Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Sometimes I wonder if there will ever be a week without too many news items about the state of the Church.  It is really difficult to keep up with it all, which is why it is good that so many apologetics ministries are busy exposing all this stuff.

The big news has been Tony Campolo’s recent statement in support of “committed” same-sex relationships.  I’m really not surprised; after all, he was one of the first false teachers I exposed just a few months after I started this blog, and a few months later exposed his advocacy for homosexuals.  Michael Brown has an excellent open letter to Tony.

Homosexual activists who also claim to be Christians continue to lie about what Bible teaches in regards to homosexuality, which often leads weak/immature Christians astray.  One of their attacks is the Bible’s interpretation of the Greek word, “arsenokoites.”  I actually addressed the origin and meaning of this word in a previous article.  This article does a good job responding to arguments about the word.  Great information for your apologetics file in regard to the cult of homosexuality.

The pope continues promoting Roman Catholic supporters of homosexuality.  I just see this as more proof that he never speaks for God.

I have often said that those “Christians” who promote homosexuality and same-sex fake marriage are preaching another gospel and worshiping another Christ.  One particular blog-trolling false teacher who is 100% behind fake marriage just rails when you suggest he is preaching false gospels and false Christs.  Denny Burk has an excellent article where he cites an Orthodox priest saying essentially the same thing I’ve been saying.

So what excuse can Willow Creek have for engaging an open homosexual, who is an advocate for the homosexual agenda, as a worship leader?!? [link gone by 7/14/18] He claims to be celibate, but then that would mean he isn’t a homosexual, because a homosexual is one who is practicing the behavior; otherwise he is just a man struggling with homosexual desires.  (A thief is no longer a thief if he no longer steals.)  Willow Creek has been in the apostasy of market-driven philosophy for decades.  Now they say their “gay” worship leader is “held to the same standards that we have for everyone in our church.”  Obviously those standards don’t include not being allowed to advocate for false teachers.

Speaking of the market-driven/seeker-sensitive heresy, Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church is seeking $71million for another expansion!  I guess he needs a larger goat pen.

A great article about Creflo Dollar’s new expensive jet.

A thought-provoking article about who restrains the Holy Spirit.

OH NO!  Another Roma Downey show to promote more of her false teachings.  The comment section on the article is also quite interesting.

A blogger recently emailed me this link to a very well done article in regards to one of my blog posts about the Sabbath.  He is an ex-Seventh-day Adventist.

I never realized just how widespread some of Bill Gothard’s teachings have reached.  One particular insidious teaching is the claim that Christians have no rights.  I was directed to an excellent article examining the foolishness of such a claim, and the dangers this teaching presents.

So, knowing the great harm brought into the Church by false teachers, should we love them?

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

I’ve been way too busy this past week or so, but I have been collecting links as I’ve gotten the chance to read — So you are in for a long one!  I like looking at some other blogs which have similar “roundups,” and while they usually have items I’ve already seen, they also have items which I hadn’t seen.  I want to give a general “hat tip” to these sites, and recommend them:
Asleep No More
Guarding the Deposit
Eternity Matters (although Neil doesn’t have his “Round Up” as often as before)
Do Not Be Surprised…

There are many more blogs I follow, but they don’t have routine “roundups.”

Let me start this week’s “RAAH” by telling you of a personal experience I had yesterday.  A local “Christian” book store, “Lemstone,” is part of the “Parable” book store chain.  The owner is retiring, so they are having a close-out sale to clean out their inventory (25% off yesterday).  So yesterday after church we decided to see if there were some books or other items we could use.  I did get a copy of one of my favorite books, “I Don’t Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist,” so we have one available for giving away.  My wife got about 200 “Pass it On” cards, which we usually leave with tips at restaurants.  But I found walking around that store to be very distressing.  Except for the Bible shelf (which also included garbage like “The Message” and “The Story”), I would say probably 80% of the publications they sold were by false teachers and heretics.  The aberrant and heretical teachings in these books are what makes these “Christian” bookstores so spiritually dangerous.  Of course they also had a huge Catholic section, which, like Family Christian Stores, was added over a decade ago so as to make more money.  After all, isn’t making money more important than protecting people from false teachings?  (Yes, that is a rhetorical question.)  There were so many pictures of “Jesus,” with so many variations, that I saw that as proof that these are just idols of people’s own making.  The “religious” junk filling the store, besides the books, was mostly useless and also promoting false teachings.  So, in my opinion, this city will be better off spiritually with the demise of this store.  Now if only the Family Christian Store would also go under…

