Living on Emotionalism

Some people live on emotionalism or on sentimentalism.  As they believe that nothing matters except this kind of riot or excitement of the emotions, they will, of course, do everything they can to encourage it; and quite often it is deliberately worked up.  There are services in which people clap their hands and shout and sing and repeat certain types of choruses — it is done deliberately to work up excitement.  And the more excited they get, and the more emotional they become, the more wonderful, they think, the blessing of the Spirit has been.  It is mere emotionalism.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.198-199

Mysticism

Mysticism teaches that God is in you, God is in every one, and that if you want to know God, all you have to do is concentrate on this one thing, shut out everything else, and sink into yourself.  You will go through a kind of negative phase and die completely to yourself, and then you will come to the point of illumination.  And so you have “the mystical way,” so called, and the various steps on the mystical way.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.175

Temptations are NOT God-given

Child molesters, rapists, and others can and often do believe that God made them the way they are, with the desires and compulsions that they have. Bible believing Christians would consider such desires and compulsions to be old fashioned “temptations,” which do not come from God. All human beings are tempted to do wrong, though not in all the same ways, certainly. We are all battling something. Calling one’s temptations natural or God given does not make them so. Temptations to engage in behaviors that God condemns are to be resisted, not accepted as normal.

Don & Joy Veinot, “Seasoned with salt…” 

Cults Aren’t Heresies

We must make a clear distinction between heresies and cults, for cults are not to be regarded as heresies, and for the plain reason that, by definition, a heretic is a man who is a professed Christian but who goes wrong with regard to some particular doctrine; whereas the essential point about the cults is that they are not Christian at all, but counterfeits of Christianity.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.125

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

What’s next for the SBC — helping Molech worshipers build an altar?  Helping Mormons build a temple?  I can just see the Apostles suggesting that, can you?  NOT!

Bible version for “millennials” — you’ve got to be kidding!  How much more blasphemy will be tolerated?

Joyce Meyer — sigh!

One I’ve not heard of previously — at least not that I remember: Black Hebrew Israelites.

Famous Word of Faith heretic Jan Crouch had a massive stroke and will likely not recover.  It’s sad that she never knew the real Christ.

Steven Furtick — this guy is getting out of hand!

Speaking of Jan Crouch, The Babylon Bee hits the nail on the irony head!

Sid Roth and Tim Sheets nonsense will cost you $39.00.  Sadly, this video shows how easily people are deceived by false prophets with their totally unbiblical claims, blaspheming God by lying about Him. (They “cleaned cancer up off the floor”!??!)

Examining CCM lyrics (which I have often done) — this looks like it could be a very informative series!

Another Beth Moore clone, Tess Womack, also claims to receive revelations from God for her “Enlighten Hearts” ministry.  Be sure to avoid her teachings, and don’t even bother thinking about her upcoming event, “Overflow.”  You can be sure it will be a “Beth Mooreish” type narcissism event. 

“Gay Christianity” is actually another cult.  It is also “A Fatal Theological Oxymoron.”

Here is an example of all that is wrong with the Episcopal Church: a female “priest” says that LGBT people will “revitalize” Christianity.  Well, one never knows; if REAL Christians get off their duffs and fight against sexual perversion invading the Church, maybe Christianity can be “revitalized”!

Machen warned, “The growth of ignorance in the Church is the logical and inevitable result of the false notion that Christianity is a life and not also a doctrine; if Christianity is not a doctrine then of course teaching is not necessary to Christianity. But whatever may be the causes for the growth of ignorance in the Church, this evil must be remedied.” Continue reading at Does Doctrine Matter Anymore?   Some interesting discussion of Andy Stanley’s false teaching is included.

As a follow-on to Gilley’s article, here is another article about Andy Stanley’s church which certainly describes a goat pen more than a sheep pen.

Aaannndddd finally, with a new movie version of “The Shack” coming up, it is time we look again at why that book is a horrid mishmash of aberrations and heresy.

Mission Impossible?

The second plenary session at the EMNR conference was by Dr. Norman Geisler, titled “Mission Impossible: Proclaiming the Unchanging Word to a Changing World.”  A main theme was that the world no longer has a Judeo-Christian worldview background, and therefore we must “pre-evangelize.”  This theme has been taught by many apologists and I’ve read it in many books.

The part of the session during which I took most of my notes was the discussion about why we need to practice Christian apologetics.  Here is the outline of the major points:

A.  The Bible commands it.  (1 Peter 3:15)

B.  The Church needs it.

1.  80% of active teens leave the church when in their 20s

2.  Main reasons are doubts, especially in regards to the Bible.

3.  When do these doubts begin?  4% while in grade school by age 11; 40% while in middle school; 44% while in high school, 11% while in college.  Doubt begins while in grade school, departure happens in college.

