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

Monday, February 3, 2014

Random Apostasies and Heresies

Well, the Mennonites seem to be leaving their fundamental traditions behind.  It seems that 150 Mennonite pastors and other ministers are wanting to change the church policy to “welcome and bless” those who practice sexual perversions.  I’m sure Menno Simons would excommunicate the entire bunch.

More about the Mormons from “Mormon Coffee.”  Glenn Beck has been perpetrating Mormon myths; I don’t think he really understands the Mormon church - at least no better than he understood the Catholic Church.

Next, they posted a video showing the very sad teachings of works-based salvation in the Mormon Church.

Finally, today they posted irrefutable evidence that Joseph Smith is indeed the originator of LDS racism.  I’m looking forward to part 2 of this series.

Speaking of the Mormon church, a couple weeks ago a fellow blogger alerted me about Ravi Zacharias again speaking in a joint session with Mormons.  Of course, I was saddened to hear of such compromise.  I came across an excellent review of the subject, and have to agree with the author.

Lengthy, but excellent, article about IHOP - and I don’t mean the pancake restaurant!  I’m talking about the cult in Kansas City, as well as all the satellites around the nation.  The amount of false teaching originating with that bunch is astounding.

The Evangelical Free Church in America has been one of the more fundamental denominations, but now it appears that they are jumping on the contemplative bandwagon.  It seems everyone wants to be a mystic nowadays.

CARM has a good, short, article on Arnold Murray and the Shepherd’s Chapel.  Another false teacher to avoid.

Rachel Held Evans seems to have a typical left-wing, liberal theological worldview.  Not only is she woefully ignorant about proper hermeneutical understanding of Scripture, but now she has show what poor understanding she has about socio-political issues, such as birth control.  Evans has seemingly come from out of nowhere and has become a media darling as someone representing Christianity.

Two bloggers are taking turns writing chapter reviews of Michael Brown’s book, “Authentic Fire.”  As of today, four chapters have been reviewed, beginning with an overview here, followed by the chapter reviews here, here, here, and here.  Of course these reviews are in defense of the Strange Fire conference, but they really do a good job of refuting Brown’s assertions.

The Cripplegate posted an article about “holy fire” - a “holy fire” totally unlike that promoted by the charismaniacs.  Of course the author also argues against the charismatic “fire.”

What do you think about presenting Jesus as a “Son of Allah” in order to use the “Camel Method” to evangelize to Muslims?  I’m hoping you have the same though as I do - that Allah is NOT the same as the God of the Bible, and that we do NOT compromise truth to make the Gospel more palatable.

The latest about Sarah Young’s book, “Jesus Calling.”  

A Church Of England cathedral in the U.K. has taken apostasy and heresy to a new level.  They screened the movie,The Last Temptation of Christ.”  The excuses given are outrageous.

To end today’s episode, take a look at Gary Gilley’s article on real “spiritual formation.”

9 comments:

Neil said...

I saw a piece on Furtick on another blog today. Wow, that guy is creepy! Worse than Osteen.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

The Gilley article - a very worthwhile read. Thanks for posting it. I can't fathom why so many pastors seem to be lost on the point that Scripture alone is what saves the lost and sanctifies the saints.

And I agree, we do NOT compromise truth to make the Gospel more palatable. If we speak the truth in love, God's word won't return void. Some will believe, some will not. We can't control or manipulate the results. But warping the truth will guarantee that NO ONE will believe the truth and be genuinely saved.

And if you don't mind - my husband and I need a sanity check. Would you mind looking up the lyrics to the song "With Every Act of Love" by Jason Gray, and giving us your discernment on it? The words of the first verse are "Sitting at the stoplight..."

Thanks Glenn!

in Christ,
Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Hi Carolyn,

Okay, I reviewed the lyrics, and here is my take on it.

The song is essentially saying that Jesus/God works through us to show His love. The first verse, if I understand it correctly, is about a man in a car with a female passenger, waiting at a stop light. The girl/woman has a piece of cardboard in her hand on which she has written something which causes/reminds her of something heart-breaking. At first he is ignoring the situation but when he sees the hurt in her eyes he is moved to compassion.

