This comment by Bud Press over at Slaughtering The Sheep in response to Pipergate was so good, I asked Bud if I could repost it here. He kindly agreed.
Quote:
A pastor writes a book. The book becomes a runaway best-seller. The pastor becomes an overnight sensation and influences millions. The book is read, studied, and idolized, and replaces the Bible in church, Sunday School, and Bible meetings.'
Later, when it is learned that the book introduces Christians to a counterfeit belief system, Christians speak out against the book and try to reason with the pastor and his followers. The pastor grins and shrugs his shoulders. His followers rally around him and shout “Stop attacking and judging my pastor!”
To make the truth known, Christians produce articles, books, and videos to warn against the book, but the book continues to sell like hot-cakes. The pastor, the book, and his counterfeit belief system, continue to gain popularity.
The book appeals to a wide variety of non-Christians–from cults to heretics– and is billed as the best thing since sliced bread. It is placed center-stage in online and walk-in Christian and secular bookstores worldwide. Christians complain and warn, but the book helps the bookstores stay afloat financially.
The book spawns other books, programs, and curriculums. Corporations and organizations are formed around the book’s teachings. Politicians are effected by the book. The pastor has an open door to prominent leaders worldwide–Christian and non-Christian alike.
Solid, Bible-based Christians meet with the pastor and try to reason with him. The pastor has heard all of the concerns and Biblical references. He continues to grin and shrug his shoulders. He knows that for every one follower lost there will be ten more to come on board.Years later, when the controversial smoke has cleared, a once-thought Bible-based Christian invites the pastor to a conference JUST TO HEAR WHAT THE PASTOR HAS TO SAY.
The pastor, who authored the book, which caused all of the controversy and deception in the first place, grins and shrugs his shoulders, and says, “Okay.” The once-thought Bible-based Christian refuses to listen to the warnings from his fellow Christians. He plays nicer and wiser than God, compromises, lends credibility to the pastor and his book, makes excuses, and endangers the spiritual welfare of believers.
Sadly, and most importantly, the once-thought Bible-based Christian refuses to humble himself, swallow his pride, and heed the warnings of Scripture:
“Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11).
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds” (2 John 1:1-11).
“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).
“DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE UNFRUITFUL DEEDS OF DARKNESS, BUT INSTEAD EVEN EXPOSE THEM; FOR IT IS DISGRACEFUL EVEN TO SPEAK OF THE THINGS WHICH ARE DONE BY THEM IN SECRET” (Ephesians 5:11-12).
Who will be the next in line to compromise? But, who will hold the line for Jesus Christ and the truth of His word?
End quote.
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