More Wolves and False Teachings

Hot off the press this morning — Josh Harris, the homeschool and courtship cults’ darling, has decided that he isn’t a believer after all.  First he announces his divorce from his wife, and then he announces (the most likely reason for the divorce) his total apostasy from the faith to the point of sanctioning the GLBTQYZ agenda, including “marriage equality.” It’s sad how he once had some good ideas jumbled with legalistic ideas, putting many Christian youth into spiritual bondage, and now has thrown even the good teachings away. There is some smoldering history behind the defection.

More proof that the United Church of Christ is not a church of Christ, but rather a church of Satan.

The Catholic Church—total apostasy in the making.

Using discernment with “Christian” magazines.

Beth Moore seems to be going soft on homosexuality. Sigh. The full time-line of Moore’s hole being dug deeper.  Elizabeth Prata has a good commentary about the situation. Of course homosexuals are rallying around Moore!  More thoughts about the Moore imbroglio by Justin Peters.

Michael Brown — WOW!  And “DOUBLE WOW!” He is getting deeper and deeper into aberrant and blatantly false teaching.

Kenneth Copeland is a dangerous wolf who, if he doesn’t repent, will spend eternity in hell. There is absolutely NO reason any real pastor needs a private jet. He fleeces his congregation of goats (certainly not sheep) and even talks to Satan in prayer!

Living Out ministry has some BIG trouble!

It’s really sad when solid Bible teachers continue to appear at conferences, etc, with well-known false teachers. The information about John MacArthur was new to me, as well as very surprising. The only way I see as being legitimate to attend along with false teachers is to use the opportunity to EXPOSE THEM!

I don’t know if Steven Furtick can get much worse, but the man does not appear to be a true Christian.

The Episcopal Church is sinking lower and lower, blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

Can Believers Manipulate the Power and Presence of Christ?  The short answer is, “NO.”  Several names of false teachers are included.

This video is a perfect example of why Mark Batterson is a false teacher.  Remember him — Circle Maker tripe?

Stop reading Ann Voskamp!  She is a dangerous heretic.

Now HERE’S a list worth perusing! Teachers and teachings to avoid, OH MY!

I never cared much for the music of Casting Crowns, but now there is an excellent reason to avoid them — why support false teachings?

When Christian universities go bad.

About Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth

A lot has been on the Internet, from various apologetics sites, about how Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth is teaching the “Circle Maker” new age nonsense.  I’ve even linked to these sites (all links now removed).

One of my readers has demonstrated to me that Nancy’s circle teaching isn’t the same as Batterson’s.  So here I go with the explanation.

First, what does Batterson teach?  In my article about the “Circle Maker” book, I show the following:

He says to draw a circle around whatever it is you are praying for/about.

He teaches a “name it and claim it” prayer.

He claims prayers are prophecies.

He says if you draw a circle around whatever it is you are praying for, then God will “multiply the miracles in your life.”

Batterson’s approach is virtually a “magic circle.”

(Not mentioned in my article is that Batterson claims that a circle is actually a sacred symbol!)

A quote from Batterson:  Drawing prayer circles around our dreams isn't just a mechanism whereby we accomplish great things for God. It's a mechanism whereby God accomplishes great things in us.

Of course he just asserts this with no biblical warrant.

What about Nancy’s circles? 

This broadcast apparently explains the beginning of Nancy’s teachings:

Gypsy Smith was a nineteenth-century revivalist who did something unusual when he came to a new town. He’d stop on the outskirts and draw a circle in the dirt. Then he would stand inside that circle and say, “O God, please send a revival to this town, and let it begin inside this circle.”

It won’t do much good for me to ask God to convict the world around me of sin if there’s unconfessed sin in my own heart. The first step toward revival is to ask God to show us our sin and repent.

Would you ask God to revive His people? Would you let the Holy Spirit draw a circle within your own heart? Then say, “Lord, I long for You to send a revival to my nation, my church, my marriage, and my children. But Lord, would You first start a revival inside this circle? Let it begin in me.”

