The Cross is proof of God’s grace

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ Luke 18:13 (NKJV) 

In our day it is not unusual to hear a man-centered version of the Gospel message that has everything turned around backward and is presented in such a way that is meant to appeal emotionally to unbelievers with a statement such as, “Christ’s crucifixion is proof of our worth to God!” The appeal is meant to show that if Christ was willing to go to the Cross to save sinners like us then that proves we are of value to God. I have even heard one version of this that says that Jesus would have gone to that Cross even if it was for just one unrepentant sinner. Is that found anywhere in God’s Word? I have never found it. Instead, what I see clearly presented there is that all of us are undeserving sinners and even dead (Ephesians 2:1-3). Until God regenerated us, we are spiritual corpses, that is, without spiritual life. Therefore, grace that is not all grace is no grace. Grace that saves means that God has done everything; if He does not do everything, then it is not grace. View article →

Inside America’s Largest Religious Revival You Know Nothing About

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

The religion Heather Smith is talking about has become mainstream.  According to Smith “youngsters apparently love this imparted faith enough that they simply cannot help trying to absorb everything about it that they can, and they especially find pleasure in learning of the great heroes of…the past, whom they inevitably long to emulate.”

Studies show that there’s been a steady decline of religion in America. Smith reveals which religion is alive and well in her piece over at The Federalist:

For decades, demographic studies have indicated the steady decline of religion in America, but new measures suggest that, on the contrary, at least one religion in America is alive and well, thriving in every community, and claiming devoted adherents in nearly every household.

This new religious revival has remained under the radar in large part because its adherents do not claim any religious attachment to this social institution, but by every measure of behaviors typically associated with religion, it is deceitful to label it as anything less. Although it shies away from adopting an overarching organization or name for itself, for the purposes of this study, it will be considered under the name Athletica.

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Rush Sounds the Alarm About Hit Job Media Is Putting on Trump – ‘It’s Bigger Than…’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

Rush Limbaugh recently told his audience that there’s a planned overthrow of the president by the Dems that’s the biggest story in generations. “…and the drive-bys are sitting around ignoring it because they’re part of it.” Moreover, the media is acting as opposition to the people. “We have a corrupt bunch of Democrats who are attempting to overthrow a president. That is such a huge story. But they’re in on it. They’re helping.”

Western Journal explains why Rush is sounding the alarm:

Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh believes the mainstream media is covering up one the the biggest stories in decades — a “deep state” coup against President Donald Trump.

On his radio show Wednesday, Limbaugh claimed that special counselor Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election is “not a legitimate investigation.” Still, he said, most media outlets refuse to report what he called “the biggest story in generations,” even “bigger than Watergate.”   View article →

Watch this Video of a Glory Cloud. Also…What is a Glory Cloud?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Some charismatics believe that something called a “glory cloud‘ is real and that this sort of thing is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. So if you’ve not yet seen God manifest his glory in a shower of glitter–oops!–gold dust floating down from the ceiling of a charismatic church, watch the video.  Pulpit & Pen News has the story:

What is a “glory cloud?” For starters, the only people who talk about the phenomenon of a “glory cloud” are charismatics. The term has been popularized in recent years, and so much so, that the term is often deployed with little to no explanation. The first time I heard the word was when Prophet Ray Martin interrupted his revival service to tell me he had seen my wallet go up into one. Since then, I’ve heard the term many more times.

The first known claim of an appearance of a so-called “glory cloud” is from Word-Faith founder, Kenneth Hagin. He recalled the following experience…

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Unbelief is rooted in neutralist thinking

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

17 So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; Ephesians 4:17-18 (NASB) 

Genuine Christianity is that which is within the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Christians are commanded to work out their salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) within that Lordship. We are to obey our Lord as branches abiding in the True Vine (John 15). How do we practically do this? We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling presuppositionally, that is, with every thought, intent, and action taken captive to the will of God. We do this by approaching and living life with God at the center of all things instead of ourselves. In the passage above, (Ephesians 4:17-18) we see the opposite way to walk and the outcome of that. Unfortunately, that is how most professing believers approach this life, that is, in functional unbelief. View article →

A Pox Upon Our House: Three Chronic Diseases Plaguing Women’s Ministry

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Bible study author, speaker and blogger Michelle Lesley examines women’s ministries. According to Lesley, women’s groups aren’t nearly as effective as they could be for a umber of reasons. For example, because many women hardly ever read and study their bibles they’re biblically illiterate. In other words, they know not what they believe and why they believe it; thus, they get caught up in fads and false teaching — and that’s a fact.

