Agglomeration

The Good - For Education and/or Edification

Great response to Beth Moore and her ilk.

Is It OK To Draw Kids To Church With Entertainment?

Was Mary Magdalene Far from or Near the Cross? A Case Study in Gospel Differences.

Who is your Jesus?

The current perversion of John 8:1-11. Scripture-twisting to prepare for.

Meet the Bereans.

Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?  Short answer —NO!

HMMMM

Has Tim Challies gone rogue?!?!

More Wolves and False Teachings

The Church without a name; the Two by Twos.

A whole collection of articles proving what a false teacher is Michael Brown.

Steven Furtick and his Elevation Church are from hell.

More wackiness with Bethel Redding. Bethel healing rooms are cancelled due to the coronavirus. I guess you don’t need any more proof than that to know Bethel is a hot bed of false teachers and heretics. And don’t forget that one of their cadre is false prophet/teacher Kris Vallotton, who is really going off the deep end.

Market-Driven/Seeker-Sensitive is NOT Biblical

A church fed on excitement is no New Testament church at all.  The desire for surface stimulation is a sure mark of the fallen nature, the very thing Christ died to deliver us from.

A.W. Tozer

Are You Violating the Spirit of the Law?

When we watch sex on the silver screen, we are asking unbelievers to behave in ways we would never tolerate among ourselves. Yet we tolerate it so we can enjoy entertainment we otherwise couldn’t enjoy. We outsource our depravity so we can live within the letter of the law, even while violating the spirit.

Tim Challies, Sex on the Silver Screen – Outsourcing Depravity

Good, Bad, and Ugly

Lots of stuff coming across my computer this week, so I need to get it out before it gets too overwhelming!

The Good:

Follow-up about watching “Game of Thrones.”  I can’t understand the mentality of those who responded to the previous post.

No, reading the Bible is NOT equivalent to watching “Game of Thrones.”

Sin is NOT all the same.

Loving your neighbor.

Did Jesus visit other parts of the world?

Questions for KJV Onlyers — part 1.  Parts 2 and 3 are linked to at the bottom of the article.

Why you shouldn’t wear a crucifix.

Same-sex attraction is sinful.

The Nashville Statement — you’ll need to read this to understand some “ugly” articles below.  A good commentary on how unbelievers are responding.

The Bad:

Another reason to avoid Michael Brown. He seems to have absolutely NO discernment.

A wee bit of humor about heretics Kenneth and Gloria Copeland not stopping Hurricane Harvey.

IHOP Warning — the place is a cult with lots of false teachers.

Awana is going farther down the road to apostasy.  

The Ugly:

Christianity in the U.K. is spiraling into total apostasy.

“Transgender” heresy.  There is no such thing as “transgender” — one is born either male or female and no amount of surgical mutilation or hormones will change that.  Parents pushing that agenda on their children should be charged with child abuse.

An example of all that is wrong with Jen Hatmaker.  She continues to prove she is not a real Christian.  A lot of people are like her in regards to this subject — I saw it on the Internet.

Perry Noble — need I say more?

Talk Back to the Media

If you just let the modern media soak into your mind without exercising biblical discernment, your mind will be turned to mush (morally as well as intellectually).  So when you watch, read, or listen to anything, Christian or non-Christian, your brain should be in gear, not in neutral.  You need to be interacting with the material in that art form in a manner that is illustrated by the phrase “talking back to your TV.”  Talk back to your music, talk back to your books, talk back to the movie screen—not out loud (though sometimes that might be appropriate!), but in your heart and mind.  And when you see or hear something good, make a note of the truth that is communicated or illustrated.  When you see or hear something bad, make a note of how and why it displeases God, and think about why you should not believe or practice it.  This way you will be “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5), rather than allowing your mind to be captured by the deceptive and destructive ideas of the enemy.

Dave Swavely, Who Are You To Judge?, pg.140-141

Interesting Miscellany

A job description for the music minister.

Myths of what is loving vs unloving.  Now apply this understanding to the claims of Nicholas Wolterstorff.

What are some of the dangers of apologetics?  Good article.

Isaiah 29:11-12: Does it point to Mohammed or Joseph Smith?  Of course not.

Is it okay to celebrate extra-biblical Christian holidays, such as Christmas and Easter?  As I’ve said all along, YES it is.

