Discernment - Truth Offends

There are many people wittingly or unwittingly bringing error and heresy into the church.
Some of them have conferences that people are encouraged to attend or stream into the church.
There are times when a lot of truth is taught, and yet a little poison can do much damage.
They can be men or women.

Christians need to be discerning, and we need to know the Scriptures to be able to examine what we hear to see - whether these things are so.
Sometimes some thing may sound wise or even Scriptural when you look at a verse or two, but then we still need to look at ALL of the Scriptures.
It is easy to be fooled, and some people teach in ambiguous terminology that can even confuse me as to their meaning.

There are some people who call people heretics when the people accused are teaching Biblical truth, so how do we know who is telling the truth?
We need to know essential Bible doctrines.

People can be at different levels of spiritual growth, so we should try to show grace to those who may truly be Christians while still warning of the error.
Even then, people may shun us or block us on social media.
It should be the truth that offends rather than our rudeness.
We need to remember that we did not always have as much Biblical knowledge as we might now, and we still have plenty of room for spiritual growth and Biblical study.

I'm concerned that some of my best online friends might shun me for often being unable to make it to church anymore (due to different health issues) ... and not having a local church that I feel I can join even for the times I do make it.
I get discouraged about these things, because I want to obey God.
I want to be able to go to church, and it makes me cry sometimes when I'm not feeling up to even going to any church.
When I do go, I have been struggling to even make it through the service.
I am blessed with streaming Biblical churches online, but it is hard to not have more.
I am blessed by online fellowship, since I'm unable to get much in person.
So, we need to be careful before making blanket statements about individuals.


Three articles on discernment that I recommend:

1.   Discernment: Spiritual Survival for a Church in Crisis  - GTY

2.   False Teachers & Deadly Doctrines - Tim Challies

3.   7 False Teachers In The Church Today - Tim Challies

"Satan’s greatest ambassadors are not pimps, politicians, or power-brokers, but pastors" .- Tim Challies

"Christian" Idolatry

We are seeing more and more people who are professed Christians who have been so influenced by the world that they ignore Scripture under the guise of "love."

Sadly, many well-known individuals have no solid grounding in the Scripture or sound Theology - which leaves them open to being tossed here and there by every wind and wave of "doctrine" as well as feel-good lies.

Even those who might seem to start well have let what others think - or their own desires -  guide their beliefs (rather than the Scripture).
What is worse is that these individuals have many followers that they are leading away from the truth.
They have the appearance of being reasonable and spiritual to those who have not been immersed in Scripture, but they actually are devoid of Biblical truth.
It's even more frightening when they speak a lot of truth at first, but error - like poisonous gangrene  -begins to fester.

Recently, I've seen people posting about Nichole Nordeman & Jen Hatmaker.
If someone tells you that LBGTQ  is acceptable to God, then they have rejected what the Scripture says as their authority.
Romans 1:21-32 & 1 Corinthian 1:6-11 make it clear that these kinds of behavior are not what should be practiced by Christians.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  
Ephesians 5:6 NASB

Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;  
Ephesians 5:11

In a culture where people seek after fame (which is often a form of self-idolatry) and where people are desirous to have heroes to look up to (which can turn into idolatry when people blindly follow others), we need to be more like the noble-minded Bereans who examine the Scriptures to see if those we are following are actually leading us toward Christ or away from Christ and Scripture.

Even the apostle Paul's goal was not to seek glory from men.  We, as Christians, must seek to be holy...not like the Pharisees... but seeking after genuine holiness.

For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—
nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 NASB

Galatians 1:6-10 serves as a warning to us as Christians to make sure that those we are listening to don't corrupt the Gospel.  Timothy was even warned to avoid opposing arguments which are falsely called "knowledge" ( 1 Timothy 6:20-21).

See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.  Colossians 2:8 NASB

I want to obey Christ and follow His Word.

Protecting The Pulpit & A Story About Captives

I recently rented the movie Alone, Yet Not Alone.
It was about  Lutheran settlers (Germans) in Pennsylvania in colonial times, and the relationships of the British, the French, natives, and the settlers.