Lesley not only tells us what the problems plaguing women’s ministries are, she’s written a prescription for the cure. And by the way, men’s ministries aren’t immune to some of the ills that plague women’s ministries. Men are also susceptible to fads and false teaching.

“What’s the number one problem in women’s ministry today?”

It’s a question I was recently asked in an interview; one I can’t get off my mind. There are many good and wonderful things I see trending in women’s ministry, which are creating an increasing number of biblically strong, godly Christian women. But those women are still a tiny minority – a remnant, you might say – in contemporary evangelicalism. The problems, on the other hand? Overwhelming. Discouraging. Pervasive.

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‘The Woebot will see you now’ — the rise of chatbot therapy

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

“Technocracy’s ‘science of social engineering’ is taking a strange and dangerous twist with the invention of AI therapy bots that help humans with their psychological issues. As you confess your darkest secrets to Woebot, rest assured that they will stay in your file forever.” — Technocracy Editor

Amy Ellis Nutt of the liberal Washington Post has the story:

My therapist wanted to explain a few things during our first online session:

“I’m going to check in with you at random times. If  you can’t respond straight away, don’t sweat it. Just come back to me when  you’re ready. I’ll check in daily.”

“Daily?” I asked.

“Yup! It shouldn’t take longer than a couple minutes. Can you handle that?

“Yes, I can,” I answered.

There was a little more back-and-forth, all via Messenger, then this statement from my therapist:

“This might surprise you, but . . . I am a robot.”

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Trump to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, forge ahead with moving US Embassy

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

Fox News reports:

President Trump on Wednesday will order the State Department to begin moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, senior administration officials said, a move that fulfills a campaign promise made to religious conservatives but one that could inflame tensions across the Middle East.

In his announcement, Trump will say that the U.S. government recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. One official described it as an “honest” acknowledgement of a “seven-decade old fact.”

“While President Trump recognizes that the status of Jerusalem is a highly sensitive issue, he does not think it will be resolved by ignoring the simple truth that Jerusalem is home to Israel’s legislature, its Supreme Court, the prime minister and is such the capital of Israel,” one official said.

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Discernment and man-made religiosity

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

10 When I entered the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined at home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you, and they are coming to kill you at night.” 11 But I said, “Should a man like me flee? And could one such as I go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.” 12 Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 He was hired for this reason, that I might become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could reproach me. 14 Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these works of theirs, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the rest of the prophets who were trying to frighten me. Nehemiah 6:10-14 (NASB) 

16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. Colossians 2:16-19 (NASB) 

Carefully read both passages I placed at the top of this post. In both passages false prophets have proclaimed to know something or have a message from God or have received a vision from God that is not true. …  View article →

Religious Liberty Case Is Not about Refusing to Serve People ‘Because of Who They Are’

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

Amy K. Hall of Stand to Reason explains what the case is really about:

Today, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. I recommend you read this article by David French to clear up a major misconception about the case that’s being promoted out there. The article responds to a New York Times opinion piece that completely misunderstands the case, claiming it’s about denying people services “because of who they are.” (See here and here for more responses to this common mistake.)

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The Antidote to Anemic Worship

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

From Berean Research:

In far too many churches, the Bible is nearly silent, chides Albert Mohler, president of Baptist Theological Seminary. “The public reading of Scripture has been dropped from many services and the sermon has been sidelined, reduced to a brief devotional appended to the music.” We are in the age of entertainment, says Mohler.  And there is little desire for expository teaching anymore. To please the congregation, many of whom are goats, some preachers put in a “brief message of encouragement or exhortation before the conclusion of the service.” As a result of pastors giving their congregants what they want, a large number of churches have strayed from authentic worship that pleases God.