The big news this past week or so (besides Bruce Jenner having himself mutilated so he can pretend to be a woman) was about one of the Duggar men having a sinful past.  Well, I never watched the show, but I knew they were Gothardites, and part of the patriarchy and “quiverfull” movements, so nothing which came out surprised me.  What is good about this situation is that lots of exposure is being given to the false teachings the Duggar family follows.  What is bad is that the media makes it look as if this is normal Christianity.  Some examples of informative articles are this one about Gothard’s teaching about sex and this one about Gothard’s Advanced Training Institute’s home-schooling material.  Then there is this article about the entire worldview of the Duggar family; be sure to examine the numerous articles the author links to.  These, and many articles like them, demonstrate just how bizarre these types of cultic movements can be.  We must remember, however, that, contrary to what the media says, this is not a “fundamentalism” problem — it is a legalism problem.

Speaking about Bill Gothard, he has a new web site - or does he?

If you want to see what happens when you mix feminist theology with false prophets, just take a look at this article, and watch the video.  Female Benny Hinns, and about as unbiblical as it gets.

Matt Chandler demonstrates why he is not qualified to be a pastor.

Homosexual Heretics

Interesting video about “Modern Worship?”  If you let it continue, you will find the next couple videos to also be of interest.

A couple months ago I wrote an article explaining why Jesus would not want us to serve a same-sex fake wedding.  The arguments I used to demonstrate why He would not have us do so can also be used for why Christians should not even attend a same-sex fake wedding.  By attending, we are giving approval to the lie being passed of as a wedding to marriage, and approving what God has condemned is rebellion against God.  Yet a Calvary Chapel pastor thinks that attending such a blasphemous event can be okay if the couple aren't Christian!  So it is okay to sanction sin by non-Christians?

Answers in Genesis provides reviews for episode eight and episode nine of “A.D., The Bible Continues,” demonstrating the unbiblical nature and anti-historical nature of much of the series.

Commentator Matt Walsh has a good article about Christians denying the existence of Satan, and the new “Charlie Charlie” game.

Some people can be great Bible scholars, but still can’t be trusted.  Craig Blomberg has a very low view of Scripture.  In the weekly email (6/4/15) from Midwest Christian Outreach apologetics ministry, L.L. (Don) Veinot said, “I suppose I am not overly surprised. When we reviewed his book, How Wide the Divide in our article, "Why the Divide?" where we learn from Craig Blomberg that Evangelicals and Mormons agree ‘The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one eternal God.’ A line from a Simon and Garfunkel song is echoing in my mind as I think about Blomberg's grasp on the Bible, ‘Slip slidin' away.’”  I read that book by Blomberg, and learned he really has no clue about Mormonism.

Another false prophecy by Benny Hinn as he seeks to enrich himself even more.

Finally, maybe you’ll be happy to know that heretic Creflo Dollar is going to get his jet anyway.  I’m sure the money will come from his “church” coffers anyway.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Wow, didn’t I just do this?!?!  So many things to be aware of, so many wolves among the sheep.

Erin Benziger has an interesting, short discussion about “life verses.”  It’s a fad that should never have started.  Elizabeth Prata then really digs into the subject!

A problem I have addressed quite often is the entertainment mentality behind worship services.  Mike Livingston writes about “The heresy of worshiptainment.”

I occasionally give examples of Scripture abuse, abuse which is done for a multitude of reasons and yet always for control by the person abusing it.  I have seen abuse of Scripture in some marriages where the husband is an overbearing, dictatorial martinet who rules with and iron hand and physical and/or emotional abuse.  So, I found this article rather interesting as it examines a particular passage often used against abuse victims.

Neil has a good lesson about proper understanding of the Word, and he gives some examples of commonly abused passages.

Should Christians be enjoying violent entertainment?  Personally, I don’t think ANY civilized human being should be enjoying violent entertainment.

I was pointed to this article about “lectio divina” and the spiritual formation movement.  Very interesting and informative.

“If you want to destroy your church, follow liberals advice”.  Who is the liberal?  Rachel Held Evans.

A Hat Tip to Elizabeth Prata for this article from August, about exercising “Moore” discernment.

