Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz: The Body of Christ Must “Rise Up” This Election Season

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙

Christian News Network reports:

Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz is calling upon Christians and their pastors to “rise up” for biblical values during the 2016 election season.

“Nothing is more important in the next 18 months than that the Body of Christ rises up and that Christians stand up—that pastors stand up and lead,” he said in a recent interview with the American Family Association during a campaign stop in Mississippi. (Watch here.)

He noted that his father, Rafael Cruz, a pastor, has been encouraging other pastors to be salt and light in the nation.

“He will tell pastors, ‘Listen, God really laid upon my heart that no one bears greater responsibility for the condition of this country today than the pastors,’” Cruz explained. “Because if the flock stumbles into a ditch, you don’t blame the sheep; you blame the shepherd.”

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What is the Gospel and what does it do?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NASB)

1 Γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν, ἀδελφοί, τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ὃ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν, ὃ καὶ παρελάβετε, ἐν ᾧ καὶ ἑστήκατε, 2 διʼ οὗ καὶ σῴζεσθε, τίνι λόγῳ εὐηγγελισάμην ὑμῖν εἰ κατέχετε, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ εἰκῇ ἐπιστεύσατε. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NA28

The Apostle Paul defined the gospel for us throughout his writings in the New Testament. In these dark spiritual times in which people believe their opinions and feelings are consistent with “truth” it is vital that we know God’s truth and make it known to all who will hear.  I would like to start in 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. I placed vv1-2 at the top of this post. In v1 he tells us that he is going to define the Gospel (εὐαγγέλιον) as a process. In this process, the Gospel must be proclaimed (εὐηγγελισάμην) and through this some who hear it will receive it and it is their very foundation. I pray that you noticed the similarities between the two Greek words above. The word εὐαγγέλιον is Greek for “a good message” or “the good news.” The word εὐηγγελισάμην literally means “announce good news.” It is the word from which we get our English word “evangelize.” Notice also that those who hear the good news and are saved by it also stand (ἑστήκατε) within it because it is their foundation. This Greek word means “you stand” They abide in the covenant of the Gospel because it is now their foundation.

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Reprise: Christian “watchbloggers” under fire

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , , , ,

This subject is even more pertinent today than it was when Marsha West first addressed it in 2011.

A few years ago “the world’s most famous Christian blogger,” Tim Challies, took Christian “watchbloggers” to task in his piece Evil as Entertainment.  Thereafter, says Tim, “Much discussion, much gratitude, much criticism ensued.”  Boy I’ll say!

Only recently did I stumble onto Evil as Entertainment and the follow-up he wrote for clarification.  (Links below)

Tim views Christian watchbloggers (CWs) thusly:

Day after day they offer examples of all that is wrong in the church. They may vary what they offer a little bit, but what is true of them is that they offer a steady diet of negative content related to the church in general or perhaps related to just one person or one ministry. You know of some of these sites, I am sure.

Oh yes, I know of many of these sites.  And I thank God for them.

What I found disappointing in Challies’ blogpost was that he painted CWs with such a broad brush.  He complained that some of them offer negative content related to the church or one person or one ministry while others are:

really just a spiritualized form of YouTube or any other site that entertains by sharing what is gross and base and negative and that does so for the sake of entertainment. There is really no value in watching boys do stupid things on skateboards and laughing when they crack their ankle bones in half; there is really no value in watching the worst pastors in America preach to the worst churches in America. Such sites offer evil as entertainment.

Tim may have a point but it would have been helpful if he had honed in on what a trustworthy CW looks like.  What do I look for?  Firstly, must hold to all the essentials of the Christian faith; secondly, must fall within the pale of orthodoxy; thirdly, must teach sound doctrine; fourthly, must confront false teaching head on.

The Bereans were the CWs of the early church.  They earned a reputation for checking out what Paul was teaching:

Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:11).  (Emphasis mine)

Many modern “Bereanbloggers” are a valuable resource. Those on the front lines of discernment ministries spend hours on end surfing the Net, reading/researching/viewing videos for upcoming articles and/or preparing for radio broadcasts, interviews, speaking engagements, etc., they also update their websites/blogs and respond to phone calls and emails.  Most folks who experience the fruits of their labor don’t realize that the majority of Bereanbloggers toil for little or no compensation.  Some spend their own money in order to keep their ministries afloat.  Why do they do it?  To shine a light in this dark world.  Most importantly these champions of truth do it to bring glory to God.

