Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Well, this is my last “RAAH” post for 2015.  There have been so many “RAAH” to report on over the year as I just try to keep up with the major stuff where the wolves are attacking the sheep!  And I know it will only get worse as we get closer and closer to the return of our Lord.  All I can do is warn the sheep so as to protect the flock as much as possible.  Being a sheepdog is hard work!

This week I received an e-mail request for information about Walid Shoebat.  Well, after first looking at Shoebat’s biography on his web site, I had a feeling that he wasn’t quite right.  So then I found a Wikipedia article about him which exposed some fraudulent claims by Shoebat.  So I “Googled” “Walid Shoebat False” and found this article which should pretty much convince people to avoid this man’s teachings. (I don't recommend this site since the individual publishing it has plenty of his own theological issues!)

John Piper had a speech in which he denied the right of Christians to bear arms to protect themselves.  The idea that a Christian is supposed to just stand around and do nothing while his home and family are destroyed by thugs is totally inane.  Dr. Joel McDurmon demonstrated Piper’s poor theology.  James White also disagreed with Piper.  Just one more reason we shouldn’t listen to any teaching by John Piper.

A good reason to put Neale Donald Walsch on your “do not read” list.

When Gothard Comes to Church

Lots of false prophets “profits” out there.  Beware of these wolves fleecing the sheep.

Does your church provide “worshiptainment”?

Talking about “worshiptainment!”

I thought Tim Keller was bad news for the things I’ve previously reported about him, but this article really demonstrates just how bad he really is!

IHOP and the Southern Baptist Convention — serious lack of discernment.

False prophet profit Cindy Jacobs has a prophecy for everyone for 2016 — supposedly from God.  More truthfully to say it came out of her pink head.  OH, but for fun you have to see what she prophesied for 2015!

Beth Moore is now going to be a regular on the heretical Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).  This should be all the proof anyone needs that she is a false teacher.  Elizabeth Prata has a commentary about it.

Did they really say that?!?  Heretics like Ken Copeland and Jesse Duplantis never cease to amaze me.  What I just learned today is that Copeland’s collection of aircraft is amazing (Citation X, Citation 560, and a few others), and even includes a P-51 Mustang WWII fighter!  This aircraft collection demonstrates just how badly his followers are fleeced.

Finally, some good articles from pastor Gary Gilley of Southern View Chapel:

Review of Jim Cymbala’s book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire.

John Wimber, C. Peter Wagner, Paul Cain, Jack Deere, Wayne Grudem, and the Vineyard Movement, part 1 and part 2.  Vineyard is a very aberrant “signs and wonders” movement.

Catholics Should Believe Their First Pope

The apostle Peter played a prominent role in the early church. Soon after he abandoned his career as a fisherman to follow Christ, he became a fisher of men. Several of his sermons were recorded in the Book of Acts, and his two epistles are included in the divinely inspired Scriptures. Since Catholics have been taught that Peter was their first pope, I have developed some questions to shed some light on his theology, ecclesiology, and soteriology. All of the answers come directly from his writings and sermons. It is my prayer that those of us who have been sanctified by the truth will share these glorious truths with our Catholic friends and loved ones.   

Peter, were you the first pope and the supreme head of the first century church? 

"As a fellow elder, I exhort the elders among you... to shepherd the flock of God." (1 Pet. 5:1-3)

Are you the rock upon which Jesus would build His church? 

Jesus is "a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God, chosen and precious... The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense. They stumble because they disobey the word." (1 Pet. 2:4,7-8)

Were you infallible? 

Paul opposed me to my face because I was not in step with the truth of the Gospel.(Gal. 2:11,14)

Should we confess our sins to priests? 

Repent of your wickedness and pray to God that your sins may be forgiven. (Acts 8:22)

Should we pray to Mary and the saints? 

Pray to God. (Acts 8:22)

Can anyone be saved apart from the Lord Jesus Christ?

"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

What would you say to Pope Francis who teaches that atheists can follow their conscience into heaven?