As for more discernment being needed, look out for the new female prophetesses!  A direct result of the teachings of people like Henry Blackaby, Beth Moore, et al.

Just when you think you’ve heard everything, you get surprised with something like “Christian Swingers.”  That’s as oxymoronic as “Christian homosexuals.”  I have a real problem with Christian Today publishing this story as if it is an acceptable practice (no condemnation of it in the article), and especially with the fact that they published the link to their web site.  I went to the link, curious to see if they had a statement of faith or some mission statement or some biblical principle they were appealing to, only to be shocked at what came up!!!! 

Answers In Genesis continues their reviews of “A.D.”

If you have a bit over an hour to spare, listen to this interview with Robert Bowman about the teachings of the Word of Faith heresy.

Looking back to the Creflo Dollar $65 million corporate jet “need,” this article examines Dollar’s vast wealth and love of money.

Here’s  wolf in sheep’s clothing claiming the title of “pastor.”  He’s almost as bad as Fred Phelps!  He is an embarrassment to the Christian faith.

Perry Noble is again demonstrating why he is known as a false teacher.

Finally, some really good reasons [link gone by 3/6/16] why Christians should sing hymns.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

John MacArthur isn’t going to be a bit popular with those churches approving homosexuality and same-sex fake marriage; he says they are “satan’s church.”  I have to agree with him there!

Approving homosexuality is one of the “17 signs that your church is becoming secular.”

Along this line, should Christians ever attend a same-sex fake wedding?  Absolutely not!  On April 14th I posted a link to an article explaining why a wedding is different than anything else, and it was a good discussion as to why a Christian should never, ever attend the “wedding” of homosexual people.

Tony Campolo again proves that he is a false teacher—a wolf among the flocks.  He is asserting that Christians should vote for Hillary Clinton for President of the U.S.A.   First, being a member of the Democrat party, she agrees with their party platform of supporting the homosexual agenda (including same-sex fake marriage), unrestricted abortion, sexual immorality in general, theft (redistribution of wealth), etc.  Other than than, Mrs. Clinton is one of the most corrupt politicians in history, as recent events have demonstrated with the many scandals in which she is involved.  No Christian should give any approval for Mrs. Clinton’s political aspirations.  Campolo is a dangerous wolf in sheep’s clothing; a rank heretic whom I’ve previously exposed.

IHOP’s Mike Bickle is a false teacher, as I have noted several times in the past.  A new site I’ve come across exposes Bickle’s propensity for twisting Scripture to justify his teachings.

Rick Warren teamed up with Dr. Mehmet Oz for his “Daniel Program,” totally ignoring Dr. Oz’s theological beliefs.  Well, now even the secular world has exposed Oz as a quack, yet Warren has remained silent.  Another example as to why Warren is not a teacher anyone should be following.

Lindsay has a good, short commentary on an article by Bill Muehlenberg, which is about the apostate church and “dhimmitude.”  Thought-provoking.

Remember my last report about Creflo Dollar’s seeking money for a $65 million jet?  Well, he isn’t happy with his critics—he thinks he should be able to want it and no one should criticize him for it!

Another Roman Catholic educational institution is violating Catholic teachings by having a “transgender” activist to have a speaking platform.  Will those who approved this be excommunicated?  Don’t hold your breath.  The problem of sexual perversion being promoted among Catholic schools is becoming routine because no disciplinary action is taken.

Here’s an important alert:  The Berean from Bible Tools teaches heresy.  If you use Bible Tools, cease doing so immediately so as to preserve your spiritual health.

As if  we need more evidence as to why Roma Downey’s TV “Bible” specials should be avoided, you really need to see her latest idea—The Women of the Bible.  Her cast of characters is a regular who’s who of female false teachers.

Here’s a good article explaining the problem with shows like Downey’s “Son of God” series, as well as any depiction of Jesus.

Finally, Neil Simpson has a good article about the horrible abuse of Philippians 4:13.  It is indeed one of the most abused Scriptures.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

It is really impossible to keep up with so many false teachers and false teachings in the Church, so warning people about these things gets more and more difficult.  We really need lots of sheepdogs in the Church — the wolves are massing!