4.  Barna says that only 9% of evangelical lay persons have a Christian worldview, and only 51% of evangelical pastors have a Christian worldview.

C.  Culture demands it.

1.  Absolute truth has become relative.

2.  We have an exclusive message; pluralism is a lie.

3.  We need to teach about the supernatural in a naturalistic world.

Some thoughts:

Why is there something vs nothing if there is no God, no reason to exist?

"Why shouldn’t God let me in to His heaven?"  Because it is HIS house and HE makes the decisions.

Characteristics of Cults

The fundamental pattern common to all [cults] is an indication of the hand of the devil.  His master hand is to be seen always if you look for it in the background.  The devil is not only the great antagonist of God, he counterfeits the work of God.  …

What, then, are these common characteristics?  First and foremost, all these cults sound like Christianity.  Of course, if they did not, there would be no danger, there would be no subtlety.  If they were obvious, patent, open contradictions no one would ever fall into the snare.  But the fact is, if you look at them very generally, and if you are uncritical, you will feel that they appear remarkably like Christianity.  Indeed, they very often used Christian terms and terminology.  They talk about Christ, and about the various blessings that come to men through Him, and so on.  And the unwary feel that this must be Christianity.  They use the Christian terminology but they evacuate it of its New Testament sense and meaning.  But the terms are still there; and the uninitiated, the tyros, are completely deceived.  …

Another general characteristic is that all the cults offer us very great blessings.  Here, again, is a part of the secret of their success.  But I must add that they not only offer blessings; they seem to be offering us blessings of a much more wonderful order than the Christian Church is able to do. …

Another general characteristic of all the cults is that their devotees are always sincere.  It is a great mistake to think otherwise.  One of their troubles, very generally, is that they have “zeal without knowledge”; they are so sincere that they refuse to think and are carried away.  Furthermore, they are enthusiastic, they are zealous, they are active workers. …

Turning now to criticism and evaluation, what are the characteristics which enable us to differentiate between the cults and our Christian faith?  The following are some of the tests which can be applied to any and all of the cults.  First, take the question of their origin.  When you are confronted by a new teaching the first questions to ask are, Where has it come from? how did it start? why is there such a teaching at all? If you read the history of past centuries you find that these cults were then non-existent.  You will generally find that they began in the last [19th] century. … 

What happened? Again, speaking generally, they started as the result of so-called “revelations” that were given to their founders. … So the person to whom the revelation came is very important. … [I]n the case of the cult there is always this dramatic, unusual element of a divine revelation. …

This leads to the second point, namely, that the cults always recognize and are governed by, an authority additional to the Bible. …

[T]he next general canon of criticism, namely, that these cults invariably go astray with respect to certain essential doctrines. …

[M]any of the cults are very shaky on the whole question of creation. …

You will find invariably that the cults always start with you.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.124-129, 141

Things Which Lead Cults to Grow

The history of the past demonstrates clearly that there are certain times when the cults become an exceptional danger.  This is always the case in times of crisis and of trouble, times of war or the threat of war.  There is no difficulty in understanding why this is so from the mere standpoint of psychology.  Whenever men are hard pressed or in trouble, they always want to find relief, help, comfort and guidance.  That provides the opportunity for the wiles of the devil in the form of cults.  This happens also, of course, in times of bereavement, sorrow, or ill-health, or in the event of some mishap in life, or some business anxiety or worry, or anything that makes life difficult for men and women.  Under such conditions the cults tend to flourish and to thrive.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.123

Brian Houston and Hillsong Church

I have had so many requests for information on Brian Houston and Hillsong that I decided to make this separate post linking to all the articles I’ve collected about Brian and his “goat pen.”  This will be a one-stop shopping spot for links I’ve previously posted (which will now be deleted from old “RAAH” posts), links I acquired this past week and not posted yet, and any new ones to come.   I will first post links which are primarily about Houston, and then the rest about Hillsong assemblies around the world.  I will post them from the oldest to the newest.   So hold onto your hats because you are in for a ride!

To begin with, let me point you to “Churchwatch Central,” a site which regularly covers a lot about Hillsong, especially with it’s sister site, “Hillsong Church Watch.”

I also point you to an article about why no one should be using Hillsong music, especially when you learn all about them in the links below.

Along this line are “Stop the Hillsongization!” (be sure to go to articles linked from this one).

Lastly, before jumping into all the links, there is this important information Christine Pack posted on her Facebook on 1/20/16 (which was previous posted by me as a separate article):

Meet Hillsong, one of the fastest growing churches in the world, whose leaders preach (and entertain) to packed-out auditoriums. Hillsong is a church only in the loosest sense, meaning that this entity uses Christian terminology, but beyond that, any resemblance to orthodox historic Christianity is tenuous, at best. Some facts:

➤ Hillsong has a massive reach through various arms: Hillsong Church, Hillsong Worship and Hillsong College.

