Did The ‘Genuine Outpouring of the Holy Spirit’ at Asbury Bring Lasting Changes as Promised?

“Reports circulated of openly homosexual people leading worship and people frequently taking the stage to preach or share testimonies, often misquoting and twisting Scripture and promoting bad, even terrible theology. Regrettably, the absence of mature leadership to offer correction or guidance resulted in a disordered and chaotic atmosphere.” 

(The Dissenter) You may recall the Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, back in February 2023, which generated quite a buzz. People eagerly shared news of the event through social media and Christian online publications, hoping that it signaled a genuine spiritual awakening. But did this revival really deliver on its promises? Continue reading

Granger Smith feels ‘relief’ leaving country music to ‘serve’ God: ‘I need to completely surrender’

Watch the video.

(Stephanie Nolasco – Fox News) Granger Smith is walking away from his successful country music career – and he’s relieved.

Earlier this month, the singer/songwriter took to his social media pages and announced that his upcoming “Like a River” tour, named after his son, would be his last. The 43-year-old is gearing up to devote his life to ministry at his local church outside of Austin, Texas. His final show is on Aug. 26. Continue reading

Senior IRS agent blows whistle, alleging Biden DOJ thwarting criminal prosecution of Hunter Biden

“It’s clear from our investigation that Hunter and other members of the Biden family engaged in deceptive, shady business schemes to avoid scrutiny as they made millions from foreign adversaries like China. We’ve been wondering all along where the heck the DOJ and the IRS have been.” 

(John Solomon – Just the News) A decorated supervisory IRS agent has reported to the Justice Department’s top watchdog that federal prosecutors appointed by Joe Biden have engaged in “preferential treatment and politics” to block criminal tax charges against presidential son Hunter Biden, providing evidence as a whistleblower that conflicts with Attorney General Merrick Garland’s recent testimony to Congress that the decision to bring charges against Biden was being left to the Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney for Delaware. Continue reading

Only Begotten

16 For thus God loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that everyone believing in Him may not perish, but have life eternal. John 3:16 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

There are many great truths in John 3:16 such as God’s love (ἀγαπάω (agapaō)) for His own, and the eternal life that comes by faith (πιστεύω (pisteuō)) in Christ, it is strikingly unique because the apostle John is the only Scripture writer who uses the term μονογενής (monogenēs) to describe the relationship of Jesus to the Father. Several modern translations (ESV, NRSV, NLT, CEV, and GWT) replace “only begotten” with “only” or “one and only” (NCV and NIV)…. Continue reading

Southern Baptist Convention ERLC President Throws Denomination’s Support Behind Gun Control

“In a three-page letter addressed to the lieutenant governor and the entire legislative body, Leatherwood implied that the large number of Southern Baptists in Tennessee, which comprise 1/5 of the state’s population, were behind the law, accusing those who oppose the red flag law of using “weapons of partisan warfare.” The letter fails to address the clear pro-LGBT motive in the shooting.,,,”

(Paul Brown) Brent Leatherwood, President of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the convention’s political lobbying organization, has thrown the support of the ERLC behind proposed red flag gun control laws in his home state of Tennessee. Under a bill proposed by Governor Bill Lee and supported by Leatherwood, courts would have the ability to remove firearms from the possession of those deemed “extreme risk,” a mechanism that violates individual gun owner rights by infringing on constitutional due process. Continue reading

Biden’s State Department Concealed COVID19 Wuhan Lab Origins

(Mary Dowling – Independent Sentinel) Biden’s State  Department concealed the COVID-19 Wuhan Lab origin as gathered by US intelligence. The Department page was axed, but a “Wayback Machine”  archive still exists. It was posted in February 2021.

There is the original Washington Times report as well.

US scientist Dr. Peter Daszek admitted that it originated in Wuhan but lied to shield Chinese scientists. Continue reading

What Are They Hiding About the Nashville Shooter’s Manifesto?

“The manifesto may show that this person was ill-treated by people on the Right, or it may prove that those in the trans community, and for that matter the Left, are not the blameless, selfless victims they have made themselves out to be. And I suspect that there is far too much money and far too many egos, reputations, deals, and political ambitions involved to allow the information in the shooter’s writings to be published. And so the sin will remain unexpiated.”