Bereanbloggers regularly deal with rudeness, insults, intimidation, even threats. Tim Challies has “been there, done that.”

Which is why it’s surprising that he focused on all the “negative information” some CWs generate—and that’s fine–but I wanted to hear which sites are the most dangerous and why I should resist visiting them.  In other words, I wanted Tim to “name names.”

Bereanblogger Sandy Simpson does just that.  He compiled a list of false teachers whose books line the shelves of Christian Bookstores and posted it on his blog.  Simpson  had good reason for posting the list: books by false teachers are a danger to a believer’s spiritual health!

WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING 3Unorthodox books are penned by Christian clergy, Bible teachers, lecturers, novelists and celebrities.  These wolves in sheep’s clothing knowingly lead undiscerning Christians into unbiblical doctrine, teaching, and phenomena.  False teachers worm their way into people’s lives and then lead them into cults and apostate movements such as New Age…Eastern mysticism…Emergent…Church Growth (Purpose Driven)…Word of Faith (health and wealth)…New Apostolic Reformation (Kingdom Now/Dominionism/Latter Rain/ Manifest Sons of God/Joel’s Army)… Self-esteem (self focused).

While I’m on the subject of unorthodox teaching, one of the most dangerous movements in Christendom is “Progressive Christianity” (PC) which is a counterfeit of true Christianity.  PC teaches a false gospel — a “social gospel.”  But it is liberalism repackaged.  PC’s persuasive leaders have managed to convince sincere Christians to accept unrepentant homosexuals, lesbians, bi-sexuals and transgenders into the Church.  PCs appear to be good and compassionate, but they’re wolves!

This is a topic for another day so I’ll move on.

In his blogpost, Tim wondered if he really needs to read and to know about the “seedy underbelly of the church, when such things happen thousands of miles away, among people I will never meet and in places I will never be?”

Well, yes, it actually does matter what’s going on in Twinkle Toes Texas, Tim.  All heresy starts somewhere.  For example, most folks had never heard of Lakeland Florida until Ignited Church and Todd Bentley created the “Lakeland Outpouring” that turned into a circus that ranked right up there with Barnum & Bailey.  You remember Bentley?  He claimed that Jesus told him to kick an old lady in the face with his biker boots to heal her – and he willingly complied.  When Bereanbloggers got wind of this they posted YouTube videos of Todd and the gang to expose the evil that came out of that so-called revival.  Bentley is just one example of why Christians in Maui must be aware of what is going on in churches on the mainland.

But Tim doesn’t see it that way.  He believes “We are to focus much more on what is good than what is evil.”

I agree, sort of.  Believers should put our focus on whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and good (Phil 4:8) to show that we are Christ-like and that we’re putting our focus on God.  It would be nice to think only about good things, but let’s face it.  Wolves like Todd Bentley are scratching at the doors of our churches trying to gain entry! Christians cannot just meditate on lovely thoughts they must take action! When wolves gain entry irreparable harm is done! Wolves that mark their territory on pastor’s pulpits will devour the sheep!

Do you visit such sites because they have information that you truly need to know?” Tim queries.  “Or do you visit as a means of entertainment? Are you delighting in what is good and true and pure and lovely, or are you finding a strange, sick delight in all that is evil and ugly?

Maybe some people visit CWs because they find a sick delight in viewing videos that expose so-called Christians in bizarre situations.  Certainly those who post nothing but this sort stuff delight in evil.  This, however, is not the intent of Bereanbloggers.  Not even close.  What they post are the sad facts on the mess that has become the Body of Christ.  They also offer ways to repair some of the error.

Spending hour upon hour doing research on professing Christians who are up to their eyeballs in heresy is no picnic.  Who wants to watch Todd Bentley’s latest on-stage shenanigans on YouTube?  I don’t.  Those of us who wish to report accurately on the dangerous doctrines this man teaches have no choice but to watch him in action.

As a writer on religion and the culture I can attest to the fact that doing this sort of work can be downright depressing.  That’s why I take heart in knowing that the Apostles not only reported on false teachers that had wormed their way into the early church, they railed against them.  Most likely they lost sleep over it.  I do!  And so do my brothers and sisters involved in online discernment ministries.