Here’s a quotation from her article, Draw A Circle:

It's a challenge Life Action has issued repeatedly to men, women, teens, and even children. It's a simple expression of a heart prepared for God's work—and no matter how many times it's done, it keeps illustrating something critical about the revival we are praying and pleading for God to send. It involves a simple piece of chalk. This piece of chalk represents a turning point, a moment of surrender, a change of heart. It marks the difference between those who would pray, “Lord, change them” and those with the humility to plead, “Lord, change me!” It is a piece of chalk with which we kneel and draw a circle around ourselves and then look to heaven expectantly and pray, “Lord God, send revival, and begin it right here in this circle!”

Notice the difference?  Batterson says to draw a circle around whatever you want to pray for so that God will perform miracles and give you blessings.  Nancy says to draw the circle around yourself and pray that God does a work in you.

A problem is that both Batterson and DeMoss refer to the origin of their idea as the same person, Gipsy Smith (and Nancy actually follows Smith’s teaching, whereas Batterson doesn’t). Also, various apologetics sites point out the many occultic uses of circles, and so any use of circles must be occultic. (This of course it a logic fallacy of “false cause,” or perhaps even “non sequitur.”)  This seems to be why people jump to the conclusion that the two teachings must be alike.

Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s teaching about praying in a circle is certainly aberrant and extra-biblical.  However, it is indeed a much “different animal” than what Batterson teaches.  One teacher I found pointing out the difference is Tim Challies.  I agree with his article.

One more thing:  According to my source (the reader who alerted me to this issue), apparently DeMoss’ ministry, Revive Our Hearts, learned of the association between DeMoss’ teaching and Batterson’s teaching and decided they didn’t like the connection; they dropped the teaching in 2014.  Any yet some sites are still publishing articles about it as if it is current teaching!

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Keeping up with the "serpent's" invasion of the Church takes a lot of work!

The Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry has been posting a lot of good stuff on their Facebook recently (if only they wouldn’t also post their Calvinist nonsense!), and I am sharing here some of the better posts.

Ever read the Gospel of Thomas?  It’s some real aberrant and bizarre teachings in places, yet many unbelievers think it should have been included in the New Testament.  The fraudulent nature of it should be obvious to any who read it - after all, it says a woman has to turn into a man in order to be saved (vs. 114)!  CARM explains some of its problems.

Next, CARM addresses the false teacher Brian McLaren.

And a “pastor” I’m sure few people have heard of outside of her church - Karen Ward

Finally, two posts about Mormonism: one about the false teachings of Brigham Young and the other with general questions to ask your Mormon contacts.

Since we’ve breached the subject of Mormonism, the Mormonism Research Ministry’s blog had a good article about “Citizen Smith” and his nomination for the Presidency of the U.S., as well as his ordination to “King.”  Just another of those incidents most Mormons have no knowledge about.

Elizabeth Prata has a good article about how to respond to people who claim that God told them “such and such.”  There are a lot of those kind out there!

Meanwhile, here’s another great collection of answers to questions posed by KJV Onlyists.

I came across a good video by a pastor excoriating “The Circle Maker.”

The political policies of the PCUSA cause more harm than what they are supposedly doing to help - which is quite common for those who preach the social gospel instead of the gospel of Christ.

More “Christian” movies are on tap for this year.  Of course, when include movies about “Heaven is for Real” and the “Shack” among what’s called “Christian,” you should have a pretty good idea of what the Hollywood fare will be.

Erin also exposed a bit of hubris from Hillsong Church.

Indianapolis-area “churches” are excited about the prospect of performing same-sex fake marriages in their rebellion against God.  Of course they include the “usual suspects” of the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church, and the Unitarian Universalist cult.

