Commentary, analysis and opinion.

James MacDonald Took Millions from Harvest & Now Demands Broadcast Ministry

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“From 2014-2018, Harvest gave Walk in the Word more than $6 million worth of free television broadcast time According to Harvest’s 2016 Financial Statement, Harvest sold its property in Aurora, Illinois, to TBN for $15,600,000 in 2014. But TBN paid only $4 million of that amount in cash. The rest was given to the church in free broadcast time, which was then granted to Walk in the Word to use over eight years.”

(Julie Roys)  Harvest Bible Chapel founder, James MacDonald, told three elders in 2013 that he’d “lose 1,000 sheep” before he’d reveal his salary. That’s according to former elders—Scott Phelps, Barry Slabaugh, and Dan Marquardt—who resigned soon after hearing that comment, and months later, were publicly excommunicated. (The church has since apologized for its “harsh” discipline of the men.) Continue reading →

‘Unplanned’ Movie’s Abby Johnson Says Mothers Who Have Their Babies Killed by Abortion Shouldn’t Be ‘Punished’

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“Some have contended that Johnson’s views are not a pro-life position, as exempting women from any penalty would leave abortion legal for self-abortions, and would simply shift the act culturally from being committed by abortionists to those carried out at home by a child’s own mother.”

(Heather Clark – Christian News Network)  Abby Johnson, the center of the film “Unplanned,” which tells of the former Planned Parenthood director’s departure from the abortion industry, is generating questions and opposition as she has outlined on social media that she does not believe that mothers who take their unborn children to be killed by abortionists should be punished at all — a\position that some say is “pro-choice” and does not afford the unborn the same protections under the law as born children. Continue reading →

Don’t be Shocked When Many ‘Christians’ Cheer the Criminalization of Christianity

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“The number of supposedly Christian individuals whose moral compasses are calibrated to the spirit of the age rather than the authority of Scripture has become astounding.  Leaning on their own understanding, they choose the attributes of a god they want to worship, one who seems “worthy” of their worship, and they bow to it.  The God of Scripture is too narrow-minded.”

(Peter Heck – The Resurgent)  As I read the enraged responses from professing Christians at the news that Vice President Mike Pence would be the commencement speaker for Taylor University (a leading private, Christian institution located in tiny Upland, Indiana) I realized something. Continue reading →

Mayor Pete and the Crackup of Christianity

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“If Pete is right, since the time of Christ, Christians have ostracized and persecuted gays simply for being and behaving as God intended.  And if that is true, what is the defense of Christianity?”

(Patrick J. Buchanan)  “(T)here is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so,” said Hamlet, who thereby raised some crucial questions:

Is moral truth subjective? Does it change with changing times and changing attitudes? Or is there a higher law, a permanent law, God’s law, immutable and eternal, to which man’s law should conform? Continue reading →

Hillsong Pastor Says Christians Shouldn’t Judge Homosexuals, God is a God of Love, Acceptance

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“This is exactly antithetical to what the Scripture teaches. To differentiate between love and truth is an artificial distinction. Essentially, what Houston is saying is that we should love people enough to keep the truth about their sins to ourselves. What Houston is actually doing is the most hateful thing one can do. We are not called first to “love” apart from giving others the truth.”

(Jeff Maples – Reformation Charlotte)  Hillsong Church is arguably the most influential religious organization in the world. Through its music program, Hillsong is known throughout all of Christendom and is either loved or hated by most. The reality is, most of the professing Church love Hillsong and sadly, Hillsong leads many astray. Continue reading →

Why Democrats Are So Dangerous

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Photo credit Living Witness Ministries

How many grade-school students come home crying to their parents that we are all in danger of dying in twelve years if their parents didn’t support the global warming ‘crisis’? What parent out there had to tell their son or daughter that they could not go to school with their Make America Great Again hat lest they be assaulted or ridiculed, not so much by their classmates, but by their teachers?

(Ray DiLorenzo – Canada Free Press)  Democrats are dangerous. They are not your father’s Democrats. They don’t believe in anything your parents believed in. They scream and yell or sit on the floor if they don’t get their way. What was once a small group of radicals in the sixties has now completely taken over the party. I don’t think there is a lucid member left. Continue reading →

The Irrelevance of Hell

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“The great question for preachers to consider is whether they fear man or God? Will the minister of the Word actually minister the Word to the congregation—including the whole counsel of God’s Word?”

(Josh Buice – Delivered By Grace)  In our postmodern culture that plays by the tolerance rules of modern times, we have been taught to be “nice” and to pursue happiness at all costs. After all, if we can’t say anything nice, we shouldn’t say anything at all. For the majority of people within our urbane culture, hell is the sort of topic that is not discussed in the local coffee shop nor is it the center of attention in most Sunday sermons. Let’s face it—hell is not relevant to a sophisticated culture. But, why has hell become irrelevant? Continue reading →

Charismatic Magazine Accuses Bethel Student Who Was Kicked Out For Opposing False Doctrine of ‘Witchcraft’

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“Bethel School of Ministry is owned and operated by Bethel Church in Redding, CA — which is run by New Apostolic Reformation Apostle, Bill Johnson and his right-hand man, Kris Vallotton. Both of these men are nefarious blasphemers of God. Bethel is known for several parlor tricks, including what they refer to as “glory clouds,” which have been exposed as nothing more than glitter in the ventilation system.”