Biblical accounts reveal that the writers did whatever they deemed necessary to throw a blanket over the flames of hell that were spreading throughout Christendom.  From the beginning Satan has been out to destroy God’s people and that sly old serpent has not let any grass grow under his belly.

Tim’s blogpost elicited this response:

The reality is that the Church is full of false teachers who promulgate false doctrines and are leading many astray…these false teachers have no accountability as they literally lead thousands down the path to eternal destruction…meanwhile the sheep sing their hymns and carry their Bible’s to church each Sunday. The cry of my heart as of late is that God WOULD raise up holy men bold enough to call out a falsehood when they see it & call these false teachers to account. They will not be popular because many of these ministries are household names in the evangelical word.

For whatever reason, many pastors refuse to call false teachers to account.  Why will they not hold them accountable?  Is it for fear of touching “God’s anointed?”

It is a minister’s responsibility to protect their flock from wolves scratching at the door.  The Lord never called His servant’s to be popular — and He never said they should strive to be relevant.

Pastors were called into the ministry to stand in Christ’s stead.

Pastors are supposed to stand for truth!

Pastors are supposed to be stalwart in the faith!

Ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are supposed to have grit!

You remember Jesus, don’t you pastor?  He’s the Son of God, the Second Person of the holy Trinity, the One who spoke the universe into existence.

He is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent…

He is God Almighty, King of kings, Lord of lords…

Incomparable, all powerful, magnificent, majestic…

Our God is an awesome God!

Which brings up the question: Why do so many ministers bow before sinful men but do not tremble before a holy God?

Why do Christians not take Paul’s warning against false teachers in Romans 16:17 to heart? He said, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Mark them!  Avoid them!  They are not brothers and sisters in Christ!

Returning once again to Tim’s blogpost, Pastor Phil Johnson posted this comment:

I understand Challies’ central concern. There is a vocal segment of the fundamentalist/evangelical community for whom an obsession with sensational exposés and nattering negativity has proved seriously unhealthy.

Later Phil identifies the reason for all the nattering negativity – cowardice!  Phil’s exact words were:

The overwhelming majority of today’s evangelical sophisticates would clearly prefer it if no one ever criticized evangelical Golden Calves. Rampant error doesn’t unsettle them in the least. They are quite happy to live with it and even actively make peace with it. (Source)

Those who are called to serve as pastors and priests should be unhappy with grievous error.  They should be unbending when it comes to preserving Church doctrine.  But many prefer the role of peacemaker.  Funny, because Jesus said:

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.  For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.(Mat 10:34-36).

In verse 35 Jesus is speaking of divisions over people’s beliefs or lack of beliefs, about Him.  Even families will divide over disagreements.

ChristianityIt is far less likely for Christians to fall into error (and sin) when they’re in a church that teaches the precepts of the Bible in a clear and logical way.  When Phil Johnson teaches, his“immediate concern is to explain the meaning of specific texts of Scripture and exhort people to apply the truth to their lives in obedience to God.” That’s what Jesus meant when he said to Peter “feed my sheep.”   Paul warned Timothy to “teach sound doctrine.”  This is not an option.  Pastors are commanded to teach sound doctrine yet a large number of believers have no clue what Church doctrine entails.

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” (Emphasis mine) Acts 20:28-31

I’ll close with a comment I came across on Tim’s blogpost:

“It was a “watchdog” blog that alerted me to the apostacy [sic] that had entered my church of 28 years. There was no help with discernment from our elders. On the contrary, they were quickly finding ways to get rid of people who were not willing to go along with the ‘new’ plan for our church. Those of us who tried to talk with them were called troublemakers, legalists. I left that church wounded as did many others. From that time on, I have read the discernment blogs because I want to understand new trends in the church so I can warn others and never again be caught off guard myself. I don’t go to these sites for entertainment. I read, try to check the sources to verify, and pass on information to others. This has lead [sic] to several family members coming out of apostate movements. Just because some people are being entertained by these blogs does not mean they do not have purpose/ value. If a person is going to the sites for entertainment, then they need to repent and find a more God honoring use of their time.”

Copyright by Marsha West, 2011.  All rights reserved.

