The Christian Faith is Intolerant

There is an aspect of intolerance in the Christian faith: and I go further and assert that if we have not seen the intolerant aspect of the faith we have probably never seen it truly.  There are many statements in Scripture to substantiate this assertion that to place anyone by the side of Jesus Christ, or to talk of salvation apart from Him, or without Him at the centre, is a betrayal and a denial of the truth.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16, p.100

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

It’s been a very busy time for me personally, leaving little time for research and writing articles on my “to do” list.   Over the past few weeks I’ve played for three funerals, an Honor Flight orientation, university commencement exercises, three practice sessions for a June performance, three band practice meetings, and two Memorial Day celebrations.  And that’s just my piping activities!  I need a vacation!

So very many things have come across my computer this week that I decided to just highlight the most important items— and just that includes quite a few!  I can’t even remember which site I follow led me to some of these things, so a major “hat tip” to all who originally posted these or pointed me to them.  Now, fasten your seat belts because here we go.

As the Church Turns

Tongues, Healing, and Prophecy notes part 1

Tongues, Healing, and Prophecy notes part 2

Divorce is NOT the “unpardonable sin.”  I’ve even had people tell me that a divorced-and-remarried person is in a continuous state of adultery; which of course is total nonsense.

An Ohio “pastor,” Lawrence Bishop II, has decided that bull-riding inside his church [link gone by 7/14/18] will attract people.  Yes, but attract them to what? Certainly not God..  He said, “What God has laid on our heart to do is to buck two wild rodeo bucking bulls inside the church sanctuary…,”  He was obviously listening to a false god.  This is obvious because his mother is also a pastor of their church.  He has previously ridden a horse during their “worship” service.  Remember, what you win them with is what you win them to, and since this “pastor” is not winning them with the Gospel, guess what they are won to!  Another article pointed out that this “church” has a 52-foot statue of “Jesus” (an idol) facing the highway.  Bishop abuses scripture to support his false teaching when he says, “The Bible said to compel them to come in, and so that’s what we’re doing.”  The Bible NEVER says to compel people to come to the assembly, especially since the assembly is for Christians and NOT for unbelievers!  The sad thing is that this goat-pen has been active for 40 years!

Speaking of abused Scripture, here are five verses people need to stop misusing.

Lots of attention has been given to the new survey about why young people are leaving the church.  Hip and Thigh has a good response to the survey, and an excellent analysis of the problem.

The NAR is out to conquer all churches.

Answers in Genesis is still giving good reports on the TV series, “A.D. The Bible Continues.”   Here are the review on episode six and episode seven.

Another Catholic cleric who needs to be excommunicated is this one who said that an apostle may have been “gay.”

The Church of Scotland took another big step towards total apostasy as they voted to allow “gay” ministers to be in “partnerships.”

For United Methodists, homosexuality doesn’t contradict Christian doctrine.  For real Christians it certainly DOES contradict Christian doctrine!

Homosexuality is the big sin being promoted by so many churches today, and these churches doing so are nothing less than apostate.  They are helping evil to cause the collapse of society as a whole.

Then we have the Church of England considering a ceremony to re-baptize “transgenders” in their new name reflecting what they consider their “new” gender.  Someone needs to tell the Anglican Church, as well as everyone else, that one can’t change their gender no matter how much bodily mutilation and drug therapy they go through.


Well, these are the highlights of the past week’s news about the Church at large; there doesn’t seem to be day going by without reports of false teachings of other gospels and other christs.  Be alert!

What Matters is if You're in the Kingdom

What matters is not how you came into the Kingdom; the vital question is, Are you in the Kingdom?  It matters not whether your birth was a dramatic, exciting one, or whether it was quiet and almost unobservable.  Thank God, it does not matter!  Nowhere are we told in the Scripture that you have to be able to give the precise moment, or the precise verse that was used, or the name of a certain preacher.  These things do not matter.  The one thing that matters is that you should be in the Kingdom.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16, p.89

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

It really shows the sad state of the Church at large when after only five days my collection of stories for another “RAAH” post has made it necessary for another post!

First, let’s look at what you should look for in a church (i.e., a local assembly).  I have to agree with Randy, in that I couldn’t attend the majority of assemblies out there.