(Jeff Maples – Reformation Charlotte)  One of the devious tactics of the charismatic movement is its insistence on being accepted among the ranks of every professing denomination as a viable substitute for sound doctrine…. Continue reading →

What We Should Expect From The Release Of The Full Mueller Report

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“The collusion theory that was used to undermine the administration of the duly elected president and justify breaking every norm against him resulted in not a single indictment against an American for colluding with Russia.”

(Mollie Hemingway – The Federalist)   Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report is expected to be made public early this week. The big special counsel news already occurred last month when Attorney General William Barr announced Mueller ended his investigation without a single American — much less a single American tied to President Donald Trump — being indicted for collusion with Russia to steal the 2016 election. Continue reading →

The Battlefield of the Mind

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“As believers who are engaged daily in an ongoing battle for our mind there are only two choices to consider: either submit to the will of Christ who loves us or to the will of Satan who wants to destroy us. There is no third option.”

(Darrell B. Harrison – Just Thinking)  If I were to ask you where does Jesus rank among your daily priorities, how would you respond? Would your first impulse be to give a “spiritual” answer—that is, to say what you think you’re supposed to say as a Christian—or would you reply with what you know in your heart to be true? Continue reading →

Am I doing something wrong if I make a huge decision and don’t wait to hear from God?

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“When I got to GA I applied for a number of jobs. I applied using common sense. What did I have experience in, was trained for, and was good at? It’s not like I consulted the Lord and waited for a sign or anything. I was following the biblical principle that he who does not work does not eat. I sought jobs I thought I had the best chance of getting and sustaining my means.”

(Elizabeth Prata – The End Time)  Does the Bible speak to whom we should marry? Which college to attend? Whether to join the Army? Should we relocate to another state? Change careers now, later, or never? Go back to college? Continue reading →

The Facts of Transgender Ideology Can No Longer Be Ignored

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“These children being administered cross-sex hormones are losing their ability to be fruitful and multiply. Instead the grave permanent effects of this type of hormone therapy is sterility. You read that right! The girl loses her ability to produce eggs and the boy loses his ability to produce sperm.”

(Pulpit & Pen)   One need only take the pulse of online platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to realize that Transgenderism is an ideology. Continue reading →

The LGBT Lobby Has Been Trying To Exact Revenge On A Chicken Restaurant For Seven Years. This Is Not Normal.

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“I have often said that the LGBT lobby is the biggest bully in America. This is why. It is not just that their activists are aggressive, and often underhanded and deceitful — like when they seek out Christian business owners to entrap and sue — but that they are so unbelievably petty and vengeful. The militant gay left will not let any perceived slight go unpunished, no matter how long it takes to exact revenge. They require that every person conform to their expectations, and any outliers must be neutralized, at whatever cost, no matter how long it takes.”

(Matt Walsh – Daily Wire)  San Jose, California’s city council is focused on the important issue. In response to a new Chick-fil-A establishment opening near the city’s airport, the council has officially passed a resolution to fly rainbow flags near the restaurant…. Continue reading →

Same-Sex Attraction, Biblical Christianity, and the Fractures in Our Evangelical Mist

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“There is no doubt that we are living in a brave new world with cultural foundations shifting almost daily. Christians have been disoriented not only by the pace of the change but also by the ways that such changes appear to be moving some Christian leaders and organizations off of their biblical foundations. In such times, the need to reaffirm those foundations is critical and cannot be assumed.”

(Tom Ascol – Founders Ministries)  Last week Tom Buck wrote a series of four articles expressing concerns about the teaching of Living Out and, specifically, articles on their website & recommendations they make to people who have sexual desires for members of the same sex. Those articles, shall we say, created quite a stir. The light that Buck helped shine on this issue and the dissipating mist that is following reveal what I fear are unavoidable fractures within evangelical circles. Continue reading →

Contributing Editor for Christianity Today Faces Conflict of Interest Questions After Accepting Car From James MacDonald

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“CT’s unusual coverage of the Harvest scandal doesn’t necessarily show collusion between Stetzer, MacDonald, and CT. But it certainly raises questions, especially in light of the gifted car. But it’s not just Stetzer’s position with CT that may present a conflict of interest.”

(Julie Roys)  “Got me a 1971 Beetle,” announced Ed Stetzer on Facebook last April, adding that he and his daughter were planning to restore the classic Volkswagen car. However, what Stetzer didn’t mention was how he had obtained the car. Continue reading →

Ilhan Omar Trivializes 9/11 Terrorist Attacks: ‘Some People Did Something’

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This woman loves to stir up controversy, loves to be in the spotlight. In the speech she gave, she could have said something like “On the morning of 9/11 terrorists killed 3,000 innocent Americans. I call them terrorists because that is what they were. Those men do not represent my religion.” But instead she said, “some people did something.” Her remarks were condemned, and rightly so.

