Do Not Allow Heretics to Use Scripture, and Do Not Continue Discussion With Them

They put forward the Scriptures, and by this insolence of theirs they at once influence some. In the encounter itself, however, they weary the strong, they catch the weak, and dismiss waverers with a doubt. Accordingly, we oppose to them this step above, all others, of not admitting them to any discussion of the Scriptures.

If in these lie their resources, before they can use them, it ought to be clearly seen to whom belongs the possession of the Scriptures, that none may be admitted to the use thereof who has no title at all to the privilege.

I might be thought to have laid down this position to remedy distrust in my case, or from a desire of entering on the contest in some other way, were there not reasons on my side, especially this, that our faith owes deference to the apostle, who forbids us to enter on “questions,” or to lend our ears to new-fangled statements, or to consort with a heretic “after the first and second admonition,” not, (be it observed,) after discussion. Discussion he has inhibited in this way, by designating admonition as the purpose of dealing with a heretic, and the first one too, because he is not a Christian; in order that he might not, after the manner of a Christian, seem to require correction again and again, and “before two or three witnesses,” seeing that he ought to be corrected, for the very reason that he is not to be disputed with; and in the next place, because a controversy over the Scriptures can, clearly, produce no other effect than help to upset either the stomach or the brain.

Tertullian, “On Prescription Against Heretics,” Chapters XV, XVI

Some Good Stuff to Read

Here is another collection of articles which I’ve read recently which I felt would be good to pass along.  May you find them informative and edifying.

Did Judas receive the bread and the cup?

Understanding Biblical Modesty.

A good history of the charismatic movement by Gary Gilley.  This is followed by “Doctrinal Distinctives of the Charismatic Movement,” part 1 and part 2.

Gilley also has an excellent 4-part series on “The Afterlife.”  Part 1, part 2, part 3, and part 4.  I think you’ll find them very interesting.

Was the Holy Spirit present on earth before Pentecost?

Why extra-biblical writings attributed to James aren’t reliable.

That should be enough reading for today!

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

This week I had a young lady ask me what I thought about Becky Tirabassi’s teachings; having never heard of her before, I started the “Google” thing.  This is my summation:

Her church is one of those “market-driven” types which has lots of programs.  Classes I read about are sort of “me” focussed, with some on “spiritual disciplines” which usually means mysticism, such as the emergent church movement.  In fact, the church just might be emergent, since they do not state their doctrine.  And I’d really like to know what a “pastor of assimilation” does (staff member)!

Becky violates Scripture by being a pastor—co-pastor with her husband.  That is a bad setup from the get-go.  From reading about her on the Internet, a lot of her teachings seem to appeal to emotions, especially with a lot of pop-psychology.  And her close association with Joyce Meyer — who is a rank heretic — is very concerning.  She talks a lot about having “as much of the Holy Spirit as you want,” but we can’t have any more H.S. than He who lives in us.  That is a favorite claim of charismatics - you just need “more” of the Holy Spirit.

Becky might have some good teachings (as does Beth Moore), but I wouldn’t trust her at all.

Speaking of Beth Moore, she is  Adorable and Dangerous.   She has more false claims of revelation from God, and she narcigetes herself [link gone by 7/18/18] into Acts 16:14.  How bad can she get?!?!

The sometimes questionable issues with Kay Arthur.

HT to Erin at Do Not Be Surprised… for the next two items:

False teachers are now getting another venue to spread their lies — on Netflix.

Mark Driscoll, who has been proven to be unqualified to be a pastor, is now starting a new church in Phoenix.  I guess he needs more people to abuse.

Defusing Demonic Dirty Bombs

It’s that time of the year for seeker-sensitive false churches to bring out the sex and sensuality for their “sermons.”

Does the Bible really say we’re not to judge? Marsha West has an excellent article addressing this subject.  Of course anyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows my answer to the question.  As I noted on Marsha’s article, “If I had dollar for every time someone asked me if I confronted the accused false teacher IAW Matt. 18:15-17, I could take a cruise to Scotland!”