There’s been a big brouhaha about a recent survey about people leaving churches in droves.  I really think the case is overstated, but it isn’t fundamental Christian assemblies they are leaving.  People are leaving apostate assemblies, but also those who are truly seeking God aren’t finding it with the seeker-sensitive and market-driven varieties.  In addition to this, however, is the fact that most of those leaving the Church were never believers to begin with!  Matt Walsh suggests it’s just because they are being “bored to death.”

I’ve recently discovered a new blog titled, “Guarding the Deposit.”  I have found it to be a good source of reports about what’s happening in the Church today, as well as some teachings about discernment.  I give a hat tip to this blog for the next four items.

Christine Caine has been on my “radar” for quite some time, since she’s just another one of those false teachers who so many love to listen to.  An excellent example as to her lack of discernment is this post where she lays her hands on a Joyce Meyer Bible seeking “an impartation of that teaching anointing & revelation.”  Need I say more?

Check out who is speaking at the emergent “Catalyst” conference.   Great line-up of false teachers, including Andy Stanley!

Cindy Jacobs, another false teacher I’ve previously reported about, now claims that the “Lord’s Prayer” is really about Dominionism.

Thanks, Pamela, for these reports.  

Now, moving on to other sources, Lifesitenews, a Roman Catholic site, never ceases to amaze me with how many reports they have about apostate Catholic leaders who still hold their positions.  Pope Francis seems to be quite liberal in many ways, one of which is his recent appointment of Timothy Radcliffe “as a consultor for the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.” This man is a staunch advocate of homosexuality, and thinks homosexuality “can be expressive of Christ’s self-gift.”  ?!?!  Then there is the Catholic Relief Services president who thinks homosexuality and same-sex fake marriage is just fine.  And then there is the Irish bishop who says one could support same-sex fake marriage with a clean conscience!  Why none of these people are not excommunicated is beyond my comprehension.  The RCC really needs to get the issue of homosexuality under control.

Oh, and did you know that the Pope now has the power to forgive abortion?

For those who still think Romanism is not an apostate version of Christianity, I suggest you review my series on the RCC from June 2010.  Meanwhile, take a look at this article by Eric Davis.

The Always Ambiguous Andy Stanley.

The “least of these” are not the poor.

Here’s a good conference lineup—if you’re looking to hear heresy, that is.  “MegaFest”—sure to fill your head with garbage.

Mark Driscoll again.  Sigh.

United Methodists praying to “Mother Earth” and calling crops “sisters”?!?

Wheaton College, an ostensibly Christian institution, now allows homosexual student groups on campus.  What is it with everyone jumping on the bandwagon of supporting 2-3% of the population and its sexual perversions?!?!

For just a wee bit of cult news, here’s an article about Scientology.

If you need more proof that Rick Warren is just a vicious wolf in sheep’s clothing, watch this 3-hour video.  It is a real eye-opener.

Finally, long ago when “Game of Thrones” first began broadcast, I saw reviews which said it contained lots of nudity and sexual immorality.  And yet it has become so popular that I see mention of it about every where!  The sad thing is that so many Christians talk about how good the series is!  I’d like to see them justify to Christ why it is okay to enjoy being entertained by such sin.  Matt Walsh has a great commentary on the topic.

Women to be Silent in the Church?

This may turn off some of the followers of this blog who are women, but I am firm in the belief that God forbids women from being elders or pastors in the Church.  Every church which has permitted this to take place has turned liberal or aberrant.  Paul said the reason for this was because Eve was the one deceived.  Women by nature are more emotion-driven than men, which makes them easier to deceive in general. 

The following is a summary of a study I did several years ago.  In my original work, I included citations from numerous commentaries.

1 Corinthians 14:33b-35 in context:  The overall context of our subject is in regard to orderly worship.  Beginning at 11:17, Paul says, "In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good."  At v.33 he says, "For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace."  Finally, at v.40, he says, "But every-thing should be done in a fitting and orderly way."  Paul is establishing order for the worship service.  That is the overall context of our subject text.  Now, to understand what is happening, we must put some verses around our text so as to better understand the immediate context.  It appears to start at v. 26, and concludes at the end of the chapter:

What then shall we say, brothers?  When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.  All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two - or at the most three - should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.  And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop.  For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.  The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.  For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.