➤ Hillsong targets youth through relentlessly hip marketing campaigns, urbanly styled leaders, and a club-like vibe at its "worship" services.

➤ Hillsong was founded in 1983 by a man named Frank Houston, and is now overseen by Frank Houston’s son, Brian Houston.

➤ Prominent Hillsong leaders include Brian Houston, Carl Lentz, Christine Caine, Darlene Zschech, Joel Houston.

➤ Hillsong is affiliated with Pentecostal/Assemblies of God (charismatic) teaching.

➤ Hillsong originated in Australia, but now has an enormous global worldwide following, including large flagship outposts in the United States (Manhattan and L.A.), England, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden, South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Amsterdam and Spain.

➤ Hillsong as an entity is known for being young and hip, and is popular among pop stars and athletes. A recent GQ magazine article called Hillsong “New York City’s Hippest Megachurch,” and Details Magazine ran an article entitled “Jesus Christ’s Superstar,” referencing Carl Lentz, Hillsong’s young, super-trendy Manhattan pastor. The article also gave Lentz the nickname “the Apostle of Cool.”

➤ Hillsong extends its reach and influence very effectively through its musical arm “Hillsong Worship.” Hillsong Worship has 4 Million+ followers, and is known for its high quality vocals and attractive singers. Hillsong Worship music is doctrinally unsound, and advances an experiential, charismatic view of God that is very appealing to postmoderns.

➤ As noted, Christine Caine is a "pastor" with Hillsong. Yet Caine regularly leads conferences alongside Christian teachers thought to be more theologically solid, including Ravi Zacharias, John Piper, Francis Chan, Matt & Lauren Chandler and Beth Moore.

➤ Hillsong has a college (Hillsong International Leadership College) at which future Hillsong leaders can receive religious degrees and be trained in the Hillsong vision.

A few helpful links about Hillsong are attached in this article

Let’s start with articles about Brian Houston.

An interesting incident about Brian Houston claiming that Christians and Muslims worship the same God; his dance to make things sound better doesn’t’ really work (numerous sites reported on this incident, and apparently it wasn’t the only time Houston said this).

Brian Houston protected his father from charges of sexual abuse -- so why is he okay to be a “pastor”?

This article about Houston explains a lot about why his “church” is so bizarre.

A great collection of links to articles exposing the false teachings of Brian Houston and Hillsong.

This "blast from the past" shows Houston's prosperity gospel teaching.

Hillsong “churches” and the problems with them.

Hillsong Church NYC: Cult of Celebrity.

The origin of Hillsong.  This explains a whole lot!  Part 2 is here.  Part 3 is here.

Carl Lentz, the “pastor” of Hillsong New York City was interviewed in late 2013 by Katie Couric.  The link to the actual interview was gone by February 2016, but any truly discerning person who watched it would know why this “pastor” is more of a goatherd, as are ALL “pastors” of the various Hillsong assemblies.   Lentz gets people to come to “church” by using entertainment and emotionalism while meeting in a “club.”  He said he is thankful for heretic Joel Osteen, and praises him as having started the “feel-good” genre!  Lentz is cowardly about discussing homosexuality publicly, and he claims that Jesus wasn’t “about” social issues.  These Hillsong “pastors” don’t demonstrate any reverence for God.  The Christian Post has a very good review of the interview, and Ken Ham of Answers In Genesis also has an excellent article about it.

Hillsong Los Angeles had some hubris about their music.

An interesting article about Hillsong from a secular source.

An example of everything that is wrong with Hillsong, this one in London, England.

Carl Lentz, of Hillsong NYC, is one of the more worldly, seeker-sensitive and charismanic false teachers who doesn’t address moral issues for fear of causing offense.

As noted above, Carl Lentz refuses to deal with the subject of homosexuality for fear of offending.  His use of The Message as  his “Bible” helps him with his false teachings.  James White’s comments in the video demonstrate a huge problem with anyone using The Message.

Another video demonstrating why people need to stay away from Hillsong.

Hillsong continues to slide into full apostasy.

Carl Lentz brags about how many “gay men and women” attend his goat pen.  After all, he doesn’t address sin like that because it might turn them away.  (And here I was thinking that the assembly was for CHRISTIANS!)

Lentz also had an unrepentant homosexual couple leading their “worship” service.  Brian Houston responded to the situation.  Regardless of what he claimed, they still have a huge problem because they are “welcoming” of unrepentant homosexuals coming to their assembly -- and even encourage them!  Need I remind you that the assembly is for believers, that it isn’t even a place to invite unbelievers?  A follow up article has the homosexual couple contradicting Houston’s claims!  Oh what a tangled web Houston weaves.