Doug Evans has an excellent article exposing Rick Joyner as a false prophet, let alone a false teacher!

Alec Satin has a great article about the Catholic practice of praying the rosary.

“The Passion Translation” is as bad as “The Message.”  Neither one are Bibles — just pretend Bibles pushing agendas.  Just like the cult versions.

Another example proving that the NAR people are bloviating false prophets.

Now that I’ve broached the subject of the NAR, here is a great collection of articles about the New Apostolic Reformation and all its false teachings.  These people are dangerous to the REAL Christian faith.

And, finally for today, Gary Gilley has good examinations of the “Toronto Blessing” and its offspring, the Brownsville Revival.  These circuses were nothing less than demonic.

The Gospel In A Nutshell

Now, with regard to this rule of faith—that we may from this point acknowledge what it is which we defend—it is, you must know, that which prescribes the belief that there is one only God, and that He is none other than the Creator of the world, who produced all things out of nothing through His own Word, first of all sent forth; that this Word is called His Son, and, under the name of God, was seen “in diverse manners” by the patriarchs, heard at all times in the prophets, at last brought down by the Spirit and Power of the Father into the Virgin Mary, was made flesh in her womb, and, being born of her, went forth as Jesus Christ; thenceforth He preached the new law and the new promise of the kingdom of heaven, worked miracles; having been crucified, He rose again the third day; (then) having ascended into the heavens, He sat at the right hand of the Father; sent instead of Himself the Power of the Holy Ghost to lead such as believe; will come with glory to take the saints to the enjoyment of everlasting life and of the heavenly promises, and to condemn the wicked to everlasting fire, after the resurrection of both these classes shall have happened, together with the restoration of their flesh. This rule, as it will be proved, was taught by Christ, and raises amongst ourselves no other questions than those which heresies introduce, and which make men heretics.

Tertullian, “On Prescription Against Heretics,” Chapter XIIl

You Can’t Get Instruction From That Which Destroys

No man gets instruction from that which tends to destruction. No man receives illumination from a quarter where all is darkness. Let our “seeking,” therefore be in that which is our own, and from those who are our own, and concerning that which is our own,—that, and only that, which can become an object of inquiry without impairing the rule of faith.

Tertullian, “On Prescription Against Heretics,” Chapter XII

Who Are the Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing?

The Lord teaches us that many “ravening wolves shall come in sheep’s clothing.” Now, what are these sheep’s clothing’s, but the external surface of the Christian profession? Who are the ravening wolves but those deceitful senses and spirits which are lurking within to waste the flock of Christ? Who are the false prophets but deceptive predictors of the future? Who are the false apostles but the preachers of a spurious gospel?  Who also are the Antichrists, both now and evermore, but the men who rebel against Christ? Heresies, at the present time, will no less rend the church by their perversion of doctrine, than will Antichrist persecute her at that day by the cruelty of his attacks, except that persecution make seven martyrs, (but) heresy only apostates. And therefore “heresies must needs be in order that they which are approved might be made manifest, both those who remained stedfast under persecution, and those who did not wander out of their way into heresy.”

Tertullian, “On Prescription Against Heretics,” Chapter IV

True Faith

Opinions or the Word?

The reason for so much of the conflict throughout the church at the present time is that people are fighting over their opinions.  It is not a matter of opinion, yours or mine.  It is what God says that matters.  The basis for our thinking should be the principles from His Word.  They must determine our actions.  To understand this, we must also appreciate that Genesis is foundational to the entire Christian philosophy.  One major difficulty in our churches is that many people do not trust Genesis.  Consequently, they do not know what else in the Bible to trust.  They treat the Bible as an interesting book containing some vague sort of religious truth.  This view is destroying the church and our society. and it is time religious leaders wake up to the fact.  Not to take Genesis 1 through 11 literally is to do violence to the rest of Scripture.