Tim Challies’ blogposts

Evil as Entertainment

Fighting Fire With Fire

Mostly trustworthy Christian sites, in no particular order:

Phil Johnson’s Bookmarks…Grace to You blog…Apprising Ministries…Herescope…Kjos Ministries…Discernment Ministries…Christian Research Network…Pirate Christian/Fighting for the Faith…On Solid Rock Resources…Answers In Genesis...Walter Martin…Christian Answers for the New Age…Berean Beacon…Christian Research Service…Deception in the Church…Stand to Reason…Let Us Reason…Good Fight Ministries…Justin Peters Ministries…Truth In Grace…Michelle Lesley…Take Heed…Truthxchange…The End Time…Critical Issues…Wretched/Todd Friel…Churchwatch Central…The Cripplegate…Apostasy Watch…The Watchman’s Bagpipes…Spirit of Error...8:28 Ministries...Messed Up Church…Reformation Charlotte…Pulpit & Pen

These sites don’t necessarily reflect my theological views nor do I agree with them on everything they say. The ones who are considered “watchbloggers” are mostly trustworthy. But we all make mistakes. Some discernment bloggers are accused of being “judgmental,” “harsh,” “unloving,” “pharisaical,” and even “mean-spirited.” You be the judge (Acts 11:17).

Sexual orientation in the UK: Half of young people say they are not 100% heterosexual

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

According to International Business Times:

Only 28% of heterosexuals believe that “there is no middle ground – you are either heterosexual or you are not”.

Kinsey estimated that around 10% of the population was gay, although this percentage was criticised by the American Statistical Association. However, a 2011 Gallup poll asked over 1,000 people in the US “what percentage of Americans today would you say are gay or lesbian?” On average, respondents guessed that 1-in-4 Americans were.

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Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1 NASB

According to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ in John 15 the mark of Christian authenticity is abiding or remaining in Him. This is not simply a continual profession of faith, but a remaining faithful to Christ in our orthodox Christian faith. According to Paul, it is a two-fold action of departing from the faith and giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. The Apostle John called the Christian leaders who do this antichrists. View article →

82 Percent of Americans Agree: Photographers Have Right to Say No to Gay Weddings

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

According to CNSNews:

A recently released poll shows significant public support for the protection of religious liberty—especially when special rights based on sexual orientation are being advanced at its expense.

The results reveal hope for the classical liberal vision of America: they indicate that most Americans still appear to want maximum freedom and individual rights protection.

According to Caddell Associates, which conducted the poll, “[t]here is an overwhelming sense on the part of American voters that they want to find common ground in order to protect both the expression of religious freedom and the rights of gays and lesbians.”

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Genuine Christians are stewards of God’s grace

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water. 1 Peter 3:13-20 NASB

Genuine Christianity cannot coexist with any other religion. God has given us the tenets of our faith and they are mutually exclusive with the claims of all other religions. There can be no peace between them and true Christianity because once compromise has taken place here then what remains is something less and no longer true. We are called to live our lives in the flesh here in the temporal, but with entirely different motives than non-Christians. The confusion about this exists because what passes for Christianity, for the most part, in our time has been compromised. The world has been welcomed in various ways at different levels and the professing Christians within are far more concerned about their temporal existence rather than obeying God in all things for His glory. View article →

Carson defends his research on aborted fetuses

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

According to CNN:

Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson on Thursday defended his past use of tissue from aborted fetuses for medical research even as he continued to criticize Planned Parenthood.

The retired neurosurgeon said his research, which took place in 1992, does not conflict with his call to defund Planned Parenthood after several undercover videos surfaced that purportedly show officials with the organization working with research companies using tissue from aborted fetuses.

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Panel at “Send” event: You are not alone

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

Baptist Press reports on what occurred at the 2015 Send North America Conference during a main session panel discussion led by Kevin Ezell.

Ezell, president of the North America Mission Board, was joined on the platform by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary President Daniel Akin, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. and Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission President Russell Moore.

“Each one of these men would tell you — we cannot do what we do, and David [Platt] and the IMB [International Mission Board] cannot do what they do, if it were not for the sacrificial gifts of people in churches who give faithfully every Sunday,” said Ezell, who added he is equally appreciative of “churches who make a commitment to … the Cooperative Program. As they give [through] that, part of that goes to support the International Mission Board, the North American Mission Board, the ERLC and all the seminaries.”