Dr. Mohler’s piece is posted over at Ligonier Ministries:

The Sermon on the Mount
Carl Bloch, 1890

Evangelical Christians have been especially attentive to worship in recent years, sparking a renaissance of thought and conversation on what worship really is and how it should be done. Even if this renewed interest has unfortunately resulted in what some have called the “worship wars” in some churches, it seems that what A.W. Tozer once called the “missing jewel” of evangelical worship is being recovered.

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Scare Quote Explosion: ‘Pastor’ Perry Noble’s ‘Church’ Launch ‘Sermon’ a Total Mess

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Pulpit & Pen News has the latest on the Perry Noble saga. The “spiritually unqualified” disgraced pastor “took to Facebook for the ‘digital launch’ of his ‘church,’ Second Chance ‘Church.'” P&P posted the video of the event and reviews Noble’s sermon:

Perry Noble was known for primarily three things, prior to self-destructing in his personal life due to alcoholism and bad marital decisions (and now divorce). He was known for (1) being the pastor of a mega-church, NewSpring, (2) playing Highway to Hell for Easter worship , (3) for his theology that was sooooo bad it earned a rebuke from his denomination.

When Noble refused to go away and later announced the beginning of a new church plant, it forced the hand of his former church to formally denounce him as spiritually unqualified (Noble agreed with them, but continued anyway). Even still, mega-pastors like Steven Furtick have continued to embrace him, along with a legion of online followers.

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Godly discernment is rooted in Christian maturity

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

12 Not that I have already received or have been completed, I press on that, if possible, to apprehend it because Christ Jesus has apprehended me. Philippians 3:12 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

I and those who do what I do often take a lot of heat that most of you know nothing about. There are some who claim to be operating “discernment” ministries or claim that they have “discernment”, but when they go after men of God simply because they are wounded warriors who are under heavy assault by the likes of Brannon Howse and his Worldview Weekend, then you must at least take a few steps back, shut off the noise, get with God, examine the evidence through His truth and wisdom and react, or not, accordingly.  However, those who simply follow the example of the noisemakers trying to gain an audience so they can get more donations from those they suck in to support their “ministries” are the ones that I have found attempting to sneak into the comment section on this blog as trolls to be used by our enemy to torpedo the truth.   View article →

Ravi Zacharias Responds to Sexting Allegations, Credentials Critique

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , ,

Before we get to Christianity Today’s story, you should know that Ravi Zacharias does not hold a doctorate in anything (more on this here). He has honorary doctorates. An honorary doctorate is not the same thing as an earned Ph.D.  Zacharias has not written a dissertation nor has he passed an oral defense. He has a master’s degree. Period. Thus, we should not refer to him as “Dr.”

It is time for Mr. Zacharias to come clean, stand tall, and admit that he’s not a doctor of anything. But, as you will see, he isn’t willing to do that.

Elizabeth Prata reminds us that “Even though there are some towering men of the faith, we must continue to do our duty and test all things against scripture. No one is immune from potential apostasy, error, or sin.”

As for the sexting allegations, neither Zacharias or his accuser can answer further questions about the matter due to the court settlement’s confidentiality agreement.

Now to Kate Shellnut and Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra’s report:

Ravi Zacharias built his career defending the Christian faith. Now the famous apologist is defending his own reputation.

Today, Zacharias and his eponymous Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) released their first statements specifically addressing a personal lawsuit involving a married woman who sent nude photos to the popular author and speaker, as well as accusations that Zacharias has misled supporters by inflating his credentials in his RZIM biography.

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What is Heresy? Is Arminianism Heresy, Part I

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

Pulpit & Pen examines what the meaning of heresy is. Included in this piece is a list of specified, defined heresies. Some of the examples given are: Antinomianism, Arianism, Modalism, Montanism, Pelagianism, Sabellianism, and the Galatian Heresy (works righteousness). All are prominent heresies.  Because the visible Church is infested with heresy, believers must do as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). We must read and study the scriptures to find out if someone’s teaching is true or if it is false.