Ken Ham, “The Lie,” pg. 53

Random Aberrations, Apostasies, and Heresies

“Churches” are getting more and more bizarre every day.

The cult of homosexuality is invading so many churches, and so many Christians have been brainwashed into the idea of “acceptance,” that too many people have never really been told the truth about what God says about homosexuality.  I wrote an article five years ago in which I demonstrated conclusively from Scripture that homosexual behavior is NEVER acceptable to God.  Too many Christian leaders, though, are trying to justify this sin when they should be calling for repentance.

More proof of the cultic nature of the Church of Christ.

Chapter 3 Ministries has part 2 of her review of Beth Moore’s September “Living Proof Live Simulcast.”  Along with this, Pirate Christian radio analyzes Moore’s teachings, allowing you to actually hear what Beth is saying — and it isn’t pretty!

A good examination of the charismatic “hedge of protection.”

The Jehovah’s Witnesses have always had a very bizarre, aberrational, and heretical view of Creation.  Their day=epoch teaching, trying to fit in evolution, is totally unbiblical and scientifically untenable.

Rick Joyner is another false teacher — a ravening wolf in sheep’s clothing — who is really, really dangerous!  Just look at the spiritual damage to the people of his “church.”

Here’s an example of why C. Peter Wagner is another false prophet wolf.

I finally finished an arduous job of making A Reference Blog post of Links for Latter-day Saints Research.  If you are seeking information on Mormons, go here before Googling.  Don’t forget — I also have my own blog exposing Mormonism.

Doug Evans has an excellent article about Roman Catholicism and the road to ecumenicism.

Stop snuggling the wolves.

Oh, my!  It’s hard to comment on this — a church actually accepted this as a conversion testimony!?!?!?!

If you have not been previously convinced that Steven Furtick is a false teacher, you need to take a look at this evidence.

Pastors, protect the women in your congregation.

Fred Butler continues his review of Which Bible Would Jesus Use?

You shall know them by their fruits.  Matthew 7:16, an abused Scripture.

Joel Osteen’s “new age” teachings are in line with many others who seem to think they are God.

Lastly, the Watchman Fellowship has a new profile out on Tibetan Buddhism.

History of the Church of Christ

Due to a request by two of my readers I am posting this history of the Church of Christ.  I wrote this as a section of an introductory apologetics course for home-school high schoolers. I previously posted, also from this section, an article about the cultic doctrines of the Church of Christ.  This history is, by necessity of brevity, not an in-depth examination.  I hope you find it interesting as well as informative.  (One bit of editing from my course is my usual tradition on this blog of using blue for quotations so as to bring attention to them as not being my writing.)

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Another group emerging from the restoration movement of the early 1800s, and in fact considered a central core of the movement, were the churches established by Barton Stone, Walter Scott, and Thomas and Alexander Campbell.  As a matter of fact, in the same way Calvinist churches have claimed the title of being “Reformed” churches, even though other groups were involved in the Reformation, the Stone-Campbell-Scott churches of today claim the title of being “Restoration” churches for themselves, even though other churches came out of that movement. (This group should not be confused with the United Church of Christ, which originated as a merger of four other groups in the 20^th century - and is now one of the most liberal church denominations.)

Stone, Scott and the Campbells started individual movements which merged based on their common beliefs.  “The major development of this movement occurred between 1823 and the deaths of its founders (Barton Stone, 1844; Walter Scott, 1861; and Alexander Campbell, 1866).”  (Craig Branch, “The Stone-Campbell-Scott Movement,” Areopagus Journal, Vol. 9, No.5, p.9)  As with the LDS and SDA, the premise of this movement was that the church was in total apostasy and needed restoration.

