who still think RW's legit just break my heart.

-Carolyn

Anonymous said...

You and Jill weren't affected by the tornadoes, were you? (I just saw the news.) Hope you are ok.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Hi Carolyn,

Yep, I saw that about Warren and Elton John, and it will be with my next Random post. My collection since Thursday is already too large!

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Carolyn,
I forgot to answer your last question; No, we were not affected by the tornado. We are about 2 hrs east of Des Moines, and that tornado hit about 1-1 1/2 hr drive NW of DesMoines. We just got heavy rain and strong wind.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

Glad you and your family are ok. I don't know enough about Iowa geography, but heard on the news there was a tornado in Iowa, and knew that's the state where you lived.

I can imagine your RAAH post grows by the minute. Sad to see, but that means the Lord is closer to returning, and amen to that!

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

My list is so full I'm going to have to do another RAAH today!