"There will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction." "The ignorant and unstable twist Paul's letters to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures." (2 Peter 2:1; 3:16)

Can anyone be certain that they have inherited eternal life? 

God has caused believers to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven and protected by the power of God through faith. (1 Pet. 1:3-5)

Is it possible for God's grace or indulgences to be purchased for the remission of sins? 

God ransoms us "not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ." (1 Pet. 1:18-19)

Can a person be born again through water baptism? 

The only way to be regenerated is to be "born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God." (1 Pet. 1:23)

Should Jesus Christ be made a sin offering during the sacrifice of the Mass? 

Christ suffered "once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit" (1 Pet. 3:18).

Is the Catholic priesthood necessary to mediate between God and man? 

Every believer, who is called out of darkness into Christ's marvelous light, is made a priest for the purpose of offering spiritual sacrifices to God and proclaiming His perfections (1 Pet. 2:9).

Should Jesus continue to be pictured as a dead man hanging on a cross or as a baby in Mary's arms? 

The resurrected Christ has "gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him." (1 Pet. 3:21-22)

What should we do in these days of great deception?

Take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Pet 3:17-18)

There is a profound contrast between the divinely inspired teachings of Peter and the fallible, ungodly opinions of Pope Francis. The enormous disparity between the instruction of these two men Catholics call "pope" shows how far the Roman Catholic Church has departed from the faith of the apostles. May God give us all a greater compassion for the many victims of religious deception. 

Mike Gendron, Proclaiming the Gospel e-mail news, July 2015

12-Step Groups Serve Another God

Twelve-Step recovery groups cannot bring a person into a right relationship with God; for their god is not the God of Scripture, their prayers are to whatever power (or powers) they choose, their bible is not God’s Word, and their salvation is from “addiction,” not sin.  Satan, the enemy of our souls, is more than happy to provide sobriety in the place of salvation.  Alcoholics Anonymous and recovery movements are false religions, which attempt to lead mankind to a better and happier life, yet bypass the Cross.

Gary E. Gilley and M. Kurt Goedelman, “Twelve Steps in the Wrong Direction: A Biblical Critique of Codependency and Alcoholics Anonymous,” The [PFO] Quarterly Journal, January-March 2016, pg.18.

Did They Really Say That?!?

Just in time for Christmas, I came across this little gem:

"Who do you think made what appeared to be a star guide the astrologers to Herod?  It was not the true God, Jehovah, but his adversary, or enemy, Satan the Devil!”

The Watchtower, December 1, 2013.


Matthew 2 is the only place in Scripture which discusses the star which led the Magi to the house where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were.  It did NOT lead the Magi to Herod.  That the Magi arrived in Jerusalem and inquired of Herod as to where Jesus was to be found doesn’t mean the star led them to Herod.  In fact, after their arrival in Jerusalem and their meeting with Herod, the star apparently appeared again (2:9).  So the Magi really didn’t have to stop in Jerusalem - they apparently stopped there assuming that the “King of the Jews” would be born there.  So the Jehovah’s Witnesses have just resorted to another lie, which is nothing but what their whole religious system is based on.

By the way, Magi were apparently followers of Zoroaster, but did not necessarily have to be astrologers.

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled

Joyful, all ye nations, rise,

Join the triumph of the skies;

With th' angelic host proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem." 

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heav'n adored:

Christ, the everlasting Lord;

Late in time behold him come,

Offspring of the favored one.

Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see;

Hail, th’ incarnate Deity:

Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,

Jesus, our Emmanuel!

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail! the heav'n born Prince of peace!

Hail! the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

Risen with healing in his wings

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born that man no more may die:

Born to raise the sons of earth,

Born to give them second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"


Why this is one of my favorite Christmas Carols.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Christians and Muslims do NOT worship the same God.  I don’t know why this has to even be a topic of conversation among supposed Christians — they should all know better.

National Geographic is wrong: Mary is not “the World’s Most Powerful Woman.”  What the article demonstrates is the idolatry of Roman Catholics with their false Mary.

Speaking of Mary, the idea of conceiving as a virgin did NOT appear late in history; it was a doctrine taught from the very beginning.