P&P tells us what heresy is and what it is not — and what they consider damnable heresy:

  1. Random Internet Denizen: John MacArthur is a heretic! Us: Why? Random Internet Denizen: Because he said you could accept the Mark of the Beast and still be saved! Us: What heresy is that? Random Internet Denizen: What do you mean? Us: Heresies have names. What is the name of that heresy? Random Internet Denizen: I don’t know. Us: So John MacArthur is a heretic, but you don’t know what kind of heretic? Random Internet Denizen: [silence]

That’s pretty much how the majority of heresy discussions go. The term is often – but not always – misapplied in various ways. Unfortunately, the term has been misapplied so frequently that some have thrown out the term altogether, and choose not to use it at all. But, heresy is a fine word. There’s no reason to throw it out. Heretic is a fine title to give someone, and there’s no reason we should stop. We just need to make sure that we’re using it correctly.

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The necessity and nature of the Atonement

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth from all sin. I John 1:7

My hearers, what is the most wonderful event that ever occurred on earth, that ever happened in the universe? The history of our race is so full of wonderful events-you might well pause for your answer. My answer would be this: by far the most wonderful thing that has ever happened in the universe, is the atoning death of Jesus Christ the Lord. If without philosophizing, if in simplicity you will take what God’s Word declares concerning it, you will not only see this to be so, perhaps you will feel it to be so. If you will remember who he was-the thought would startle us if we were not so used to it-if you will remember how he died, how the Lord of life and glory, the sinless one, how he died in suffering and shame, and above all if you will remember what he died for, what his death is declared in the Scriptures to mean for the universe and for us, then you will believe that this is the great wonder of all wonders. And yet, God be thanked, it may be the simplest matter of each individual human heart’s everyday experience to rest upon that wonderful thought. There are many things we can never comprehend as to their nature, which are yet unquestionable as facts and essential to our existence. To declare before heaven and earth that all our hopes are turned upon the atoning death of Jesus Christ, a man may do that, may live on that atoning death, although it be a mystery he cannot solve. View article →

That which can keep believers from stumbling

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 “These things I have spoken to you that you not be caused to stumble.” John 16:1 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

In John 15 our Lord spoke of certain “things” in great detail in order that believers “not be caused to stumble.” He was referring to John 15:18-25, which is the fact that those who are truly in Christ will be hated by the world just as our Lord was. Our Lord made it an imperative that we understand that this is true, but also that we do not have to contend with this alone. In John 15:26-27, the promise of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, is given again. Those who have the Holy Spirit are genuine believers and they bear witness about Christ because that is what the Holy Spirit does.  View article →

The Conversion of Protestants to Catholicism Through the Eucharist

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , ,

This piece by Roger Oakland is posted over at Lighthouse Trails:

More and more Protestants are testifying they are being drawn to the Catholic Church, especially through the Eucharist. Some say they have encountered the presence of Christ in a new and exciting way. One such person is Presbyterian pastor Steven Muse. Muse is one of the contributing authors of Mary the Mother of All: Protestant Perspectives and Experiences of Medjugorje.

According to Muse, his visit to Medjugorje was life changing, especially after he encountered the Eucharistic Christ. He states:

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See our Research Paper on Roman Catholicism

Kate Steinle Died in Her Father’s Arms, Now He’s Responding to the Jury’s Verdict for Her Killer

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙

Becky Loggia of Western Journal has the story:

What was seen as a just verdict to some was nothing more than political leniency to others, but the most important view in the entire case of Kate Steinle’s death may belong to the ones that loved her most.

The San Francisco Chronicle detailed an exclusive interview with the Steinle family, from the inception of the event that changed their lives forever to the political turmoil that ensued.

“Each media interview, each exploitation of Kate’s name for political gain, each still shot of her smile on television only amplified the anguish of their loss,” the article states.