Can a Christian be a member of the Roman Catholic Church?  I have always maintained that there are those in Romanism who have actually come to know the true gospel, and when this happens they will eventually leave that organization (although many will stay because of family unity).  A good thing to remember is that the Roman Catholic Church condemns with anathemas those who believe that only faith in Christ is necessary for salvation.

Finally, an interesting article from a secular source which gives “The Seven Signs You’re in a Cult.”

Random Apostasies and Heresies

The big news last week was the Ken Ham and Bill Nye debate.  If you haven’t seen it, the full debate is available to watch on youtube.  Albert Mohler has an excellent commentary about how the debate was really an examination and exposure of clashing worldviews.  Rick Phillips at Reformation 21 has a good, short commentary worth your while also.
There are some really good analyses of the debate, and I can provide some links if requested.

I’ve read several interesting things about the Mormons the past week or so, a few of which really need to be shared with my audience.
A lawsuit has been filed in England against the LDS president, for fraudulent teachings which led to the loss of money from an adherent of the faith.  It will be very interesting to see how this plays out.
This situation was first brought to my attention through a link to a site I’ve never seen before, but which I think is a good one to follow regarding news about the LDS; it’s called, The Mormon Curtain.  Mormon Coffee has posted part 2 of their article exposing Joseph Smith as the founder of racism in the Mormon church.

Recovering Grace, a web site by former followers of Bill Gothard, which exposes the teachings and practices of Gothard’s organization, had as a six-part series the testimony of a young lady who was being groomed by Gothard to be his bride - unbeknownst to her.  It is a good exposure of the sort of sexual harassment that was apparently common with Bill.  Part one will take you to part two, and so forth.
After you’ve read that one, take a look at Charlotte’s Story for an example of just how far Gothard would go.

Long ago I learned of the origin and teachings behind Alcoholics Anonymous, and why it is something Christians should not be a part of.  Lighthouse Trails Research has a new booklet about AA, and this article sums up what the booklet exposes.
(I’d like to point out that the founder of AA coined the word “Alcoholic” so as to take away the responsibility of the drunk, and the psychology and psychiatry industry turned “alcoholism” into a “disease,” which is total nonsense.)

One site I have never previously read is that of Rolling Stone Magazine; that sort of material is just not my cup of tea.  However, I was given a link last week to an article on the site, about the International House of Prayer cult.  It is a very interesting viewpoint from a secular publication, but they seem to have hit the proverbial nail on the head in their assessment.  And I would say they describe a lot of demonic activity! Of course, as with any cult, followers have joined in the comment section making claims against the article - but my personal research confirms what the article says.  It is sad that cult followers are so deluded in the defense of their particular cult.

Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, continues his slide into total apostasy.

One of the things which has always bothered me is the teaching that Christians pay a “tithe” to the Church.  This is a 100% false teaching!  The tithe (meaning 10%) was something Israel was required to give (as one of many required offerings).  Christians have no minimum amount for giving, rather we are told to just give as our heart directs us, without grudging or compulsion.  Some people say 10% is a good place to start, but I think that depends on one’s financial condition - sometimes that 10% can be the difference between eating or not eating.  
Elizabeth Prata has a good article on this subject.

I thought Larry King’s interview with Joel Osteen took place a few years back, but this link makes it appear to be recent.  So is this a new one?  I don’t know, but the interview is 100% proof positive why Joel Osteen should not be in any pastoral position.  It is difficult to even conceive of him being saved, since he never really seems to understand the Gospel.  I think, again, that Elizabeth Prata has a better handle on Osteen’s teachings than do most Christians - “doctrines of demons.”

I’ve previously addressed Michael Brown’s book, “Authentic Fire,” and how confused it is with reality.  Another article about the subject, which I think is worth your perusal, is over at the Cripplegate.  Meanwhile, Phil Johnson addresses Brown’s association, and defense of, arch-heretic Benny Hinn.