By now I’m sure you’ve all heard that Benny Hinn was hospitalized for some sort of heart trouble.  I guess he just doesn’t have enough faith in his own false teaching or else he wouldn’t be having health issues!  Um, hasn’t he said that it isn’t God’s will for people to be sick?  The man is a tool of satan.

“Speaking” of heretics, here is another article about Creflo Dollar and his desire to buy a $65 million jet.

Then we have the Disciples of Christ denomination joining in with the hysteria over Indiana’s new Religious Freedom Restoration Act (soon to be “fixed” to become the “Religious Freedom Destruction Act”); they are threatening to move their 2017 General Assembly out of Indiana.  I guess giving Christians (and others) the right to refuse to provide services for objectionable activities is just not Christ-like in their minds.  Of course that means they are worshiping a different Christ than the one of the Bible.

False teacher and heretic John Hagee is prophesying the end of the world this year, because, after all, the “blood moons” are a portent of horrible things.

I’ve mentioned problems with David Jeremiah in the past, but this man is really, really getting more and more apostate.  I wouldn’t go as far as Elizabeth in calling him a non-Christian, but I will say he is never to be trusted again.

Then there is another Word of Faith charismatic — Chuck Pierce.  This man actually thinks Glenn Beck is a “son in the Lord.”  Beck is a Mormon, and the god they worship is not the God of the Bible, so how can he be a “son in the Lord”?!?  Pierce thinks Beck has some sort of “mantle” from God to “change this nation.”

A brother Christian who reads this blog brought to my attention a “new” Bible version I hadn’t heard of yet: “A New New Testament.”  I took a look at what Amazon had to say about it, and learned it a very spiritually-dangerous creation of very liberal “theologians.”  Avoid it like deadly poison it is.

A few years back someone e-mailed me for information about the program, “Walk to Emmaus.”  I found that it is based on a Roman Catholic movement and was not something Christians should be involved with.  At that time I didn’t think about writing about it, and I wasn’t doing “Random” posts yet.  NOW, I’m alerting my readers to the spiritual danger of this program by directing you to this article at Lighthouse Trails Research Project blog.

Of course there are some Christian leaders who have no problem whatsoever with Roman Catholicism, and get angry at people who point out their error!  A perfect example is the director of the Manhattan Declaration.

In the same realm as the Manhattan Declaration is a more recent organization called, “City Mosaic.”  Their focus of unity is the false social gospel.

Elizabeth Prata has a good report about why we shouldn’t waste our time with Roma Downey’s new series, “A.D.”  It has very little to do with the truth of the Bible.

Lastly, there are “5 Reasons Your Church Should be Smaller.”  Mega-churches are appealing to popularity more than to the Bible.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Only a week has gone by and it’s already time for a “Random” post because so many things are happening — and I can only scratch the surface!

I guess it isn’t surprising that Christianity Today Astray has “whitewashed” Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood.  To them she is a hero because she was an advocate for birth control.  Yet Sanger was a eugenist and decried what she called “human weeds,” and was all for elimination of such “weeds” by forced sterilization.

On another note, Christianity Today Astray did get one commentary right; a Christian assembly’s view on marriage is a very good litmus test of their doctrinal soundness.  “In other words, by the time a Church legitimizes "same sex marriage", it has already ceased to be a Church. The shift on a biblical idea of God and his Word has already happened and the result is a people who have created God in their own image, and whom he has given over to themselves, so that they even approve of what is evil (Romans 1:32).”

Arch heretic Creflo Dollar is looking to purchase a HUGE corporate jet, a Gulfstream 650, to the tune of $65 million.  While he claims it is so he can work more effectively for Christ, it is really about traveling in the lavish style he is accustomed to.  As a Word of Faith con artist, his “ministry” is nothing more than a way of enriching himself.  Michael Brown explains why Creflo won’t be getting his money - nor mine!  (Of course to me the primary reason is because he teaches a false gospel which we don’t want spread anywhere!)

Lutheran Satire seems to have quite a few good videos making good points (too bad Lutheranism is much like Calvinism doctrinally, and also has false teachings such as baptismal regeneration and consubstantiation).  This one is right on target in regards to current “praise and worship” songs.  If you let it go to the next one, you’ll see a good satire about contemporary worship.  One of the best laughs I had is this one about Rob Bell — and any of his ilk!

Rachel Held Evans has left evangelical Christianity.  Hmmm.   By her teachings, there isn’t any evidence she was ever part of it.