Hillsong is a cult, plain and simple.

Hillsong had a video in December 2015 showing their production of Silent Night.  It has since been removed and I didn’t record which assembly was responsible, but it was a horrid rendition with immodestly attired women.  Nothing in the production pointed to either God or Christ, and all it did was highlight the performers!

Hillsong is the church of choice for Justin Bieber and Kevin Durant, because that is where a “cool Jesus” would be.  Oh, and don’t forget Selena Gomez also attends Hillsong.  It seems that a lot of entertainment big shots attend Hillsong, probably because they don’t get much condemnation for sin there, but they do get a lot of “worshiptainment.”

In this video, Hillsong is really exposed for the corrupt and apostate group they truly are.  And yet our churches continue to use their songs in worship, giving Hillsong tacit approval and helping to finance them

Hillsong’s makeover and takeover.

Hillsong began partnering with the heretical TV station TBN.  Marsha West has more information.

Why Hillsong Music is Dangerous For Your Church

Hillsong is seeking to undo the Reformation.

Hillsong, UK, promoted Austin Powers, a sex pervert, at a women’s conference.

Hillsong New York apparently decided to outdo the UK and had a “naked cowboy” at their conference.  It just so happens that this “cowboy” is one of their “pastors!”  Here is some more information about this incident.

Brian Houston claims he had no idea about the "naked cowboy," but it's really no big deal.

While it appears that Hillsong is scrubbing a lot of things from their sites, including the "naked cowboy" incident, in the comment section Carl Lentz denies it.  Evidence seems to prove him wrong.

Selena Gomez recently led the “worship” service at Hillsong Los Angeles.  This is a woman who is known for fornicating and having nude photos on the internet.

Apparently, a qualification for Hillsong youth pastors is to be a “hot model.”

Hillsong London’s Easter Special was totally disgusting.

How Hillsong and Brian Houston are Destroying Christianity

Hillsong:  Heresy Goes Hollywood.  You’ve got to be kidding.

Hillsong NYC promotes racist “Black Lives Matter” movement.

Hillsong’s Carl Lentz is apparently a universalist.

So if you don’t like Hillsong, you hate God? I’d think it would be the other way around — if you LIKE Hillsong you hate God.  Hillsong teaches heresy and aberrations of all sorts!

It’s a long program, but very enlightening about Hillsong’s heresy in their songs.

When Jen Hatmaker and her husband decided that Scripture is wrong about homosexuality, Hillsong's lead artist is finding the Hatmaker’s teaching on same-sex fake marriage to be “refreshing”!

Hillsong & Worship — a gospel of ambiguity and self-centeredness.

Hillsong worships a different God.

More proof that Hillsong is a cult — they keep “sin files.”

Bethel, Hillsong, and associated false teachers are going to “bring Heaven to Earth.”  Just look at the names of the participants to know who to avoid.

Well, that's it for now, but I will be adding to this collection as time goes by.  Stay tuned.

Catholicism's Opposition to the Bible

In our conversations with hundreds of former Catholics, most of them tell us they were never encouraged to read the Bible. In fact, many of them said their priests actually discouraged them from reading the Bible because it was too difficult to understand. Could it be that the priests were worried that people would interpret the Scriptures correctly and undermine the authority of the Church? Or were the priests worried that those who studied God's Word would realize they were sitting under deceptive teachers and leave the church?

Historically, popes have openly condemned the reading of the Bible and often persecuted those who were caught with the Scriptures in their possession. Many loyal and devoted Catholics still deny the Vatican's fierce opposition to the Bible because they do not know their church's sordid history. 

The Council of Toulouse in 1229 A.D, stated: "We prohibit laymen possessing copies of the Old and New Testament ... We forbid them most severely to have them in the popular vernacular." 

The Council of Trent in the 16th century placed the Bible on its list of prohibited books. People were forbidden to read the Bible without a license from a Roman Catholic bishop. The council warned: "If any one shall dare to read or keep in his possession that book, without such a license, he shall not receive absolution (from the punishment of sins) till he has given it up to his ordinary (bishop)."

Why would a religion that upholds the name of Jesus Christ forbid its people from reading the Bible? Clearly, it was because those who were reading God's Word were learning the truth, and the truth was setting them free (John 8:31-32). During the Reformation in the 16th century, there was a mass exodus of people leaving the Roman Catholic Church. As they studied God's Word, they were being set free from the religious bondage and deception of an apostate church. People who were once woefully deceived and dead in their sins were being born again through the imperishable seed of God's Word (1 Pet. 1:23). Then they began testing every man's teaching with the infallible Word of God (Acts 17:11). 

Mike Gendron, Proclaiming the Gospel e-mail news, 1 June 2016