As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches.  They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.  If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Did the word of God originate with you?  Or are you the only people it has reached?  If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.  If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.  [NIV]

The immediate context is when they come together for worship.  He says that everyone has "a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation" which must be for their edification.  (I do want to point out that the passage in 11:3-16 has to do with all public prayer and prophecy and is not relegated to just the worship meetings.)  Then Paul begins a discussion on tongues and prophecy.  He gives the following instructions:

1. Three persons at most could speak in a tongue, but they must have an interpreter or not speak in the church.
2.  Three prophets at most could speak.
3.  All others should "weigh carefully" what the prophets say.
4.  If someone sitting receives a revelation, the one speaking should stop.
5.  All [prophets?] can speak in turn so that everyone is “encouraged and instructed."  He points out that they do have control over their need to speak.
6.  Women are not allowed to speak, but be in submission.
7.  Women are to ask their husbands at home if they have questions about what is said.
8.  They should acknowledge that what Paul is saying is the Lord's command.
9.  Finally, they are to be eager to prophesy and are not to forbid the speaking of tongues.

Questions to answer are:

1.  Is this cultural or for all time?

The answer to this question is simple; Paul says, "As in all the congregations of the saints...” Since Christian assemblies extended throughout many countries, not all cultures could possibly be the same.  In fact, in chapter 1:2, Paul states that this letter is for "all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  This has to mean any and all cultures that embrace the gospel.

2.  Does the restriction from speaking refer to married women or all women?

By the context of vv.34-35, this proscription must be directed at married women because Paul says they are to "ask their own husbands."  But does that mean other women can participate?

3.  What is the nature of women being forbidden to speak; what are they not allowed to talk about or say?

Since the subject of the immediate text is prophesying or speaking in tongues, this is apparently what women are not permitted to do.  They would not be permitted to speak in a tongue or give an interpretation, nor would they be allowed to prophesy or participate in the discussion that would result from "weigh [ing] carefully what is said."  The wife is in submission to her husband "as the Law says.”

1 Timothy 2:11-12 in context:  Among a short gospel message, and verification that he was appointed to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, Paul gives some guidelines he wants for the church:

1.  He encourages Timothy to use Paul's teaching.
2.  Continue various prayers.
3.  Men are to offer prayers everywhere, not just in church, AFTER putting aside their anger and quarrels.
4.  Women are to dress modestly, not showy; that their beauty should be in what they do, not in how they look.
5.  vs. 11-15 discussion about a woman's silence and submission, as this study is addressing.
6.  Qualifications for elders/bishops/pastors.
7.  Qualifications for Deacons.

The context is isolated in chapters 2 and 3 - what Paul wants for the church.  We can disregard chapter 3 because it is about qualifications for elders and deacons and not germane to our subject.  I will now look at the text. 

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  [KJV]

My conclusion based on the text is that there are the two issues identified above:  (1) the learning end, and (2) the teaching end.

The learning side of it seems simply to be saying that a woman should be submissive to the authority of the one teaching, but, as long as she remains quiet and respectful, she is not precluded from questions and discussion.

On the teaching side of the issue a woman is not to be in authority over men; she is to be silent in this regard.  She may teach women, as in Titus 2:4.  In fact, this text says she is not to have authority over men in any church role, let alone teaching.

CONCLUSION:

Let's start with the Corinthians passage:

1.  Is this cultural or for all time?  As pointed out at the beginning, there are two verses that answer this question:  "As in all the congregations of the saints..."  "all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  This has to mean any and all cultures that embrace the gospel.

2.  Does the restriction from speaking refer to married women or all women?  I think it's very significant that chapter 14, by some English Bible translations and virtually all commentaries, is addressing only married women.  Even the reference to Adam and Eve is about a husband and wife situation!  This indicates positively to me that the context is only in reference to married women.  But, could single women be included by implication as some commentators suggest?  I think it is quite possible.