Then we have “The Circle Makers,” which exposes many who are teaching some really bad doctrines.  Mark Batterson isn’t alone in this convoluted idea; Rick Warren and Ed Young are right in there with him, albeit with a difference.

We’ve heard a lot over the years about all the “Holy Laughter” in so many false revivals, but the real “Holy Laughter” is from God.

Lastly, this video sums up a lot of current “worship” styles.

Random Apostasies and Heresies

Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is time again for a look at things going on in the church, which shouldn’t be going on in the church.

Elizabeth Prata has an excellent post about confronting fellow believers who follow false teachers.  She uses Beth Moore followers as an example.  Interestingly enough, Prata also has a new article examining another of Moore’s books.

Dr. Michael Brown has greatly reduced his credibility after being challenged about working hand-in-hand with arch-heretic Benny Hinn.  Brown claimed he really doesn’t know much about Hinn.  Yeah, well I have a bridge I can sell him.  Some of Brown’s apologists pointed the finger back at John MacArthur because MacArthur once appeared on TBN.  Of course they refuse to acknowledge the great difference between the two.  As Justin Peters writes, “Ignorance Is Not an Option.”

An interesting item I discovered about Neale Donald Walsch - God told him that Adolf Hitler went to heave, that he wasn’t a bad person, he didn’t hurt anyone, etc.  And thousands of Christians still buy his books.  SIGH.

More about Sarah Young and her book, “Jesus Calling,” for those who haven’t read it.  She got the idea for the book by reading the false and occult teaching in the book, “God Calling.”  I’m sure that doesn’t matter to those who use no discernment when reading Young’s book.  A Calvary Chapel bookstore still sells Young’s book, but because it is “controversial,” they keep it in the back room and you have to ask for it.  So why sell it at all - is money more important the protecting the flock? 

Sola Sisters posted an old article about the book, “Dream Encounters,” in which the author, Barbie L. Breathitt, teaches how to interpret dreams and find the secret codes God uses in dreams.  I wonder if Breathitt ever read Genesis 40:8, when Joseph spoke of interpreting dreams and said, “Do not interpretations belong to God?”

Mark Batterson, of “The Circle Maker” fame, is still making up doctrines [link gone by 2/14/16] out of thin air. Meanwhile, Tim Challies examines the problem with Batterson’s unbiblical teaching.

Regular readers of this blog will quickly learn my stance on what proper worship music and lyrics consist of.  Steve Bricker has a thought-provoking article about the subject, with examples of “ear candy” and “ear porn.”  

Mike Bickle, of that bastion of false teachings IHOP, has been proven to be a false teacher and false prophet by many, many solid preachers and apologists.  Yet the ever-popular Francis Chan is enamored with Bickle.  That should say a lot about Chan’s discernment.

Here in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area, an Episcopal Church “is helping people better understand the world around them” as they take a “Tour of Islam.” [link gone by 2/14/16]  Now, I am all for the Church at large teaching about Islam as an apologetic exercise, so that Christians may better understand how to evangelizing Muslims, and so they can be warned about what dangerous belief system it is.  But that isn’t what’s happening:  “Tolerance is lower on the diversity scale if you want to speak that way. But to move to acceptance, approval and affirmation of people that are different than us.”  Then again, what can you expect from the Episcopal Church?

“Beware of Self-appointed Pastors.”  It’s interesting that some of these women have some of the most outlandish costumes to identify their position.

Aaaaannnndddd finally, did you know that it has only been fairly recently that people have claimed that the Mormon Church is not Christian?  Neither did I; having studied the LDS for 40 years now, I’d say they were pointed out as a false belief system from the start.  What’s funny is that they didn’t used to want to be called Christian.

Random Apostasies and Heresies

Wow, it’s been almost two weeks since I last did a “Random” post, and I really have been collecting stuff to warn people to watch out for - some bad stuff to be exposed!

First up, more about that book, “Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth.”  This book is rife with Scripture-twisting and other false teachings.  On top of that, the author misrepresents himself and his credentials as an author for such a book.