What do you tell your children about Santa?  That he’s just a fun fairy tale!

I have this booklet on my shelf, and someone pointed to the internet version so I’m sharing it.  It demonstrates that abuse is a biblical reason for divorce.

What is included in sexual sin?

The bondage to sin from the entertainment industry.

Is It Sinful to Use Profanity?  I wrote a post addressing this issue four years ago.

Entertainers in the Church?

The World is Becoming Governed by Feelings

There are so many people who are governed entirely by their feelings and they do not want to use their minds and their brains.  Even in a religious service they just want happiness and enjoyment.  They want to have a good time, as they call it, to get excited, to work themselves up by singing hymns and songs and choruses, and to keep on repeating and repeating until they are in a state of mental intoxication.  They do not want to be made to think.  Life is hard enough as it is, they say, without having to struggle with this thought and that, so let us have more singing and less preaching and so on.  Feelings!  Just a riot of enjoyment — that is a foolish person.  Do you see the relevance of all this to the state of the church today?  It does not matter how crowded your churches are in whatever country you belong to.  What I want to know is, what happens when the crowd gets there?  How is the time spent?  And, alas, one sees and hears more and more music and entertainment and less and less of teaching and doctrine and true understanding.  That is one of the characteristics of folly.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Darkness and Light: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:17-5:17,” pg. 145

Entertainment Is For the Immature

The child likes entertainment.  This was true of all of us in childhood. The child tends to have a secret antagonism even to its own parents, if they are parents worthy of the name, because they exercise discipline. …

Unfortunately, this tends to be true of us as Christians.  I have sometimes thought that one of the first problems and trials a young pastor has to meet is due to this very thing, that he has to accommodate himself to the fact that so many Christian people display this characteristic of childhood.  They like a change; anything as long as it is different; change and novelty and newness, and especially the craving for the element of entertainment and excitement.  How much more enjoyable it is to be entertained than to go through the drudgery of a lesson!  If you keep you eye on the religious periodicals and their advertisements and apply this teaching of the Apostle you will understand what I mean.  The unusual, especially if it has the element of entertainment and excitement, is clearly that which is most popular.  That is a clear indication of the child outlook and mentality.  The Apostle is concerned to impress this on the minds of the Ephesians, because if they did not realize it and understand it, they would never grow out of it.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1-16,” pg.229

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

What’s with church “karaoke”?  This is something I have experienced in several churches I’ve either attended (including the current one) or visited.  It can be a CD playing music for the choir to sing to or, more often, a soloist (sometimes duet) with a CD playing not only the music but also background singers!!  These become nothing more than performances and are always treated as such as the congregation applauds!  (I will never applaud anyone singing in church.)   Almost as annoying is when the song leader decides to have only the men sing a verse and then the women sing a verse with all singing the chorus.  Why oh why?!?!

Steven Furtick and T.D. Jakes — two peas in a pod.   Nasty wolves.  Are they both heretics?  Yes.

The following was written by L.L. (Don) Veinot, Jr.,  President,  Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc., in The Crux e-letter, 12/3/15 

We raising mission support can be difficult and at times cause the missionary to question their calling. This is especially true we see how well false teachers are paid to operate within the church. In the World Magazine article, "Management mania" about Teen Mania Ministries we find out that they paid Oneness Pentecostal, T.D. Jakes for one talk:

- $100,000.00 For A 50- minute speech
- $21,000.00 For a private jet
- $4,000.00 to stay two nights at the Ritz Carlton
- $10,000.00 For imported flowers, chocolates, gifts, etc,....
- Two Cadillac Escalade Limousine

In a way it reminds me of something Dr. Norman Geisler once said. He was talking about New Ager Shirley McLaine who put on weekend conferences for $300.00 where she told those who attend that they are god. Geisler said you would go to her conference and for $300.00 she will tell you you are god or you can go to his conference and for $10.00 he will tell you that you are a sinner. "You get what you pay for" he quipped. Yes, false teaching is profitable in this life but it will leave its followers in spiritual bankruptcy in eternity.