3.  What is the nature of women being forbidden to speak; when and what are they not allowed to talk about or say? As noted above, the subject of the immediate text is prophesying and speaking in tongues during worship meetings, so this is apparently what wives are not permitted to do.  Nor would they be permitted to participate in the discussion that would result from "weigh[ing] carefully what is said.”  If we are to assume that 11:5 is in reference to the worship service, although I don't think it is, that would just give weight to the argument against the total silence of wives.  That verse allows praying and prophesying as long as the wife's head is covered.  This would then limit the argument in this passage to be (1) no speaking in tongues, (2) no interpretation of tongues (3) no discussion of what others are prophesying.  She would be permitted to pray and prophesy if her head was covered.  Total silence would be illogical, for then women wouldn’t be able to sing the hymns!

How about the Timothy passage?

Well, there certainly is a lot to think about here.  We first have to determine two things:  (1) Was this just a cultural mandate? (2) What is the setting context?  There is no indication that Paul is speaking to just the local church or even to just the culture of the time.  At v.8, where he begins his discussion of what he wants for believers, he says, "I want men everywhere...” If his subject for men was for those "everywhere," it only makes sense that his instructions for women also include those "everywhere."  Also, when he gives the reason for his instructions to women, he makes an appeal to creation and the creative order of man and woman, which argument transcends culture.

What about the setting; was it just for the meetings of the church for worship or did it include any time believers got together?   Chapter 3:14-15 says, "Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”  Contrary to those who say this means when in the "household of God", i.e., the church building, it is obvious that Paul is calling believers "God's household."  He says this is how believers ought to conduct themselves as God's church, meaning this is a continuous lifestyle.

So where does that leave us in relation to the instructions?  As my conclusion of just the text stated, we are dealing with two issues:  (1) the learning end and (2) the teaching end.  The learning side of it is simply saying that a woman should be submissive to the authority of the one teaching but, as long as she remains quiet and respectful, she is not precluded from questions and discussion.  Since Paul is making this applicable to any gathering of the "household of God," this would include Bible studies, whether in a church building or in a private home.

On the teaching side of the issue a woman is not to be in authority over men; she is to be silent in this regard.  She may teach women, as in Titus 2:4.  In fact, this text says she is not to have authority over men in any church role, let alone teaching.  However, I think an important thing to note here is that the understanding of the commentators is that this passage refers to the position of elder.  This makes it appear to be forbidding women from teaching men in a formal setting while approving individual teaching, as Gleason Archer pointed out.

Before continuing, let me stipulate that I don't believe tongues are a part of the modern church.  Tongues were a sign to unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22) in the beginning stages of the church and have no current need.  All displays I have personally witnessed were not Biblical examples.  So this eliminates the use of tongues for all men and women in the assemblies.  This can be considered a bias, of course.   Additionally, prophecy is direct revelation from God, which also has ceased since New Testament times, so this is also eliminated for all members of the assembly.  Again, this can be called a priori bias.

What about the practical application of these passages?  First and foremost, a woman cannot hold any position of authority over men in the assembly.

I'm not quite sure how the original church gathered, but it appears there was a time for worship, for the breaking of bread (the Lord's supper), and also a time of instruction in the Scriptures.  It appears that their instruction may have been like our current sermons, only with the ability of the congregation to question and discuss with the one leading.  Current practices in most assemblies is a gathering for worship, with the breaking of the bread some of the time, and a lecture.  The only participation by the congregation is responsive reading and singing, neither of which is proscribed by these texts.  Separate meetings are usually held in classroom settings for Bible studies.

In the more common types of church services we have to say that the only place these issues come into play is with the sermons and classes, since certainly the women can participate in the singing and responsive readings.  However, women cannot preach to the congregation.  That's pretty simple.  

From the Scriptural evidence, I believe that women are allowed to participate in the worship service by way of singing and praying but not in the reading of scripture or other teaching.  If they have questions about what is said, they should wait until they are home with their husbands, fathers or perhaps talk to an elder later.

Since v. 11:5 says a woman can pray with her head covered, prayer meetings could include women praying.  Local custom may separate men and women for prayer due to sensitivity of some prayers, but they should still be able to join together in general prayer. 