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Colorado Appeals Court Upholds Ruling Requiring Christian Baker to Make “Gay Wedding” Cakes

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

According to Christian News Network:

The Colorado Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court ruling requiring a Christian baker to make cakes for “gay weddings” despite his biblical beliefs not to be a partaker in other men’s sins. (1 Timothy 5:22)

“We conclude that the act of same-sex marriage is closely correlated to Craig’s and Mullins’ sexual orientation, and therefore, [the initial arbiter] did not err when he found that Masterpiece’s refusal to create a wedding cake for Craig and Mullins was ‘because of’ their sexual orientation,’” the three-judge panel, consisting of Judges Daniel Taubman, Judge Michael Berger and Judge Alan Loeb, ruled on Thursday.

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Does “Vision Casting” have anything to do with Abiding in Christ and bearing much fruit?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

1 “ I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:1-8 NASB

Spend any time at all in this dark spiritual time listening to the majority of what passes for “evangelical preaching” and you will hear some very bad, man-centered theology. The crux of this theology goes something like this. God wants everyone to have a vision and so every Christian needs to try really hard to pursue a vision until it aches within them. Then they know its from God and then they need to run after it as hard as they can. What passages from the Bible do you suppose they use to support that? Well, since its not found anywhere in God’s Word, they attempt to use passages out of context to do that and then misrepresent Jesus completely alien from His Holy nature that we are given in Scripture to one of being more like a servant of these people. They call this stuff either “vision-casting” or “vision-questing,” but, in any case, there are some so-called “evangelicals” who not only have those who preach this stuff come and preach it to their people, but they go to their “churches” as if they are all part of the same good ol’ boy network of ‘evangelicals.’ I think not. Oh, they may all be part of the same good ol’ boy network, but that ‘group’ has nothing to do with the Church and genuine Christianity. View article →

Gay teen asks Supreme Court to allow him to get counseling

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

Christian Examiner reports:

If a teenage boy living in New Jersey is sexually attracted to other boys, a law signed by Gov. Chris Christie in 2013 says he shouldn’t ever have to undergo counseling that attempts to change his attraction.

The same law also protects those 18 and under who were born one gender, yet identify as another. But what if a minor wants counseling that helps him reduce or do away with unwanted same-sex attractions or identity?

According to Liberty Counsel, those minors are being denied their right to receive that type of counseling, because licensed mental health professionals in New Jersey are currently forbidden to offer it, even if the client wants it.

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3 States Defund and 13 States Investigate Planned Parenthood

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

The Daily Signal reports:

The three states that recently denied taxpayers’ money to Planned Parenthood affiliates likely will be followed by others as public pressure mounts on governors and other state officials, regardless of whether Congress votes to defund the nation’s leading abortion provider.

Defunding on the state level—as in Alabama, Louisiana, and New Hampshire—may not be as sharp a blow to Planned Parenthood as loss of half a billion dollars a year from the federal government, a lawyer for a prominent opponent told The Daily Signal.

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To operate in any part of the social strata that requires us to compromise the exclusivity of Christianity excludes us from taking part in it

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

30 ἐγὼ καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ἕν ἐσμεν. (John 10:30 NA28)

30 “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30 translated from the NA28 Greek text)

Genuine Christianity, not the false versions of it, is unique when compared to the world’s religions. In fact, those false versions of it are just like the rest of the world’s religions in one regard that makes genuine Christianity absolutely unique. All other “religions” are based upon some form of works based theology and belief system in which some form of justification is made through those works which increase the value of the person in that religion thereby gaining the reward. On the other hand, genuine Christianity is nothing like that at all. Salvation or justification comes as a result of something God has set out to do and has completed. Those who are justified were elected by him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1) based upon no works or deeds or value inherent in them  (that none may boast). All of the work to justify these elect was done by God and completed; and he, being sovereign and all-powerful, saves them all as we will see in the short passage we will exegete below. Those who are saved are new creations after their justification because God himself regenerated them so that their dead faith is made alive and they are now able to believe the gospel and be saved (Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:5). Who believes? Who are these Christians? View article →

Human Capital – Episode 2: Inside the Planned Parenthood Supply Site

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

The Center for Medical Progress has just released the second video in the series they’re producing on Planned Parenthood’s barbaric practice of selling aborted baby body parts:

Baby in the womb

The second episode in a new documentary web series highlights a young woman’s eyewitness narrative of the daily practice of fetal body parts harvesting in Planned Parenthood abortion clinics, describing tissue procurement workers’ coordination with abortion providers, the pressure placed on patients, and disregard for patient consent.