The second verse is similar, in that the couple are sitting in silence, apparently due to some egregious sin on his part which shames him. She is moved to offer forgiveness, which restores communication.

The last verse is merely saying that those situations happen everywhere and that God moves believers to react in love.

The chorus is what disturbs me most, with the phrase "We bring the Kingdom come." I THINK the author is saying that we reflect the Kingdom of God by our acts of love, but that phrase may also reflect a "Kingdom Now" theology; I'd like the author to clarify, but I'm giving a benefit of the doubt and assume the former rather than the latter.

So, if I understand the song as noted, then I have no problem with it. You might say it is sort of a parable about people interacting showing the love of God and that we are to do the same.

If you think I'm missing something, by all means let me know. I'm not always the sharpest tac in the box.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Just for those who haven't seen the lyrics of the song discussed, here they are:

Sitting at the stoplight
He can't be bothered by the heart cry
Written on the cardboard in her hand
But when she looks him in the eye
His heart is broken open wide
And he feels the hand of God reach out through him
As Heaven touches earth

(Chorus)
Oh - we bring the Kingdom come
Oh - with every act of love
Jesus help us carry You
Alive in us, Your light shines through
With every act of love
We bring the Kingdom come

There's silence at the table
He wants to talk but he's not able
For all the shame that's locked him deep inside
But her words are the medicine
When she says they can begin again
And forgiveness will set him free tonight
As Heaven touches earth

(Chorus)

God put a million, million doors in the world
For his love to walk through
One of those doors is you
I said, God put a million, million doors in the world
For his love to walk through
One of those doors is you

(Chorus)

Oh - we bring the Kingdom come
Oh - with every act of love
Jesus help us carry You
Alive in us, Your light shines through
With every act of love
We bring the Kingdom come
With every act of love
We bring the Kingdom come
With every act of love
We bring the Kingdom come

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

We saw it twofold:

Kingdom now - for the same reason you did - the chorus.

Social gospel flavored - because anyone can do good deeds. There is nothing wrong with doing good deeds, but good deeds do not equal sharing the Gospel with a lost soul. And acts of love don't bring the kingdom.

-Carolyn




Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Carolyn,

I think you over-dissected. There is no hint of social gospel that I could see. It was just making a statement about showing the love of Christ.

In a broader context, if that is all one teaches, one has to understand that love MUST include the gospel. But such a short song, with limited lyrics, is only focusing on one aspect of the entire issue, as I understand it. Now, I may be wrong, but I have no way of knowing the author's personal theological bent just from that one song.

If he has other songs, and all have the same focus, then I'd have to start questioning the theology behind them. But I don't think it is fair to judge that by just one song with a limited focus. Do you of other songs by this author?

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

I'd never heard of the musician before, but I did a little research and found he's been partnered with World Vision, which does humanitarian work but does not proselytize.

Information per these links: first, wiki about the musician; last two are TBC references that address WV.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Gray_(musician)

http://www.thebereancall.org/content/january-2011-extra

http://www.thebereancall.org/content/january-2014-q-and-a-1

And for what it's worth, we've used "acts of love" as a springboard for the Gospel. With extremely rare exception, when we switch over to addressing spiritual needs, Christ is quickly rejected. Just as the Lord Himself experienced 2000 years ago, people love the "good works" but don't want the Savior to address their deepest need.

Thank you for your input.

-Carolyn

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Oh, I've very familiar with World Vision. Last month I was requested to research them, by a pastor friend (the retired pastor who started the book table ministry). They are indeed about the social gospel, and are very anti-Israel.

If the author of the song is associated with them, then my guess is that he does indeed promote the social gospel.

Anonymous said...

Hi Glenn,

Ok, thank you for the confirmation about WV. That is what we have learned about them too. And that's why our concern about the song was as strong as it was - I probably should have explained more initially to you. :) Sorry about that.

Thanks for taking the time to talk about this.

-Carolyn