Four characteristics of legalism warning; if you recognized these in your assembly, abandon the place!  (Disclaimer— I disagree with the author's recommendation of Phillip Yancey’s book — that is not a book for anyone looking for good teaching.)

Sola Sisters blog has another good article about Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” books.  BBBAAADDD stuff!

San Francisco’s largest megachurch has decided to allow as members non-repentant practitioners of homosexual behavior.  "If Jesus were the pastor of City Church, what would he say to the people who are asking if they can belong?" the pastor asks. "As we consider the life of Christ, his example of love, his call to embrace the outsider and cast down, and his patience with those earnestly seeking him, what is a Christ-like response?”  Ending the requirement for celibacy for gays "aligns with our existing core vision: the doors of this church are as wide as the arms of the Savior it proclaims," he adds. "We will no longer discriminate based on sexual orientation and demand lifelong celibacy as a precondition for joining. For all members, regardless of sexual orientation, we will continue to expect chastity in singleness until marriage," Harrell concludes.  Harrell seems to have a lack of understanding as to the reason for the local assembly.  The purpose of the local assembly is quite clear:  It is for the meeting of the body of Christ, not a place to evangelize.  It certainly is not a place for membership to be bestowed on unrepentant sinners!  What’s next — unrepentant adulterers?  What about unrepentant child molesters?  What did Jesus REALLY say — what would a real “Christ-like response” be?  “Go and sin no more!”

Elizabeth Prata’s blog post for yesterday included some good examples of apostasy in the church: 1) the internal rot of the Southern Baptist Convention continues unabated with another member church led by a woman pastor, 2) the election as a Baptist college president of an unrepentant practitioner of homosexual behavior, and 3) another Baptist college inviting a lesbian to speak.

Speaking of homosexuality-based apostasy in the Church at large, the very apostate PCUSA indeed decided to vote in a new definition of marriage in their “Book of Order” to include same-sex unions.  (They already decided that the “love of gays and lesbian couples is worth celebrating,” in total rebellion against God’s abhorrence of such sexual behavior.)  How can anyone in the PCUSA still claim to be Christian?!?  [Today I came across someone’s definition of PCUSA: Presbyterian Church (Unlimited State of Apostasy).  That pretty much sums them up.]

Easter is upon us and every aberrant, seeker-sensitive, and market-driven assembly will be looking for new ways to appeal to the flesh with their services — as well as advertisements for their services.   A perfect example from Southpointe Church.  (HT to the Museum of Idolatry)

It really gets discouraging to see all this nonsense invading the Church.  The tares are being deeply sowed among the wheat.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

As a follow-up to the Liberty University fiasco of having Glenn Beck teach Mormonism, Mormonism Research Ministry’s blog has a two part article explaining the problems with the incident.  Part 1 and part 2.

Rick Warren’s support for Roman Catholicism is nothing less than apostasy.

The Emergent/Emerging movement has also been playing around with Roman Catholic mystical teachings, including the heretical idea of the RCC’s Eucharist.

Lighthouse Trails Research has a good reference source for identifying organizations promoting the contemplative/mysticism movement.

The latest target of Tim Challies’ series on false teachers is Creflo Dollar.  He’s another of those wealthy Word of Faith teachers who have gotten rich off of suckering his followers.

James MacDonald has a book out, which Gary Gilley reviews, exposing MacDonald’s false teachings.  MacDonald has succumbed to the popularity cult.

About 2 1/2 years ago I wrote a series about how the psychology and psychiatry industry was diametrically opposed to Christianity.  Answers In Genesis has posted an excellent article, “A Christian Response to the Crisis in Psychiatry,” which I think is a good follow-up.

Arch-heretic Jim Wallis and his cronies have always claimed to be Christian while at the same time teaching opposite of what the Christian faith teaches.  Their primary focus has been on the “social gospel” and promoting every left-wing political agenda.  Now they’ve “come out” unabashedly as pro-homosexual.

Wallis and his ilk promote the idea that there can be such a thing as a “gay Christian.”  Answers In Genesis has a good response to this oxymoron.

With many “churches” succumbing to the homosexual agenda, it is important that we, as true Christians, continue to stand fast on the Word of God and what it says about homosexual behavior.  While some suggest that there can be a neutral stance, Albert Mohler explains why there is no “Third Way.”