What about Bible studies and other classroom-type meetings? With the exception of women-only meetings, a woman should not be the teacher, or the one in authority.  As long as a woman remains quiet and respectful, she is not precluded from questions and discussion.  Total silence in these cases is not warranted from Scripture.

In current society husbands have often abdicated their responsibility for the home in raising and disciplining children, including the teaching of the Word.  Additionally, there are many single or divorced women and women whose husbands are unchurched.  These women must be able to question and discuss the teaching in order to educate themselves!  A Bible study, by implication, is a gathering for give and take - such as a school classroom.  If a leader is unclear on something, or brings up general discussion, all members of the study must be able to question for clarification.

At any rate, anything more restrictive of what our subject passages actually say must be in accordance with local practice and custom instead of claiming Scriptural basis in relation to this passage.

References:
The Defender's Study Bible, by Henry Morris
NIV Study Bible
Ryrie Study Bible, by Charles Ryrie
The International Bible Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Church:  Woman's Role - What Does the Bible Say About Women in Ministry? (booklet by Radio Bible Class)
Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14, by D.A. Carson
735 Baffling Bible Questions Answered, by Larry Richards
Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, by Gleason L. Archer
The MacArthur Study Bible, by John MacArthur, Jr.
The Believer’s Bible Commentary, by William MacDonald
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, by Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III
The Book of First Corinthians: Christianity in a Hostile Culture, by Dan Mitchell
Men and Women: Equal Yet Different, by Alexander Strauch

Some Edifying Things of Interest

Some people think the only thing I read are items about bad stuff in the church, books on cults, and just general “heresy hunting.”   Well, in actuality, that sort of stuff accounts for only about 20% of what I study.  I do have to study it and keep up with the latest news on false teaching because, after all, I’m a sheepdog!  What I really enjoy reading, though, are things which deepen my understanding of the faith and the Christian walk.  Sometimes I like to share the more interesting things I come across, and this is another episode of such sharing.

The Gospel Coalition had a good article about principles for husbands and fathers.

Randy Alcorn had an excellent article about dating guidelines.  I think he should have included modesty in attire, but the guidelines he gives are quite good.

Now that we’ve addressed dating, engagement is the next step.  Tim Challies has an excellent article about what an engagement to be married is really about.  If only more people understood this.

A frequent progression from engagement, and sometimes in lieu of engagement, is cohabitation.  Lyndon Unger has an excellent two-part series about the problems of “shacking up.”  Part one here and part two here.   I do want to make a point about what marriage is.  A couple may be married in the Biblical sense and yet have never secured a marriage license (tax) from the state or have had someone declare them as married.  In fact, this is only a fairly recent invention - especially the marriage tax license.  Marriage is nothing more than the commitment between a man and a woman to share their lives with each other in a permanent and exclusive relationship, with consummation of such relationship signified by sexual relations.  This is how it was done for centuries.  Sometimes there were ceremonies, but that was only cultural.  This is why this nation used to recognize a couple living together as being in a “common law” marriage (perhaps there are states which still recognize non-ceremonial, unlicensed marriages).  The main issue with Christians is that we have to obey the laws of the land, which means we must be licensed (taxed) and have the union certified by someone.  But this governmental law/recognition will most likely disappear in this nation, as it has been disappearing in other nations as same-sex fake marriages become normal.  We will no longer be licensed nor need to be certified.  Yet our marriages will still be marriages because those signs are not what makes a marriage.

Lindsay had a very interesting article about a missionary I’d never heard of; C.T. Studd,  a missionary to China.

Here’s a good resource for free, downloadable tracts.

I’ve often been asked for recommendations for women’s studies, but I’ve never studied the issue and don’t really know the field.  Tim Challies helps out with a recommended list.  I have found Challies to be usually quite trustworthy with his book recommendations.

Lastly, Hip and Thigh has an interesting post about a lectures regarding the Charismatic Renewal movement.  This post has links to various lectures by Lyndon Unger.  If you happen to catch the error in the third lecture about Jesus and Luke, Lyndon posted a note correcting his error here.

Unity of the Spirit

The tragedy is that men are trying to produce unity by telling us that it does not matter very much what we believe, that as long as we all come together and work together, and do not argue about doctrine, we shall all be one.  But the unity of the Spirit comes through understanding, not through discounting understanding and saying that the knowledge of doctrine does not matter. . . . 