Interesting statement from Mark Batterson (Mr. “Circle Maker”) showed up.  Did you know that “there are ways of doing church that no one has thought of yet”!?  Well, firstly, I didn’t know we were “doing” church - I thought Christians ARE the Church.  If he means concocting “worship” services, yeah, there are ways I’m sure no one has thought up yet, but they sure aren’t biblical.  Batterson is among the market-driven bunch always looking for more ways to feed the goats.

The Pope, who claims he represents Christ on earth, continues to demonstrate just how far he is from representing Christ.  He gave Ramadan greetings to Muslims, and said, “We are called to respect the religion of the other.”  Wow!  Can you imagine Jesus or Paul giving the pagans greetings during their celebrations of their false beliefs?  Can you imagine God telling Moses and Joshua that they should respect the Canaanite religions and its “teachings, its symbols, its values”?  Islam worships a false god.  The teachings of Islam is to conquer everyone and exterminate those who disagree with Islam.  Its values includes the abuse of women, terrorism, and extermination of Jews and Christians.  And yet the Pope says we should respect all that!?!?  Just more proof that Roman Catholicism does NOT represent Christianity.

Of course this doesn’t matter to Catholics, whose worship of Mary leads to their seeing “visions” of her everywhere.  This is nothing less than idolatry.

A favorite icon of Romanists is Mother Teresa.  There are many myths about her, but the truth about Teresa leads one to wonder if she was ever saved (I previously noted that she had an exorcism done on her).

A month ago I noted that there was a “Wild Goose” festival coming which was a gathering of all sorts of false teachers.  Well, it happened, and it was about a degenerate as as it gets.

I came across an interesting book review this week.  It’s about Tom Horn’s “Apollyon Rising: 2012.”  It’s just another “Christian” book sold by “Christian” bookstores so as to make money off of those whose itching ears follow every whim of doctrine.  My recommendation - don’t bother.

I have previously discussed some problems with the teachings of Chuck Missler, but last week I came across an article exposing his propensity for plagiarism.  This is not something Christian teachers should be doing.  I’d avoid Missler’s teachings.

A couple of my “favorite” false teachers to expose are Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen (I haven’t done much on Meyer on my blog, but much in real life).  Way too many Christians follow the teachings of these heretics, which is why their teachings need to be exposed for what they are - dangerous!  I came across a good article discussing both of them, which gives no quarter!  I find many of the comments to be sad, because the commenters are so deceived as to protect these false teachers!

Another false teacher I have learned about this past week is Jentezen Franklin.  There are just sooooooo many wolves out there that it is difficult to keep up with them.

The ELCA Lutherans have gone even farther down the road to complete apostasy: they have now elected a woman as their presiding bishop.

Chuck Currie is a well-known false teacher with the heretical United Church of Christ.  He has now found a heretical version of the Lord’s Prayer from a New Zealand prayer book, and will be using it in his congregation for “the next several months.”  I think it would be virtually impossible to find a real Christian in the UCC.

One of the things I was always sadly amused about with the Mormons is their virtual worship of Joseph Smith.  I have previously seen hymns giving praises to Smith, and now you can see some of them, as well as other hymns teaching heresy, as posted on the blog of Mormon Research Ministry.

Random Apostasies and Heresies

   

A busy week for reports of false teachers/teachings.  It’s difficult to know where to start, but there is so much apostasy in the Church that it must really grieve our Lord.

The Foursquare Gospel Church, which is too charismatic for my tastes, was founded by false teacher Aimee Semple McPherson (yep, the one whose grave Benny Hinn visits for an “anointing”).  She was one of the original faith (“fake”) healers.  The Smithsonian blog had a very interesting article about her.  Seriously, I can’t understand why any Christian can be a member of a church founded under such aberrant and false teachings.  But then again, I can’t understand why Benny Hinn has followers.