 At first I thought it was not impressive with the acting, but as it went along the story captivated my attention and left me tense not knowing how it would end.

People were killed, and children and a woman were taken hostage.
Some later made a final attempt to escape.
Well, if you are interested to know what happened, you can choose whether to watch it or not.

(We weren't sure if one word was used wrongfully, but the two sites we use said there wasn't any language problem.  I'd have to watch again to be certain.)

 Joni Eareckson Tada sang the title track at the end of the movie.

 

Grace To You had a very good post recently about guarding the pulpit. 

 I've been troubled by connections of some of the pastors I have admired and benefited from the teaching of who have allowed themselves to be aligned with those who have compromised truth and strayed into or plunged into error.

 I don't want to write everybody off, because I have made some mistakes along with family members in sharing things by people who turned out to not be good or to be falling into error (or falling more into it later).

 Tolerance of false teachers and teaching by pastors and church leaders can cause much grief and trouble - though we must be careful not to write off everybody who teaches truth themselves and wrongfully makes these associations.  Sometimes it is in ignorance.

Guarding The Pulpit

Beware of Beth Moore, Free Audio of Charles Spurgeon, Free J. C. Ryle Book "Holiness"

In 2015 my hope is that #the15 on Twitter will continue to stand up against heresy sold in Lifeway and other "Christian" bookstores, so that more Christians will not be deceived in the places they deem safe.  Even church libraries seem to often be a haven for heresy where unsuspecting church attenders can be misled by wolves lurking within the walls of the church inside of books, DVDs, etc.

Recently I discovered and shared a video about Beth Moore with people on social media that I have decided to share more publicly with my blog readers.  It may be time sensitive, so I hope that those who care about truth from the Bible and do not want to stray from sound doctrine will watch it through with an open heart.  Christians need to be careful that they are not deceived by things that do not line up with the Scripture.
Has Beth Moore Become A False Teacher?

Another blogger shared how you can get a free audiobook this month of Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening, so if you sometimes prefer or need to listen to books instead of reading them - this is a great opportunity.  You do have to be willing to be on a mailing list though.
Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon

An online friend recommended the book Holiness by J. C. Ryle, and since I like to see if I can find things free before spending money on them I will share with you a link where you can read it FREE!
Holiness by JC Ryle

Here is audio from the first part of the third chapter of the book entitled, "Holiness."
 

Bible Inerrancy & What To Do About False Teachers

The Inerrancy of Scripture:  This is something that many liberal “Christians” question or disbelieve.
Next year’s Shepherd’s Conference is scheduled to have some great guests speaking on this topic:


2015 Shepherds' Conference Summit from Grace Community Church on Vimeo.

What To Do About False Teachers & Those Who Slander Godly Men:
In recent times a lot of the people I follow or listen to online have been focusing on false teaching & teachers & bloggers who are in error & those who  have cultic behavior.  I recommend viewing the following sites:
Tim Challies, Denny Burk, CARM,  & Striving for Eternity.
There are a lot of good teachers &bloggers out there who need to be encouraged as well as held accountable, but it is important to avoid the bad ones who slander or lead people away from a right understanding of God’s Word.
When we learn someone is unBiblical, how should we deal with them?
How To Deal With False Teachers – Denny Burk

God's View of Sinners, Divorce & Marriage, False Teachers, Unstoppable Kirk Cameron

God loves sinners and hates sinners.  What does that mean and how does that line up with Scripture?
 