And, as I’ve noted in my article about Mary the mother of Jesus, if she was so “immaculate,” then why did she need a savior?  Rome is WRONG!

These students only demonstrate the results of liberal education.

Mother Teresa a saint?  I don’t think she was even a Christian.

The woman is NOT a Christian.

Recovering Grace’s examination of Bill Gothards’ Advanced Training Institute now includes chapter 4 and chapter 5.

Are there really 400,000 variants in the Bible?

Get a tattoo onstage during the sermon.  Need I say more?

Another apostate Catholic priest; why is he not defrocked and excommunicate?

Serve beer to get more young people to church?!?!?  It’s an old story, but I just saw it, and it is just another example of a worldly group pretending to be Christian.

Priscilla Shirer’s new book isn’t one to be “fervent” about.  No surprise.

It IS TIME to say goodbye to Priscilla Shirer and Going Beyond Ministries.

Robert Gagnon certainly knows how to respond to those promoting homosexuality in the Church.  I highly recommend his book, “The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics.”

Doug has a great article exposing why Steven Furtick is a goatherd with false teachings.

More examples of T.D. Jakes’ false belief system.

Christmas productions by big “churches” aren’t even free - they charge for tickets.  Please explain where this is found in the mission of the real Church (Especially with all the Santa stuff)!  They remind me of what Jesus said about making the temple a place of business as he ransacked the vendors.

Not only do many Christians take Bible verses out of context, but I just learned of a song taken completely out of context by deleting all but three verses — I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.

Speaking of Christmas, here’s a great collection of videos to help understand the truth about Christmas.

O Holy Night

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, 

It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. 

Long lay the world in sin and error pining. 

Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. 

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, 

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. 

Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! 

O night divine, O night when Christ was born; 

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! 

O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! 

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, 

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. 

O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, 

Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. 

The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; 

In all our trials born to be our friends. 

He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, 

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! 

Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! 

Truly He taught us to love one another, 

His law is love and His gospel is peace. 

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. 

And in his name all oppression shall cease. 

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, 

With all our hearts we praise His holy name. 

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, 

His power and glory ever more proclaim! 

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Angels We Have Heard On High

Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o’er the plains,

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain:

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyous strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be

Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Come to Bethlehem and see

Him Whose birth the angels sing;

Come, adore on bended knee,

Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

See Him in a manger laid,

Whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

While our hearts in love we raise.

An Odd Christmas Song

We sang this song in our assembly Sunday:

Who Would Have Dreamed

VERSE 1 

On a starlit hillside, shepherds watched their sheep 

Slowly, David’s city drifted off to sleep 

But to this little town of no great renown 

The Lord had a promise to keep 

VERSE 2 

Prophets had foretold it, a mighty King would come 

Long awaited Ruler, God’s Anointed One 

But the Sovereign of all looked helpless and small 

As God gave the world His own Son 

CHORUS 

And who would have dreamed or ever foreseen 

That we could hold God in our hands? 

The Giver of Life is born in the night 

Revealing God’s glorious plan

To save the world 

VERSE 3 

Wondrous gift of heaven: the Father sends the Son 

Planned from time eternal, moved by holy love 

He will carry our curse and death He’ll reverse 

So we can be daughters and sons

So why do I think this is odd?  The chorus says “we could hold God in our hands.”  Um, the only people who could have held Jesus as a child were those who were contemporary with him in history.  How can “we” hold Jesus (God) in our hands?

This is just some “feel-goodism” which the non-discerning gobble up.

This is an example of what I meant when I said, “Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.”

There are so many good Christmas songs that we really shouldn’t have to resort to this sort.

Is It About You or About God?

What has gone wrong with us Christian people?  Three hundred years ago people used to write books on the attributes of God.  They preached on them for months, and the people were delighted to hear them.  But today we are so practical, we want short cuts.  We do not think about God in his glorious attributes; we are just interested in blessings and experiences and in our own activities.  We have gone seriously astray.  Do we like to think of the everlasting and eternal God, existing in eternity, deciding for some amazing reason to create the world and to create man and to have man as a companion for himself?  Do you meditate upon this glorious God and all his great purposes—how he governs by his providence, how he has provided for us?

Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Experiencing the New Birth: Studies in John 3,” pg.164

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

The following is from Kevin DeYoung:

Aurelius Clemens Prudentius was born in Spain in 348 A.D. He was loyal to the Roman Empire and considered it an “instrument in the hands of Providence for the advancement of Christianity.”

Thirty-five years prior to his birth, Christianity had been granted full toleration under the Edict of Milan. With Constantine’s conversion, Christianity became the favored religion of the Empire, a change that is oft maligned by younger evangelicals suspicious of “Christendom,” but must have been a welcome relief and answer to prayer for the beleagured saints in the fourth century.

Prudentius was trained to be a lawyer and rose to high office, serving as a powerful judge. He rose through the ranks of the state and finished his civil career as a court official for the Christian Emperor Theodosius.

At the age of fifty-seven, at the height of his power and prestige, Prudentius grew weary of civic life and considered his life thus far to have been a waste. He was having a midlife crisis (or, given the age span at the time, more like an almost-at-the-end-of-my-life crisis). So the successful lawyer, judge, and civil servant retired to write hymns and poetry. For the last decade of his life, before his death around 413, Prudentius wrote some of the most beautiful hymns of his day.

His poetry was treasured throughout the Middle Ages. His collection of twelve long poems (Cathemerinon), one for each hour of the day, became the foundation for several of the office hymns of the church. But without a doubt, Prudentius’ best known hymn today is Corde Natus Ex Parentis–Of the Father’s Love Begotten.

It was translated into English by John Mason Neale and Henry Baker in the 1850s. It was included in the book Hymns Ancient and Modern and given the plainsong chant-like melody Divinum Mysterium (Divine Mystery), which may date back as far as the twelfth century.

The hymn/poem originally contained nine verses. The song tells the story of redemption. Verse one speaks of the Son’s eternal nature. Verse two is about creation. Verse three chronicles the fall. Verse four moves into redemption with the virgin birth. Verse five links the Christ child to ancient prophecies. Verse six is a chorus of praise to the Messiah. Verse seven warns of final judgment for the wicked. Verse eight tells of men, women, and children singing their songs of praise. And verse nine concludes the hymn with a song of victory to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Most Christians will recognize many of the verses, but sadly not all.

Of the Father’s love begotten,

Ere the worlds began to be,

He is Alpha and Omega,

He the source, the ending He,

Of the things that are, that have been,

And that future years shall see,

Evermore and evermore!

At His Word the worlds were framèd;

He commanded; it was done:

Heaven and earth and depths of ocean

In their threefold order one;

All that grows beneath the shining

Of the moon and burning sun,

Evermore and evermore!

He is found in human fashion,

Death and sorrow here to know,

That the race of Adam’s children

Doomed by law to endless woe,

May not henceforth die and perish

In the dreadful gulf below,

Evermore and evermore!

O that birth forever blessed,

When the virgin, full of grace,

By the Holy Ghost conceiving,

Bare the Saviour of our race;

And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer,

First revealed His sacred face,

evermore and evermore!

This is He Whom seers in old time

Chanted of with one accord;

Whom the voices of the prophets

Promised in their faithful word;

Now He shines, the long expected,

Let creation praise its Lord,

Evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven adore Him;

Angel hosts, His praises sing;

Powers, dominions, bow before Him,

and extol our God and King!

Let no tongue on earth be silent,

Every voice in concert sing,

Evermore and evermore!

Righteous judge of souls departed,

Righteous King of them that live,

On the Father’s throne exalted

None in might with Thee may strive;

Who at last in vengeance coming

Sinners from Thy face shalt drive,

Evermore and evermore!

Thee let old men, thee let young men,

Thee let boys in chorus sing;

Matrons, virgins, little maidens,

With glad voices answering:

Let their guileless songs re-echo,

And the heart its music bring,

Evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father,

And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,

Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving,

And unwearied praises be:

Honour, glory, and dominion,

And eternal victory,

Evermore and evermore!