(Lincoln Brown – PJ Media) A short time back, our editor-in-chief said that there had been a school shooting in Nashville, and asked if anyone would cover it. I wrote the first story about it for PJ Media…. Continue reading

Will the Death of Charles Stanley Open the Floodgates of LGBTQ Acceptance in Evangelicalism?

(The Dissenter) Today, longtime pastor and founder of In Touch Ministries, Charles Stanley, passed away at 90. Charles, who served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, was no theological gatekeeper and he certainly was not without his problems. We’ve written about many of them over the years right here at The Dissenter. However, Charles did appear to genuinely love his son Andy, and on many occasions, vocalized his opposition to many of Andy’s progressive views, albeit in a non-forceful way. Continue reading

Do Not be Conformed to This World

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5 (LSB) 

In the late 1970’s I read of a physician in a large urban hospital finding a man admitted with many of his vital organs failing due to extreme alcohol and drug poisoning. He recognized him as one whom he had treated a few years earlier for the same problem. The man was destitute and had been given free medical care…. Continue reading

Disney May Soon Wish It Hadn’t Messed With Florida

DeSantis reiterated the fight over RCID, remarking that lawmakers decided last year that “this idea of one corporation having its own government in Central Florida is something that is no longer in the best interest of the state of Florida.”

(Chris Queen – PJ Media) Bless Disney’s heart. The Walt Disney Corporation keeps trying to overrule Sunshine State voters, but like David facing Goliath, Florida has smooth stones and a heck of an accurate slingshot at its disposal. Continue reading

How is the Church to Treat Wolves? A Biblical Approach to False Teachings

“Rebuking and correcting false teachers is not only necessary but an essential duty of church leaders, who are responsible for protecting the flock from dangerous doctrines and standing firm in the truth.”

(The Dissenter) In the present ecclesiastical landscape, the danger of encountering false teachers who infiltrate our churches and disseminate their deceptive doctrines is a growing concern. These wolves in sheep’s clothing insinuate themselves within the congregation, sowing confusion and division, and lead countless souls astray with their facile interpretations of Scripture…. Continue reading

G3 vs Christian Nationalism

This report is one man’s opinion.

(Ray Fava – Evangelical Dark Web) G3 Ministries is one of the most influential conferences among conservative Evangelicals. Founded in 2013, Josh Buice wanted an alternative to many of the church growth (by any means) conferences that dominate Evangelicalism. G3 stands for Gospel, Grace, and Glory, and the organization puts on conferences and workshops throughout the year. It’s organizational leaders including Josh Buice, its founder, and Scott Aniol, G3’s EIC, have come out fast and loose against Christian Nationalism. Continue reading

California Hits the Gas on Its Way to Failed Commie Statehood

“That’s what communism is all about, at least in theory: leveling out economic differences between people by confiscating earnings from the rich and awarding them to those who have less.”

(Stephen Kruiser – PJ Media) I am well aware that many who read today’s headline will think, “On its way?!?!?”

California is a lot more than what people outside of it see. I lived there for four years when I was a kid and spent over 20 years there as an adult. There are still a lot of good people there, and the physical beauty of the state remains unchanged. Continue reading

The Discernment of Charles Spurgeon, a Foundation for the Modern Believer

“In an age where spiritual confusion and false teachings were rampant, Spurgeon’s theology of discernment offered a beacon of clarity to believers. Spurgeon relentlessly taught the importance of testing all teachings and beliefs against the ultimate standard: the Word of God. Spurgeon’s keen understanding of the Scriptures allowed him to identify and refute false teachings, while also equipping his congregation with the tools necessary to discern truth from error.”