“A common name for the members of these churches used by detractors is ‘Campbellites.’  Criticism from evangelicals regarding most of these churches is certainly justified because they have perpetuated a ‘different gospel’ (Gal. 1:6-9) and numerous other heresies.  Among their errors is their belief that all other churches, even evangelicals, are false or apostate.” (Branch, p. 9)

The movement got its start with Barton Stone, a Presbyterian minister who struggled with Calvinist doctrines and with the doctrine of the Trinity.  He was ordained in 1798, and in 1801 traveled to Cane Ridge, KY to witness a revival, and where he participated with Baptists and Methodists.  That August, after spending the previous two months organizing revivals, Stone held what was later called the “Cane Ridge Meeting,” which supposedly claimed thousands of conversions.

  

Stone left the Presbytery in 1803, and was later baptized by immersion “for the forgiveness of sins.”  “He led a group of Presbyterians out of their denomination to pursue the ideal of being ‘Christians only.’  This idea appealed to many in other churches and a movement began.”  (Branch, p. 10-11)

A few years later Thomas Campbell, also a Presbyterian minister, came to Pennsylvania from Ireland and preached the unity of all Christians.  His son Alexander soon joined him and ended up being an itinerant preacher in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.  The Campbells said to do away with the early church creeds and have nothing in the church older than the New Testament.  Since infant baptism was one of the things added to the church, the Campbells were re-baptized by immersion in 1812.

  

The Campbells met with Stone in 1824 and they learned each other had the same general ideas of doctrine.  In 1831 most of Stone’s followers joined the Campbellites.

Walter Scott was also raised as a Presbyterian, “but upon arriving in New York from Scotland, he became influenced by George Forrester.”  (Branch, p.11)  Forrester was among a Scottish group seeking to “restore” the New Testament church.  In 1821, Scott “came to believe that baptism was not merely an ordinance or ritual, but a decision of the penitent to release God to wash away our sins - a formal remission.”  (Branch, p.11)

The Campbells met with Scott in 1821.  Five years later Scott attended a Campbellite meeting, and the following year the Campbells asked Scott to be their evangelist.  Scott’s preaching eventually brought in more than 3000 converts over the next few years.

The Campbellites adopted the name “Disciples of Christ” for their congregation.  Stone’s group were known as “Christians,” or “Christian Church.”  The two merging groups, Campbells’ and Stone’s, used either name for their churches.  In 1832 Scott’s group joined both the Campbellite and Stone communities, although about half of Stone’s group didn’t agree with Campbellite teachings on baptismal regeneration and did not join with them. 

The Campbells desired to see a unity of the various denominations based around the Scripture, and to eliminate all man-made creeds.  Their motto was, “Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent.”  

An early cause of division was the doctrine of the Trinity.  Barton Stone determined the doctrine was man-made, and that the Holy Spirit was “the power of force of God.”  “This legacy has had an impact on many Churches of Christ today.  It is not unusual to encounter members who basically hold a view that the Holy Spirit and the Bible are inseparably linked.  The only time the Holy Spirit is present is when the Bible is opened and read.  It is almost like a genie in the bottle.  When the Bible is closed, the Holy Spirit returns to the Bible.”  (Branch, p.12)

The influence of “higher criticism” and other liberal teachings affected the “Restoration” churches in the same way it affected other Protestant churches, causing division among the assemblies.  The more liberal group wanted to use instrumental music in worship and allow missionary societies, and were subscribing to theistic evolution, among other issues.  In 1906 the conservative dissenters formed the “Churches of Christ,” while the “progressives” became known as “Disciples of Christ.”  

The Disciples began emphasizing denominational authority over local autonomy, and became increasingly liberal in their theology and practice, so in 1927 the more conservative members of the Disciples separated to form the North American Christian Convention, a separate fellowship of Churches of Christ and Christian Churches.  “The new convention was not to be a policy-making assembly that had authority over the local churches, but rather was a gathering for preaching, teaching, and good fellowship.  The new convention took a strong stand against all forms of liberalism and sought to defend fundamentalist beliefs.”  (Ron Rhodes, The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations, p. 119)

The Disciples of Christ organized in 1968 as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  While still holding to some of the legalistic teachings of the Restoration movement, the Disciples are more orthodox, albeit with some liberal understandings of Scripture and Christ, and we will follow them no further.