Now to Ryan Saavedra’s piece over at Daily Wire:

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) trivialized the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S. history in a recent speech she gave at an event for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) — which the United Arab Emirates has designated as a terrorist organization. Continue reading →

The End of the Family?

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“Christian believers must make known with care and respect that destroying patriarchy eliminates the reality of fatherhood, without which there is no family. It is also a rejection of the amazing revelation taught by Jesus regarding God as loving Father, which is at the very basis of the Christian message. Fatherhood is the basis of the success of the Western Christendom, which, with all its faults, has lasted down the centuries, based on a belief in God as Father and Creator.” 

(Peter Jones – truthxchange)  As Christians observing the huge behavioral changes in Western culture, we need to evaluate what our public witness will mean in the days ahead, whether for us individually, for the church community or for our children. It will not be business as usual. Someone recently observed: “If you think of American Christianity as a pendulum, we’re currently at the opposite extreme from the First Great Awakening.”[1]   Continue reading →

7 Threats From a False Teacher

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“When people wonder why publically calling out false teachers is a big deal, simply ask: Would you point out a known sex offender in a neighborhood full of children? Would you warn others if an active shooter were present in a shopping mall? Would you not pick up your infant if a pitbull entered the nursery? Of course. Then why wouldn’t we be faithful to point out dangers and protect the precious children of God?”

(Costi Hinn – For the Gospel)  False teachers and abusive leaders need to maintain their power. Therefore, they use a series of threats to keep people quiet and in line. Get out of line? You might hear one of the seven statements I’ve listed below. Continue reading →

You Go, Girl! Candace Owens Blasts Dems For Splicing Her Video To Fit Their Despicable Narrative

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“As I said, he [Lieu] is assuming black people will not go pursue the full two hour clip. And he purposefully extracted– he cut off and you didn’t hear the question that was asked of me,” Owens explained. “He’s trying to present it as if I was launching a defense of Hitler and Germany, when in fact, the question that was asked of me was pertaining to whether or not I believed HItler– whether or not I believed in nationalism and that nationalism was bad.”

(Beth Baumann – Townhall)  Prager University’s Candace Owens appeared in front of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday to testify about white nationalism in America. In typical liberal fashion, Democrats on the Committee attempted to spin Owens’ previous words explaining nationalism. Continue reading →

How did Department of Justice get the Trump-Russia investigation so wrong?

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“Rather than investigating the president further, Congress needs to investigate how the Department of Justice got this one so wrong. If the president of the United States is vulnerable to prosecutorial abuse, then God help all the rest of us. Members of Congress cannot do this themselves. We do not trust them enough with such a vital mission.”

(Former Nebraska governor, U.S. senator and Democrat, Bob Kerrey – Omaha World-Herald) Delusions fascinate me in part because I have so many of my own. Most often delusions are harmless. Sometimes they are not.

Continue reading →

PreachersNSneakers and Pastors as Lifestyle Brands

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“I don’t think God gives a rip about the labels, but I’m convinced he cares a great deal for the heart behind the labels. What we wear on the outside has an interesting way of revealing what we really value on the inside. Our clothing reveals who we want to be known by and what we want to be known for.”

(Tim Challies)   Everyone is talking about PreachersNSneakers. Well, not everyone, I’m sure, but enough that it has ended up in my inbox plenty of times over the past few days. PreachersNSneakers is an Instagram account that simply shares photos of preachers in their sneakers. No big deal, right?… Continue reading →

Progressives to Hold Political ‘Just Gospel’ Conference to Affirm Democrat Politics in the Church

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“The Democrat party, at it’s core supports the slaughter of innocent children (abortion), gay rights, gay propaganda, “gay Christianity,” theft (redistribution of wealth), lawlessness (i.e. open borders), a complete and total lack of individual responsibility (i.e. nanny state welfare system, single payer insurance, etc.), and the endless sweeping away of our right to worship God freely. And this is who these progressive leaders want us to reconcile with.”

(Jeff Maples – Reformation Charlotte)  It’s no secret that the Democratic party is trying to take over the Evangelical Church. Some of the most prominent liberal outlets in the Church, such as the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) are funded by subversive political movers like George Soros and James Riady…. Continue reading →

TGC’s Same-Sex Attracted Christian Apostasy Cover-Up

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“What does the Bible call men who write and promote perverse articles like this in the name of “Christian ministry” and put them up on the World Wide Web for years — leading Christ’s Church, pastors, fathers, mothers, men, women, boys, and girls astray from God’s truth? The Bible calls such men false teachers, deceivers, and wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

(Chuck O’Neal)  The Gospel Coalition (TGC) and 9Marks are fully engaged in a cover-up of Sam Allberry’s abominable doctrines. Stop and think. Livingout.org has been full of appalling teaching and counsel for years. The men behind TGC and 9Marks have been promoting Sam Allberry and livingout.org for years…. Continue reading →