The “Human Capital” documentary web series, produced by The Center for Medical Progress, integrates expert interviews, eyewitness accounts, and real-life undercover interactions to explore various themes connected to Planned Parenthood’s sale of aborted fetal tissue. Episode 1, “Planned Parenthood’s Black Market in Baby Parts,” premiered last month. Episode 2, “Inside the Planned Parenthood Supply Site,” launches today at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABzFZM73o8M

The series follows the personal narrative of Holly O’Donnell, a former Blood and TIssue Procurement Technician for StemExpress, a start-up biotech company from northern California that partners with Planned Parenthood clinics to purchase their aborted fetus parts and resell them for scientific experimentation. As a procurement tech, O’Donnell’s job was to identify pregnant patients matching the specifications of StemExpress customers and to harvest the fetal body parts from their abortions.

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Discussions with Carl Lentz

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

From Berean Research:

By keeping you updated on the continuing exposure of the opposing statements that continue to contradict what one of the largest megachurches in the world has said about two gay men serving in its church, some will tell us we are “beating a dead horse.” We could easily listen to those voices and stop reporting these very disturbing new twists and turns, but then many sheep would be continuing to be mislead by taking Hillsong’s do-what-I-say statements as fact. We are all to contend for the faith, expose lies and teachings that directly contradict God’s Word and point people to the true Gospel of Christ.

No, we are not beating a dead horse, but sounding the alarm so that those who are caught up in deception may be snatched away from its destructive flames. Here then is the latest from ChurchWatch Central

Recently we posted an article explaining how we are concerned that Carl Lentz had made misleading statements to Dr. James White about Hillsong’s position on the acceptance of gay people within the Hillsong Community. Our unease stemmed from a recent episode of The Dividing Line in which Dr. White discusses some email interaction he had with Carl Lentz, and his concerns about a recent statement made by Brian Houston about the inclusion of unrepentant homosexuals as congregation members of Hillsong Church.

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Preaching the Gospel at Pentecost

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them:“Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and give heed to my words. 15 For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘ And it shall be in the last days, ’ God says, ‘ That I will pour forth of MY Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams; 18 Even on MY bondslaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth of MY Spirit And they shall prophesy. 19 ‘ And I will grant wonders in the sky above And signs on the earth below, Blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 ‘ The sun will be turned into darkness And the moon into blood, Before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. 21 ‘ And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ Acts 2:14-21 NASB

Thus began the Apostle Peter’s sermon following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost just 10 days following our Lord’s Ascension. I am going to walk through this sermon with you so that we can see how the Gospel works when preached with power and with the right focus. Who is being glorified in vv14-21 above? Is it the preacher Peter? Is it those prophesying? Is it those responding? No, it is God who is causing this to happen through the moving of His mighty hand. What will be the result as Peter summarizes in v21? Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Here is that verse from Greek, “καὶ ἔσται πᾶς ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου σωθήσεται.” The NASB’s rendering of “calls on” translates ἐπικαλέσηται the Aorist, Subjunctive, Middle form of ἐπικαλέομαι or epikaleomai, which, in this context, is making use of the name of the Lord in adoration as Lord and Saviour. This is a turning to Him for salvation from the hour of judgment and wrath to come. That is how Peter opens his sermon. Let us see the rest. View article →

T.D. Jakes “Shocked” After Theology Called Into Question Following Remarks Respecting “Gay Rights”

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Opinion ∙ , , ,

Berean Research reports the latest on the T.D. Jakes dust up:

T.D. Jakes

T.D. Jakes is a master of obfuscation. This was very apparent in his recent TV interview with Huffington Post’s Marc Lamont Hill. Thus, a controversy erupted over some of the things he said – and failed say. That he’s a master of obfuscation was also obvious during the Elephant Room 2 controversy that came about over whether or not Jakes’ view of the Trinity is biblical. Most people are unaware that he has been associated with modalism, a heretical belief that rejects the orthodox view of the Trinity. For those who are unclear about this, a belief in the Trinity is an essential of Christianity and one of the non-negotiables. So if a person chooses to deny the existence of the Trinity or rejects the settled orthodox view set forth in Scripture, he/she is not a true Christian. During the E-2 discussion to clarify his beliefs with regard to the Trinity, Jakes did anything but clarify. His tap dance made Gene Kelly look like a rank amateur. Although he tried his best to come across as a true trinitarian, his arguments were unconvincing. (Daniel Neades makes the case)