The current churches continuing the Stone-Campbell-Scott “Restoration Movement” usually go by the names “Christian Church” or “Church of Christ.”  This can be confusing because the Churches of Christ which formed in 1906 is not the same as the North American Convention branch known as Churches of Christ and Christian Churches.  The Churches of Christ of the 1906 separation have no conventions, no denomination headquarters, no conferences, etc.  Nevertheless, the ancestry of both groups is the same prior to 1906, with few differences in doctrine, and since 2006 there has been a move to reunite these two groups.  Our main focus in this section, however, is only on the Church of Christ.

A significant split is the International Church of Christ, which is a cult sect.  This sect originated with Chuck Lucas, pastor of the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainesville, FL in 1967.  Lucas saw that aggressive evangelistic groups like Campus Crusade, and discipleship groups like the Navigators, had great success, so he combined the ideas of both with the legalistic practices of the Church of Christ and his church began to grow.  “One of Lucas’s leaders was Kip McKean… In 1975 McKean and his wife, Elena, moved to a suburb of Boston and began a very aggressive and demanding program.  It was named the Boston Church of Christ.  The traditional Church of Christ legalism coupled with the high demand, close accountability structure and use of guilt and manipulation, produced an abusive, mind and life controlling cult.  After its first ten years of existence, the Boston Church of Christ with its church plants and world missions numbered 25,000 members.  Their primary focus was on college campuses.”  (Branch, p. 13)  Since most of the traditional Churches of Christ condemned McKean and his movement, McKean broke off association with them in 1993 and changed the name of his group to the International Church of Christ.  This cult itself has broken into factions and McKean left the leadership of the original group in 2001 only to later start up another group in California under the same name in 2007.  Since this cult group is not recognized by the Churches of Christ, we will not study this group any further.

A current description of the Churches of Christ is this one found on the Internet:  “Following the plan of organization found in the New Testament, churches of Christ are autonomous.  Their common faith in the Bible and adherence to its teachings are the chief ties which bind them together.  There is no central headquarters of the church, and no organization superior to the elders of each local congregation.  Congregations do cooperate voluntarily in supporting the orphans and the aged, in preaching the gospel in new fields, and in other similar works.  Members of the church of Christ conduct forty colleges and secondary schools, as well as seventy-five orphanages and homes for the aged.  There are approximately 40 magazines and other periodicals published by individual members of the church.  A nationwide radio and television program, known as "The Herald of Truth" is sponsored by the Highland Avenue church in Abilene, Texas.  Much of its annual budget of $1,200,000 is contributed on a free-will basis by other churches of Christ. The radio program is currently heard on more than 800 radio stations, while the television program is now appearing on more than 150 stations.  Another extensive radio effort known as "World Radio" owns a network of 28 stations in Brazil alone, and is operating effectively in the United States and a number of other foreign countries, and is being produced in 14 languages. An extensive advertising program in leading national magazines began in November 1955.”  (Batsell Barrett Baxter, Who are the churches of Christ and what do they believe in? )

Craig Branch sums up the problem with the Churches of Christ:  “The various Stone-Campbell-Scott Movement churches (denominations) exist all over the U.S. and in many foreign countries, with members totaling between three and four million.  A large majority of these members have embraced a false, legalistic gospel and are deceiving many others.  Fortunately, there have been some positive developments in recent years including the recent conversion of some Churches of Christ into the evangelical mainstream… Also there is a group of Restoration Movement pastors and teachers at their numerous Bible colleges who have recently formed a subgroup within the Evangelical Theological Society and continue to interact with evangelical scholars.”  (p.10)