(The Dissenter) Charles Haddon Spurgeon, affectionately known as the “Prince of Preachers,” remains one of the most influential Christian leaders in modern history. His vast collection of sermons, writings, and theological teachings continue to inspire believers and shape the Christian faith even today…. Continue reading

Budweiser’s new pro-America ad sets social media ablaze: Can’t put the ‘genie back in the bottle, guys’

The company’s new ad features one of Budweiser’s famous Clydesdale horses passing iconic American landmarks

(Yael Halon – Fox News) Budweiser’s new pro-America ad set Twitter ablaze over the weekend as critics derided the company for a misguided attempt at quelling the backlash over Bud Light’s endorsement partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.  Continue reading

Exposed: The Charismatic Excesses ‘Jesus Revolution’ Conveniently Left Out

By Marsha West

Beware of supposing that a teacher is to be trusted because although he holds some unsound views, he yet ‘teaches a great deal of truth.’ Such a teacher is precisely the man to do you harm: poison is always most dangerous when it is mixed with wholesome food. ~ J.C. Ryle

When the Jesus movement hit southern California beach towns like a tsunami during the 1960s, mainline Reformed denominations suddenly seemed out of step with what was happening in the culture. The mood dramatically shifted almost overnight. Protestant Creeds and Confessions and long-held traditions were frowned upon by the counterculture generation dubbed “hippies.” The inerrant, sufficient, infallible, God-breathed Word of God would no longer be the final authority for faith and life.

Early on, Calvary Church pastor Chuck Smith began reaching out to hippies and welcomed them into the small church he pastored — and young people showed up in droves. Those barefoot “dirty hippies” became what was known as “Jesus freaks.” The Jesus movement soon morphed into the Calvary Chapel movement as many other Calvary Chapel churches were planted by those who came and went, those who would eventually establish a global church network.

Not long afterwards the Market-driven Church became the evangelical model for the right way to “do church.” The Purpose-Driven/Seeker Sensitive movement was built on utilitarian pragmatism – whatever works. In other words, if churches build it to look like the culture, seekers will come.

But the march toward pragmatism and a market-driven paradigm is not what this piece is about. It’s about a book based on the 1960s Jesus People movement by Greg Laurie & Ellen Vaughn. Greg Laurie’s memoir was recently made into a movie, Jesus Revolution. Some of you may have read the book or gone to see the movie by now. Even so, hang in there because many important details were conveniently left out of the movie, which I’m going to bring to light, details you’ll no doubt find shocking.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Jesus Revolution, but are aware of who Greg Laurie is, his memoir will transport you to the tumultuous 60s & 70s and the events that occurred during what was deemed the “revival” that ushered in the Jesus movement. Back then many young people heard the name Jesus for the first time in their lives. The message that spread up and down the California coast and far beyond was that Jesus Christ would save sinners who were bound for hell if they would give their lives to Him. Through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, hippies, bikers, prostitutes and druggies came to faith in Christ, repented of their sins and were baptized in the Pacific Ocean (or elsewhere). Let there be no doubt that the 60s & 70s revival was Good News for those who truly got saved.

Out of the counter-culture Jesus movement another movement emerged that drew many “Jesus freaks” through the doors of Calvary Chapel (CC) located in Costa Mesa California. The main characters in the movie frequented the church Pastor Chuck Smith led — Lonnie Frisbee and Greg & Cathe Laurie.

Although the Lauries are important to the story, the principle focus of this piece is Chuck Smith and Lonnie Frisbee, the catalysts for the CC movement. Continue reading

Personal Holiness vs Self-Righteousness

24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel! Matthew 23:24 (LSB) 

A huge trap that Christians can fall into is conforming to self-righteousness. It is a form of idolatry and that always causes spiritual blindness (Romans 1:24-25). Self-righteousness puts all effort towards godliness in the wrong place. It creates a form of piety that is all about outward appearances while putting little or no priority on matters of the heart. It is all about appearances and what others think rather than being totally committed to abiding in Christ from within first. The self-righteous are consciously holy…. Continue reading

The Curse of Mediocrity

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. 29 Because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:28-39 (LSB) Read verses 32-39 on the site.

Relativism has enslaved this post-modern 21st Century. The push to equalize everything continues unabated even though it has become apparent to continue down this path is bordering on insanity. There was a Nike commercial being shown a few Christmas Seasons ago featuring Lebron James, the NBA star…. Continue reading

Ministries With An ‘F’ Transparency Grade – 2023

See the ministries that received an “F” grade. Search the database and see the grade of your favorite ministry, plus total revenue and contributions.