There’s more. Jakes not only denies the Bible’s clear teaching with regard to the Trinity, he preaches the Word of Faith-prosperity gospel which comes out of the metaphysical New Thought teachings of Phineas Quimby. Word-faith is the belief that faith is a force and words are the containers of the force. Words can be used to manipulate the faith-force — name it and claim it. By manipulating the faith-force we can create our own reality. Those who hold this view also believe Scripture promises health and wealth which is where we get terms such as “prosperity gospel” and “health & wealth gospel.” With this in mind, is “Bishop” Jakes a true Christian or a counterfeit?

The answer is that those who are outside the bounds of historic orthodox Christianity are counterfeit Christians.

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The wonderful gift of God

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; Ephesians 2:8 NASB

What is saving faith? From where does it come?  Is it something within natural man that everyone is born with and so can bring to life through self will or self effort or is it, as the Bible clearly says, that man is dead in trespasses and sins and, therefore, this saving faith is a gift from God and our salvation is His work from beginning to end? View article →

Natural Selection, “Engine of Evolution,” May Actually Inhibit Evolution, Scientists Find

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ ,

According to Christian News Network:

A team of American and British scientists has published a new report detailing how natural selection, “the engine of evolution,” can actually prevent evolution from happening—a potentially devastating setback for evolutionists.

Natural selection, a term first popularized by Charles Darwin, plays a fundamental role in the theory of evolution. In his infamous book “The Origin of Species,” Darwin proposed that natural selection “leads to divergence of character and to much extinction of the less improved and intermediate forms of life.”

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Fellowship?

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 NASB

Most of the churches I attended in my life had something called “fellowship” and some even had  space dedicated to it called “fellowship hall” or something similar. We had time after “church” that was called “fellowship time” that always seemed to be a relaxed time of visiting together and just being friendly with each other outside of normal “church stuff.” In the New Testament the word that is translated as “fellowship” as in Acts 2:42 (above) is κοινωνια or koinōnia, which Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest defined as, “joint participation in a common interest or activity.” Instead of simply a friendly time of visiting together or a coming together for relaxation, κοινωνίᾳ, then, is a partnership, a sharing of something in common. View article →

The Smoking Gun: Brian Houston Acknowledges Ministry of Gay Couple at Hillsong NYC – on video – Back in 2014

Posted by ∙ ∙ In News ∙ , ,

So, what did he know and when did he know it? Discover the truth of the matter on the (unedited) video that’s posted on the Pulpit&Pen blog.

Pinocchio

This really ought to be the final segment in this long saga on Hillsong’s attempt to cover-up their acceptance of homosexuals in ministry and service roles in the NYC congregation. This is the smoking gun, and the bullet fired was straight at the heart of Brian Houston’s moral authority and personal integrity.

The recap: Last week, a few discernment websites exposed Hillsong NYC for their acceptance of a celebrity homosexual couple in the church choir – one as a choir director and the other as a choir member (source link). Some argued that Lentz (the Hillsong NYC) pastor had “dealt with it” and others argued that the discernment blogs were less than accurate in their reporting. Brian Houston, Hillsong senior pastor from Australia, issued a press release saying that he had only recently found out about the gay couple after an article about the homosexual Hillsong couple hit the press in January (source link). Chris Rosebrough covered this issue on Fighting for the Faith and explained that the word of Carl Lentz and Brian Houston should not be trusted (source link). Still, some wanted to take the word of Lentz and Houston, like Dr. Michael Brown in his article at Charisma Mag, who reduced the story to “internet rumors” (source link). We brought to you three videos from Carl Lentz, giving very troubling statements in regard to homosexuality (source link). Then, we brought to you the open letter from the homosexual couple stating that they were open and honest with Hillsong about their relationship “from the beginning” and still served the church both in music ministry and a “connect group” host (source link). And, I discussed all of the above in a podcast, here.