• The following position paper may alienate some people, but this view based on the Bible is the view that I hold regarding divorce and remarriage...and why I would not marry a divorced man. It also affects my view of qualifications for elders in a church. http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/articles/divorce-remarriage-a-position-paper

• What do you look for when you try to spot false teachers?   John MacArthur gives some answers to that in anticipation of the Strange Fire conference coming up in October. http://www.gty.org/blog/B130723

• Kirk Cameron has another documentary-like movie coming out one night only on September 24th, 2013.  It looks to be worth trying out as it deals with why there is suffering in the world.  The title is Unstoppable.

http://kirkcameron.com/unstoppable/
 

Pride, Doubt & Despair, Signs of False Teachers, Watch Me

• I haven't read the book, but the article linked below really makes me think about my own attitude toward those who who have not had the blessing of great teaching and sound Biblical doctrine.  Knowledge is good, but not if it's without love and obedience. Convicting!http://www.challies.com/quotes/when-josh-harris-slapped-me-across-the-face

• Doubt and despair display a focus too much on self: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/04/11/the-god-who-finds-us/

• What are some warning signs of false teachers that come into churches?  The following article has a list of 7 things to look for: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2013/03/19/7-traits-of-false-teachers/

• This video was recently shared by someone else.  How many of us can really say to someone else to watch us as example of a Christian?

Watch Me! from 10ofthose.com on Vimeo.

Red Flag Warnings About T.D. Jakes

I have seen people sharing things from T.D. Jakes online, and it concerns me greatly.
I know that T.D. Jakes has been known for not believing in the Trinity.
Although he has lately tried to soften his wording to make it sound like he has changed, he still seems to prefer the wording of a "Oneness" Pentecostal.  As far as I have seen he still embraces others who also hold to this heretical teaching as well.

"Oneness" Pentecostals or "Modalists" do not believe in the distinction of the Persons of the Godhead.  They believe in modes or manifestations.  Really modalism is sort of like divine schizophrenia.

Notice how the word "manifestations" is used still used in the belief statement which is a RED FLAG.  This is certainly modalist language:
http://www.thepottershouse.org/Local/About-Us/Belief-Statement.aspx

If T.D. Jakes truly believes in God in Three Persons, then wouldn't he change his website, do a complete reversal and disassociate with those who are not Trinitarian?

T.D. Jakes is also known to be a Word Faith teacher and prosperity teacher, and he has shared platforms with many false teachers over time: Joel Osteen (at a leadership conference in 2012 and speaking at Joel Osteen's church in 2011), Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, etc.
His church also appears to have a woman being the pastor of a campus of the church which is unBiblical.  RED FLAG
http://www.thepottershouse.org/Local/About-Us/Campus-Pastors.aspx

To see more on T.D. Jakes and modalism please visit the following websites:

http://apprising.org/category/td-jakes/ (This has a number of articles with video, so please search around.)

http://carm.org/td-jakes

http://thecripplegate.com/modalism_oneness_and_td_jakes/
 

Speaking The Truth Out of Love and Concern Part 2

This is my second posting on the Word Faith/Prosperity Gospel Movement.
Below the video are some more links focusing on this serious subject.
I am very concerned for people who are following the teachers of the Word Faith movement.
What can I do but pray and share with them teaching and information to point them in the direction of the truth?
Isn't that what real love is all about?
True Christians also can get sucked into this kind of teaching as well, because some truth is mixed in with the deceptions.  Please read the Bible and don't be confused.
The video I found is a bit edited down, so I am also sharing the link for the full sermon:

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/90-397




http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-64/Does-God-Promise-Health-and-Wealth--Part-2

The following link should be helpful:
http://justinpeters.org/a-call-for-discernment/watch-an-overview/


"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully."   2 Corinthians 11:3, 4 NASB

Speaking The Truth Out of Love and Concern

Joyce Meyer & Joel Osteen are two among many dangerous teachers who are popular today. 

Yes, they are dangerous to the spiritual health and life of true believers (Christians). I know many people listen to and admire people like them, but I want to warn people because I care about fellow Christians not being deceived by heretical and deceptive teaching. Please take a look at the links below.

Joyce Meyer (Apprising Ministries)

Info. on Joyce Meyer

CARM on Joyce Meyer

Joel Osteen - Apprising Ministries

Video on Joel Osteen's wrong teaching

Joel Osteen has also said that Mormons are Christians which is completely wrong.

Ephesians 4:14-16 NASB

"As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

2 Timothy 4:3, 4 NASB

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”