(William Cole Smith – MinistryWatch) MinistryWatch stands for transparency and accountability.  That’s why we think it is important for Christian ministries to be as transparent as possible with donors and with the public.

So MinistryWatch will grade every ministry in its database based on transparency…. Continue reading

The Dangers of AI

(Brian Mark Weber – The Patriot Post) Remember when artificial intelligence was the stuff of science fiction?

Not long ago, we were introduced to ChatGPT, a powerful chatbot designed to replicate human speech and thought. At the time, a reporter for The New York Times boasted that “ChatGPT is, quite simply, the best artificial intelligence chatbot ever released to the general public.”

No one doubts the impressive ability of the system to generate ideas at the stroke of a computer key…. Continue reading

Charismatic Prophetess Explains the Importance of Casting Demons Out of Yourself ‘You Just Blow Them Out’

(Protestia) Like a younger version of Kat Kerr before she started smoking the electric lettuce or eating the devil’s jambalaya, Emma Stark is an up-and-coming prophetess from Ireland. She founded the Glasgow Prophetic Center with her husband in 2019 and describes herself as “a prophet who hears from God’, ’a traveling lecturer in spirituality’ and ’a church pastor. ‘Her website says of her:

Emma is a prophet who operates with authority and authenticity as she ministers and teaches around the world, giving clear and direct prophetic input to leaders, churches and ministries, equipping the body of Christ to better hear from God and to apply His revelation to transform lives, communities, cities and nations.

Continue reading

The Biden 10-Step Plan for Global Chaos

“Why and how, in just two years, have a confused and often incoherent Joe Biden and his team created such global chaos? Let us answer by listing 10 ways by which America lost all deterrence.”

(Victor Davis Hanson – America Greatness) Why is French President Emmanuel Macron cozying up to China while trashing his oldest ally, the United States?

Why is there suddenly talk of discarding the dollar as the global currency? Continue reading

Church Group Kicked Out Of ShepCon For Passing Out Heretical Literature Attacks Phil Johnson for Clout + Get Real Whiny

(Protestia) Last month, a church group attending the Shepherds Conference and handing out literature offering $25,000 to anyone who can come to their church and convince them that justification is not by faith alone, were kicked out of the event.

The excised were members of Christ Covenant Church (Denver, CO) led by ‘pastor’ Scott Jarrett, who have become convinced that justification by faith alone is insufficient for salvation. Instead, they believe men and women are saved by grace through faith, but that the salvation must be maintained through faithful obedience to God’s Law…. Continue reading

The ‘Biden Crime Family’ Was All-in on Gain-of-Function Research

“McCormick created a timeline proving a “conspiracy” between Hunter and Joe Biden, along with Biden’s then-spokesman (now national security adviser) Jake Sullivan of using U.S. aid to give to, in this case, Ukraine’s energy needs and then positioning Hunter for a board position on the Ukrainian energy company, Burisma.”

(Victoria Taft – PJ Media) Remember when Hunter Biden tagged along on Joe’s trip to China in 2013? Photographers captured the moment when Hunter followed his dad and daughter Finnegan down the stairs of Air Force Two. The Obama White House produced a fawning video about it (watch it below). It was a trip that would pay millions in dividends for what some people call “The Biden Crime Family.” Continue reading

Truth Amidst Turmoil: Discerning and Defending the Faith in the Age of Subtle Spiritual Deception

“These elusive doctrines, often veiled and hard to recognize, pose a significant risk to the Church’s stability and vitality. Subtle contemporary heresies, including the prosperity gospel, easy-believism, and teachings that place our own virtues and ethical actions above God’s grace and kindness, may not be immediately apparent. However, these insidious threats demand the Church’s unwavering vigilance and astute discernment to safeguard its foundational beliefs.”

(The Dissenter) During the early days of Christianity, the fledgling Church faced numerous obstacles and disagreements over its teachings and doctrines. Much of the professing Church found itself at odds over how to interpret scripture and understand doctrine, eventually giving rise to what would be known officially as “heresies”—beliefs or teachings that went against the accepted teachings of the Church. Continue reading