“Above all, they wanted it to mark the end of a public profile they neither sought nor enjoyed.”

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The good, the bad and the ugly of Michael Flynn’s guilty plea

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In a piece over at The Hill, Jonathan Turley, the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University, tackles the Michael Flynn situation and explains the affect it could have on President Trump:

The plea agreement of Michael Flynn, the former White House national security adviser, is a case of the the good, the bad and the ugly for the Trump administration. It is an undeniably significant, though not unexpected, development in the Russia investigation. Flynn was always the most exposed of the high-ranking Trump officials and he lacked a clear defense on some of the allegations regarding his work as a foreign agent. In the famous Western “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly,” Clint Eastwood’s character Blondie explained the difference between a man with a defense and no defense: “You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend, those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.” Flynn had to dig for a plea but the question is whether he presents a clear and present danger to the Trump inner circle. That is far less clear.

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Do All Religions Just Teach Love?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

As a pastor, I’m often asked by friends outside the church whether there’s any difference between the major world religions. After all—the thinking goes—aren’t they all communicating the importance of love? Don’t they share a common basis in morality?

With all the religious tension in the world, it’d be great to simply conclude that all religions are, at their core, essentially the same. If that’s the case, it’s pointless to argue about dogma, and the thought of going to war over differences becomes incomprehensible. Despite what may be good intentions in emphasizing the similarities across religions, there are real problems with assuming that “all religions just teach love.” View article →

Get Ready Cause Jesus is Coming Soon!

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ ,

What does it take to “get ready”? Steve Lumbley offers his view over at Apostasy Watch. He writes:

I see this often on social media and it just drives me crazy.

What exactly does it mean to “get ready” for Jesus’ return? Is it like when the boss walks through the office and somebody says here he comes, everybody look busy? Maybe it’s like when you were a kid in school and everyone started acting up when the teacher stepped out of the room for a moment. As soon as she returned we all jumped back into our seats and tried to look innocent.

Do people actually think a warning like this has any effect or does it just make the person posting it feel like they are doing something for the Lord?

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What Happens When Christianity Doesn’t Work

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Christianity is not true because it works, says Dr. Michael Horton. “That is to say, it does not solve all of the problems that we think it should solve. Those who become Christians because they were told it would fix their marriages, only to find themselves in divorce court, might well give up on Christianity. Those who expected to be free of sinful habits and desires after a conversion in which ‘sudden victory’ was promised may find themselves disillusioned with God altogether soon thereafter, when they realize that they are still sinners saved by grace.”

Dr. Horton, J. Gresham Machen professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Seminary and host of the White Horse Inn, offers hope in the midst of suffering. His must read piece is posted over at CCC Discover:

So often, when people come to Christ, they are promised “victory in Jesus.” Smiling, happy people tell about how they once were unhappy, and now they are filled with buoyant exultation. Broken marriages are fixed, wayward children are returned to the straight and narrow, and depression is banished to the old life, but what happens when Christianity doesn’t work?

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Michael Brown is More Dangerous to Christianity than a Jihadi: We Release Emails with Brown

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

CRN has warned our readers about noted apologist Dr. Michael Brown for several years now, as he has no problem standing with false teachers in their error, from the infamous Benny Hinn, to cover-up artist Brian Houston, goofball Sid Roth, and self-professed prophetess Jennifer LeClaire. This piece by Jordan Hall of Pulpit & Pen is yet another warning to “mark and avoid” smooth talkers like Brown who “deceive the heart of the naive.” (Rom 16:17-18) The email exchange provided by JD Hall shows that this man simply cannot be trusted:

Earlier in the year, I made a Facebook comment that was an excerpt from a manuscript I would go on to preach at the Judge Not Conference. You can see the clip of the sermon this whole thing is about below, and for your convenience, it’s at about the 10.06 mark.

Michael Brown was recently on The Naked Bible podcast with Mike Heiser. You can listen to the full episode here, in which Brown goes to great pains to defend the New Apostolic Reformation and its leaders. I was brought up at around the 38 minute mark. You can listen to the short clip below.

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