In the past I’ve read about various assemblies who use “praise bands” will often have unbelievers in such bands.  I find this abhorrent - that pagans are leading Christians in worship and that Christians don’t have a problem with it!   The Gospel Coalition has a good article about this subject.

I came across a new site, Spirit of Error, exposing much about the New Apostolic Reformation and IHOP, and why they are a movement of false teachers and false prophets.  First, just like any other cult, they now have their own Bible version which gives support to their false teachings.   Spirit of Error has so far published four parts of a study of “The Passion Translation.”  You’ll find part one here, part two here, part three here, and part four here.

The individual who “translated” this Bible version, Brian Simmons, is a self-proclaimed apostle in the NAR movement.  Sprit of Error has a series of articles exposing him for what he really is.  Part one is here, part two here, and part three here.

Holly has another article exposing the lies Simmons uses to pretend he doesn’t claim to be an apostle.

The NAR is a dangerous movement.  Beware.

Erin Benziger actually watched some IHOP live stream, and she had this to say about it:

I tuned in briefly last night to IHOP's (that's International House of Prayer, not pancakes—pancakes would be better) 24/7 "prayer and worship" live stream. When I finally awoke from my mind-numbingly-repetitive-music-induced trance early this morning, I had two thoughts. The first was, "Wow, I hope that's not what music is like in Heaven, because if it is, count me out." The second was, "Wow, the Great Deceiver surely is good at what he does."

By the grace of God, I see and hear what is sung and taught at IHOP and it never even crosses my mind to entertain it as viable, true, biblical worship and teaching. Yet, there are many who are involved in IHOP or movements like it or those who if not involved directly, at the very least acknowledge it as a legitimate expression of Christianity. The key words then in that first sentence are "by the grace of God." By the grace of God, I've not been deceived by the wacky, unbiblical teachings of IHOP. By the grace of God I, as an unregenerate, false convert college freshman, found myself repulsed by one professor's required reading of Richard Foster's Streams of Living Water when many of my classmates were enraptured by the same book. By the grace of God I later was saved out of the seeker-driven mindset that I could look and act like the world, love and treasure my sin and still call myself a Christian. By the grace of God.

By that same grace of God, then, there will be those who will be saved out of the dangerous, deceptive IHOP movement. You see, the Great Deceiver may be good at what he does, but the Savior is greater. Satan knows his time is running short, and there will soon come a day when he will never again deceive a human soul. Until that time, let us Christians be about proclaiming the gospel of salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. Let us do all we can to pull men from the fire of these devilish deceptions. [Link gone by 9/14/20]

I’ve never been a dogmatic proponent of the need for a pastor to attend seminary, because I think someone who really studies on his own can get the same training.  I also think that the type of person who would study on his own to get said training is few and far between!  While there have been many good pastors throughout the centuries who didn’t attend such schools, today’s self-proclaimed ministers of the Faith have nothing in common with them.  The Cripplegate has an excellent article using Joel Osteen as an example of what happens in the modern Church when someone with no training becomes a “pastor.”

The Church of England has hit just about bottom when it comes to apostasy.   They are now training their clergy to create a “pagan church” to draw in members.   You just can’t make these things up!

Well, we’ve all heard by now of the latest Supreme Court decisions about same-sex fake marriage.  The support from various apostate bodies for homosexuality is another example of how quickly we are headed to the end times.  I’ve previously reported about the homosexual-supporting United Church of Christ, ELCA Lutheran Church, Episcopal Church, and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), as well as many United Methodist assemblies.  But the National Cathedral in Washington DC has outdone all of them with their celebration of the Supreme Court decisions.  They held a huge “prayer service” to celebrate, with their bells tolling the demise of real marriage.  Dean Hall of that body said the ruling should “serve as a call for Christians to embrace religious marriage equally.”  Many local “Christian” church leaders joined the service, which also had African drums pounding the death knell for real marriage.  These so-called Christian leaders/pastors are in reality wolves out to destroy the sheep.  The Bible is very clear about what God says about homosexuality, and He is certainly not pleased with those who blasphemously use His name to support same-sex fake marriage.