For the record (again), this is a screenshot of Houston’s statement in which he alleges no one knew about the openly-homosexual couple serving in their ministry (source link)…

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Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe in me also

Posted by ∙ ∙ In Devotion/Teaching

27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 NASB

1 Μὴ ταρασσέσθω ὑμῶν ἡ καρδία· πιστεύετε εἰς τὸν θεὸν καὶ εἰς ἐμὲ πιστεύετε. 2 ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τοῦ πατρός μου μοναὶ πολλαί εἰσιν· εἰ δὲ μή, εἶπον ἂν ὑμῖν ὅτι πορεύομαι ἑτοιμάσαι τόπον ὑμῖν; 3 καὶ ἐὰν πορευθῶ καὶ ἑτοιμάσω τόπον ὑμῖν, πάλιν ἔρχομαι καὶ παραλήμψομαι ὑμᾶς πρὸς ἐμαυτόν, ἵνα ὅπου εἰμὶ ἐγὼ καὶ ὑμεῖς ἦτε. 4 καὶ ὅπου [ἐγὼ] ὑπάγω οἴδατε τὴν ὁδόν. 5 Λέγει αὐτῷ Θωμᾶς· κύριε, οὐκ οἴδαμεν ποῦ ὑπάγεις· πῶς δυνάμεθα τὴν ὁδὸν εἰδέναι; 6 λέγει αὐτῷ [ὁ] Ἰησοῦς· ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή· οὐδεὶς ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸν πατέρα εἰ μὴ διʼ ἐμοῦ. (John 14:1-6 NA28)

1 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe in me also. 2 In my Father’s house there are many rooms, if not, I would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming and will receive you to myself that where I am you may be also. 4 And where I go, you know the way. 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you go. How are we able to know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-6 translated from the NA28 Greek text)

Genuine Christian Faith bears fruit in those who possess it as they mature, persevering in the fires of sanctification. This fruit is seen in hearts that have joy and remain at peace even when under burdens that would crush most people. Yes, Christians often lament and mourn and deeply desire for those burdens to be lifted, but as they place their eyes on Christ and their perspective moves from the temporal to the eternal then what was troubling their hearts seems relatively trivial. What is the worst this world can do to us? It offers cruelty and death. However, for those in Christ, we have the promise of life in Christ no matter what happens to us in this life. View article →

Abortion, Planned Parenthood highlighted at first Republican debate

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Christian Examiner reports some of what went on during the first GOP debate:

Top tier GOP candidates. Photo courtesy siegg.com

Top tier GOP candidates. Photo courtesy
siegg.com

Having the largest Republican field in modern presidential history on one stage limited the scope and depth of Thursday’s first GOP debate, but social issues still played a major role.

Ten GOP candidates appeared in front of a FoxNews primetime audience for a 2-hour debate at Quicken Loans Arena, hours after seven lower-tier candidates took part in their own one-hour debate.

The 10-member field was chosen by a “poll of polls,” and – judging by a sampling of political observers – the debate was worth watching.

Of the 17 candidates, 16 are self-described as being pro-life, including Donald Trump, who came into the night leading the national Republican field by about 11 points, according to RealClearPolitics.com. (George Pataki, a lower-tier candidate, is the lone pro-choicer.)

Trump was asked to explain his pro-life position in light of labeling himself pro-choice 15 years ago. Moderator Megyn Kelly challenged him, saying he once even supported partial-birth abortion.

“I’ve evolved on many issues over the years. And you know who else has? Ronald Reagan evolved on many issues,” Trump said. “And I am pro-life. … What happened is [that] friends of mine years ago were going to have a child, and it was going to be aborted. And it wasn’t aborted. And that child today is a total superstar, a great, great child. And I saw that. And I saw other instances. And I am very, very proud to say that I am pro-life.”

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Ugandan gay pride party to celebrate end of anti-homosexuality law

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Hindustan Times reports:

Ugandan LGBT activists gathered for a gay pride rally to celebrate one year since the overturning of a struct anti-homosexuality law, though the jubliant mood was subdued over fears that tougher legislation may be on its way.

Condemned by rights groups but popular among many Ugandans, the overturned law called for proven homosexuals to be jailed for life and requiring the public to denounce gays to the authorities.

The constitutional court threw it out on a technicality last August, six months after it took effect.

On Saturday, dozens met outside the capital Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, waving rainbow flags.

The rally culminated a week of events that included a transgender awareness day and a “Mr and Miss Pride” beauty pageant, attended by about 200 people.

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