Interesting article exposing some of the inside workings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Twenty years ago pastor Gary Gilley wrote a 3-part series examine spiritual warfare from a biblical viewpoint and from the false teachings of people such as Neil Anderson, C.F. Dickason, Mark Bubeck, et al.  I’ve had the printouts in my file and recently discovered them, and decided I should point out the series to my readers because they are an excellent resource.  Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

How about instead of getting our kids hooked on “Christian” video games, we not get them hooked on ANY video games!  These are time wasters, as well as money wasters.  Give children games which develop their imaginations and keep them away from the video idol.  Calling it “Christian” doesn’t make it so.

False teacher list —  wolves to stay away from!

Christianity Today Astray says legal abortion isn’t murder.  Gee, according to my dictionary, abortion, legal or not, fits the definition of murder.

Until next time, remember that they walk among us.  Learn to recognize them.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

A Warning to Shepherds Who Mislead the Sheep

Contrary to the teachings of Jonathan Cahn and his ilk, America is NOT the new Israel.

Steve Bricker has a good analysis of a blog post by false teacher Jen Hatmaker.  This woman really needs to learn what the Bible says rather than what she wants it to say.

Tim Keller seems to forget that we had a reformation, as he promotes Roman Catholicism.  I’d say anyone who promotes the RCC is a false teacher, wouldn’t you?

Roman Catholics really have no right to claim apostolic succession, infallibility of teaching or anything else related to Christianity as long as so many of their private schools promote ungodly teachings.  I have posted TOO MANY of these examples on this blog.

Of course the Roman Catholic Church continues to meddle in politics to force the world to accept their social gospel message, this time by supporting the false “climate change” narrative.  More proof that the RCC does NOT represent God.

The Greek Orthodox Church is demonstrating their own apostasy

An excellent review of the latest Beth Moore Simulcast event, demonstrating more reasons why Beth Moore is a false teacher who needs to be avoided.  This is followed up by a companion article about Beth’s issue of romancing Jesus, along with the whole “Jesus is my boyfriend” theology.

John MacArthur explains why women are not to be teachers or leaders in the assembly.

Way too many “Christians” are looking for a “Donut Church.”  Their site really makes some good points about today’s apostate church.

This is what happens when you make a woman a bishop.

A good examination of the problems with the Catholic Mary.  Not as detailed as my article on the subject, but certainly a great summation.

A PCUSA heretic, Mark Sandlin, has gotten to the point of virtually worshipping abortion, and lies about what the Bible, early Christians, and even science say about the unborn child.  If you have to lie to support your ideology, that should say something about how false it is.

Destructive trends in the church.  HT to Elizabeth.

I just this week learned of a new Bible translation, the “Modern English Version.”  Supposedly just an update of the KJV with modern English.  So what is the point?  Another way to make money off of God’s Word?  A new “KJV Only” prop?  Or developed for a niche group (endorsements seem to be from charismatic people)?  And don’t we already have an updated language version of the KJV — the KJVER — for the KJV only folks (although some KJVOs don't like it because it isn't "real" KJV)?  Why do we need another translation when we have good, accurate, formal translations already?

Finally, it is really good to hear of a pastor who stands his ground on the Word of God.  If only more would do so.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Breaking news yesterday is that the Episcopal Church has finally quit pretending they are Christian and have totally thumbed their collective noses at God by developing a genderless “marriage” ceremony.  If real Christians attend this denomination, explain why you haven’t left the Episcopal denomination years ago.

The “Christian” Left is getting creepier and creepier as Satan feeds them their daily food.  Can you imagine Jesus telling children that they should be glad their siblings were aborted?!?

Sam Storms is one of those false teachers I’ve heard about in the past, but haven’t heard anything about him for years.  I guess I just don’t fly in the right circles.  Well, last week I came across this article examining a book by Storms; I agree with the reviewer that this book can’t be recommended.

Joel Osteen just loves Muslims — as Muslims.  Shouldn’t Christians love Muslims to where they want to teach them the Gospel??  What can you expect from a man who says he worships the same god as do Mormons?

Well, aren’t we lucky; “Of Kings and Prophets” has been pulled from the fall TV schedule.  At least it will be a while before this misrepresentation of the Bible is aired.

I am currently reading and reviewing a book which I was asked to comment on (I’ll reserve the title and review for another time), and the author really goads me by his continual reference to M. Scott Peck as an authority on biblical matters.  I’ve read about Peck in the past and know he is not to be trusted with the Bible, so this immediately lowers my opinion of the author’s credibility.  For those unfamiliar with his name, I decided to link to an article about him, which is a good primer for more research when necessary.  His teachings certainly are not Christian.