Doctrine must come first.  The Holy Spirit's chief work is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.  So there is no value in our prayers if we do not believe in Him, in His unique deity, in His incarnation, virgin birth, miracles, atoning death, resurrection and ascension.  The Spirit glorifies Him, and we must therefore believe in Him and be "of one accord" in our doctrine.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16, p.79, 80

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Since my last “Random…” article five days ago, I have collected so many links that I feel the need to do another “Random…” article already!  It is truly a sad commentary on the state of the Church today.

Let’s start with Mark Driscoll.  This guy has absolutely NO shame.  The man even makes out that HE is the victim.  When he was first on the scene many years ago I was sounding the alarm that he was not a pastor to follow, and I was always attacked as being too “judgmental.”  Yet every year he just worse and worse and people still cried “judgmentalism” rather that objectively examine Mark and his teachings.  I’m really hoping he has NO fans now, and that he will just go away.

Next up, Rick Warren.  This guy is more and more an embarrassment to the true Church, as he gets more and more politically involved while compromising the faith he claims to believe.  He joins with a popular homosexual activist entertainer urging the government to continue funding AIDS research—meaning to keep spending millions of dollars of tax money to find a solution to a problem which is easily solved by practicing sexual morality!  Warren is very involved with the social gospel, yet he doesn’t realize that the money spent for AIDS research (which should be a private enterprise) could be better spent helping people truly in need!  But what is really sickening, and violating Ephesians 5:4 while holding hands with Elton John and joking about kissing him!

I am one who never got in to the whole National Day of Prayer silliness for several reasons, the main one of which is ecumenicalism—any religious belief is welcomed to participate, no matter what sort of god they pray to.  The fact that it is a law to set a day aside for prayer makes it more useless due to its political reasons.  Randy White sums up my sentiments very well.

Here’s a good article about why women should not be preaching in the assembly.

More in-depth examination of that heretical PCUSA “pastor” who praises the work of Planned Parenthood.  The man is a pawn of Satan.  As the author of the article says at the end, “Truly, it is baffling to comprehend how any person of reasonable sanity and intelligence can call the taking of lives a ministry of resurrection. But that is just what Kukla is preaching from his pastoral pulpit.”

A good video about the problem with CCM’s “Jesus is my boyfriend” songs.

Andy Stanley— this man really has serious problems as a preacher.  He think expository teaching is “easy and cheating.” ?!?!  Yep, that’s what he says.  So what is his belief?  “All Scripture is equally inspired, but not all Scripture is equally applicable or relevant to every stage of life. My challenge is to read culture and to read an audience and ask: What is the felt need? Or perhaps what is more important, what is an unfelt need they need to feel that I can address?”  Did you get that?  Don’t read the Bible, read the culture. Help the people with their “felt needs.”

Charismatic Paula White violates Scripture by putting herself up as a “pastor.”  Of course she’s a false teacher so that really just adds insult to injury.  However, she can’t even meet ANY requirements for being a pastor, especially since she’s had three spouses.  But WAIT— she just married again.  I wonder how she can explain not stepping down yet?

Answers in Genesis has posted their review of the latest episode of “A.D.”

The epidemic of narcigesis has infected so many of the popular teachers that one wonders if it will ever be cured.

Finally, here is an example of what churches should not do.  I wonder why they don’t have a sign saying “Fornicators Must Repent or Go to Hell”?

Longsuffering

Hold on, be "longsuffering," do not give way to passion.  In the Bible longsuffering is attributed to God Himself.  If God were not longsuffering not one of us would be still alive, not one of us would be a Christian.  If God were not longsuffering there would be no Christianity at all.  Longsuffering is His attitude to us: so let it be our attitude towards one another.  We have to suffer ourselves, and others have to suffer us.  Let all suffer long! . . .

If you love people you will be longsuffering and forbearing toward them because you will have their interests at heart.  You will not be so much concerned to show that you are right and they are wrong.  You will be anxious that they should be right as well as yourself.  You love them and are more interested in them, and concerned about them; and because of that you are patient with them.


D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16, p.44-45