Remember Jimmy Carter - the worst U.S. president up until Barak Obama?  He has long had a history of teaching contrary to the Bible, all the while claiming to be a Christian and Bible teacher.  He recently demonstrated his ignorance of Scripture by twisting Galatians 3:28 to “prove” that women should be church leaders, and that the Catholic Church should allow women in the priesthood.  After all, he says, all religions should promote gender equality.  And here all this time I thought we did.

Random Apostasies and Heresies

I’ve been quite busy lately with bagpiping: Highland games in Springfield, IL, weekly band practice, playing for a funeral 141 miles away, heading 112 miles away for a parade, and a birthday party.  We also were busy with our book-table ministry, tons of yard work, and gone away from home much too often to get much done!  I decided I’d better get this “Random” post out before all the news is obsolete!

Francis Chan has not been a teacher I can recommend because he is often so touchy-feely, and likes pop-psychology.  But now I learned some news which demonstrates that Chan is not a teacher to listen to.  He seems to be too supportive of Roman Catholicism, and has apologized for allowing Mike Gendron to speak on the subject at his church.

Heresy is running rampant in the church due to acceptance of evolution and the millions of years time scale.  It seems Adam and Eve cannot be accepted as literal people with evolutionism.  Ken Ham gives an example of this heresy entering the church.

Ham also wrote about heretic Peter Enns being sponsored by a Baptist Church in Dayton, OH, who is a prime example of the heresy of mythologizing Adam & Eve.   As long as churches continue to compromise the faith, there will be fewer and fewer solid Christians to stand for the faith when persecution comes.

Steven Furtick, and his bizarre “Elevation Church,” have been frequent subjects of my “Random” posts.  Now Matt Slick at CARM has posted a short examination of Furtick.  While I disagree with Slick about Calvinism, he still demonstrates that the man is a first-class wolf. 

Ah, good old Christianity Today Astray is at it again.  Their review of a TV show is not what you’d expect from a Christian reviewer, but with that magazine I guess I’m not surprised.   Erin Benziger said this about it:  Did I miss something? Christianity Today sings the praises of finally-ending sitcom, The Office, a show which blasphemes, mocks and in short, hates God. This article lauds the romance and trials of the relationship of well-loved characters Jim and Pam. A relationship that began with fornication and led to marriage when a child was conceived. I used to watch The Office until one day God graciously showed me that I was celebrating something that, in every story and script, went against everything I professed as a Christian. I can hear the criticism: "You're such a prude!" but, really? Television like this stunts our spiritual growth as Christians. It may make you laugh, but at what are you really laughing?

Mark Driscoll is another frequent name on these posts because of self-centeredness, his looker-room jock attitude about sex - which he talks about quite a bit - and his special revelations from God, let alone his blasphemous jokes about Jesus having tattoos.  Pyromaniacs has an excellent open letter to Mark which everyone should read to learn about this wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been quite apostate for a long time, as I have previously demonstrated on this blog.  Recent news has them uncomfortable with the idea that God is angry with sin, and that they wanted to change the words of a hymn which reflected God’s anger.  They want a God who has no problem with sin, obviously, or else they would have major problems with their support of homosexuality.

Another name which pops up on these “Random” posts as a false teacher is Brian McLaren.  His latest money-grubbing scam sounds like what you’d expect from the Word of Faith heretics, coupled with social gospel promotion. 

A bit over a year ago I wrote an article about the false teaching in Mark Batterson’s book, “Be a Circle Maker.”  Of course my article was just from a layman’s pen, but this week Tim Challies posted HIS review and also had much critical so say about the book.

And lastly, the new pope seems to be a universalist, with a claim that atheists are saved.  Am I understanding this correctly?