Answers in Genesis has posted a commentary on the final episode of “A.D.: The Bible Continues.”

Too many people who call themselves Christians have been praising the latest travesty of justice by the Supreme Court.  Of course these same people have supported same-sex fake marriages or “civil unions” since they began.  Here are 40 questions these people need to answer.

With this finding a right to redefine marriage, the Supreme Court has made it clear that Christians can be persecuted by the homosexualists more than they have been previously.  We can certainly expect the false believers to show themselves more plainly.  So what do we true believers do now?

Bill Gothard still refuses to repent of his sins.  He seems to believe he is above criticism.

From Mike Gendron’s “Proclaiming the Gospel” ministry, we have this interesting item about Roman Catholic leadership in Milwaukee:  “In the spirit of unity and charity, the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee is encouraging Catholics to pray for their Muslim brothers and sisters during the holy month of Ramadan. They are instructed to pray that the Muslims' fasting and almsgiving will be pleasing to God, and that they may be enriched by their reading of the Qur’an.”  How can Muslims praying to a false god ever please the true God?  And since when are Christians to be in unity with Muslims in regards to religion?!?

Time as we know it is coming to an end.

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

Hello ladies and gents!  It’s that time again to highlight recent news about false teachings in the Church.

Answers in Genesis continues to provide reviews of that revisionist history TV series, “A.D., The Bible Continues.”   Episode 10 has some of the most ridiculous stuff yet!  Not much better is Episode 11. This abuse of Scripture — and history — in this series is inexcusable.

AIG also reports on another upcoming TV show which is sure to abuse the Bible and history, Of Kings and Prophets.

“Bono” from the “Christian” band U2 professes to be a Christian, but the evidence suggests otherwise.  Be careful what you fill your mind with and who you let teach you — even through music.

Catholics decided that Mexico must be full of demons which need exorcising — all because of Mexico’s new law for same-sex fake marriage.  So why haven’t they tried exorcising demons from the many states in the US which have legalized this fraud?  Actually, Rome needs to exorcise itself!  Most amusing is that even the “gay” news points out the ineffectiveness of Roman Catholic exorcisms.

Speaking of Roman Catholicism, now the pope has jumped on the “climate change” bandwagon.  It’s not important that science doesn’t support it (demonstrated by the Catholic position on evolutionism), rather it is important because the pope wants to be like the world and promote the false social gospel.  Oh, and if you want to use air-conditioning, well you are just part of the problem.

Of course part of the whole social gospel is the end of wars — and impossibility.   Well the pope has declared that those who make weapons cannot call themselves Christians.  For some reason he has decided that Christians should have nothing to do with weapons regardless of what the Bible says.  Ah, but how does this go along with his complaint about the allies not bombing [link gone by 7/14/18] the railroad lines to Auschwitz?  Can he spell, “H I P O C R I S Y”?!?  And yet Catholics follow him as if he speaks for God.

The Church of England has brought much trouble on itself because of its apostasy.  Now they are being sued [link gone by 7/14/18] for denying permission for a homosexual to serve in public ministry because he “married” his partner.   Once the Anglican Church approved of homosexuality, they really have no logical reason to deny the end result.

Hey, Joel Osteen has stated that President Obama is a Christian!  I guess that settles the question, doesn’t it?  Um, nope.  Obama is doing his best to legally persecute Christians and the Christian faith, promotes the homosexual agenda, thinks abortion is just grand, promotes theft, and has no respect for the rule of law.  Just to mention a few things.  If Osteen himself was a Christian, he would know better.  Remember, this is the guy who said Mormons worship the same God as do Christians.

There is nothing at all wrong with a church — or any building — having restrooms which aren’t limited to either male or female.  They usually just have a sign on them showing a man and a woman with a line between them, and they are a single person unit which may or may not have a urinal and women’s products — I’ve been in many.   But this is not the same thing as deciding to make an “all gender restroom” so as to pander to those who claim to be of the opposite sex from what they really are.  And when your church is a haven for “transgender” people, then I guess it’s natural to help promote their agenda.  Just don’t pretend to be a Christian assembly.

Do you want some false doctrine in your life?  It’s quite easy to do.