2Co 11:12 And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Apprising Ministries notes that:
"Pastor Michael Newnham aka Phoenix Preacher is angry that his friend, Emerging Church evangelical theologian Leonard Sweet, was “disinvited” to a conference which is to use a Calvary Chapel church’s facilities."
Newman says in part, "In the past these sites have been a shameful annoyance, now they’ve drawn blood… It’s time to say ENOUGH! to the accusers of the brethren…"
First, I wonder if Leonard Sweet really cares that Calvary Chapel revoked their invitation? Could it be that Newman is far more upset than Sweet? Is this just another reason to fire shots at those God has gifted with love and discernment?
More importantly, if someone has a clear conscience before God and is striving to follow Him according to Scripture, bearing fruit and walking in obedience to the Master as they grow in Christ, then they wouldn't worry about the Light being shed on them. They would encourage it because they truly love God's Truth.
Only those who have something to fear from those with discernment would become angry and call for the ceasing of the gift HE has given to some.
The problem is that people like Leonard Sweet fail the test of Scripture on numerous levels. People who defend such wolves like Sweet also fail the test. Liberals just don't want anyone saying "no" to them. They don't want the rules of Scripture applied to them unless it merely benefits their agenda.
But God will not be toyed with nor will He allow the persecution and insults and threats of HIS saints to go unchecked. He truly sees everything and every heart and every thought and He is not passively watching what goes on in HIS name or with HIS children.
Scripture says true love, agape love, "does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." (1Cor. 13:6). The use of discernment and wisdom coupled with the love of biblical Truth and of God, should be a cause for rejoicing, not anger.
2Co 1:12 For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
We are to test every person by Scripture, including ourselves. When a purported pastor or leader claims to teach Scripture we are to measure him against the Bible and if he fails, we are not to call him a leader; in fact he is disqualified from such a position. Certainly if he even fails the test of Scripture for being a Christian, then we are likewise to mark and avoid such a so-called brother.
It seems Newman doesn't want people to tell the truth about his magisterium of untouchable leaders. Tough. Scripture, which I assure you trumps him every time, says we are to tell the truth according to Scripture (not our own agenda or from favoritism):
Gal 4:16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.
Jas 2:9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
Jud 1:16 These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.
Joh 7:24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment."
Is. 8 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Heb 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice TO DISTINGUISH good from evil.
1Cor. 14 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.
Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. 10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
2Co 11:3 But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
1Co 5:11 But now I am writing to you NOT TO ASSOCIATE with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
1Jo 2:4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
This partial list is in addtion to the lists of requirements for elders in Titus 1 and 1Tim. 3 that demand a man fulfill those. "Must" and "must not" aren't optional.
Here's more:
1Co 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
1Jo 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
These commands imply knowledge of truth and error.
Likewise:
2Jo 1:9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
So are we to judge those who claim the name of Christ? You betchya. Its not an option. Its not sin. Its not unholy. Rather its obedience to The Master Jesus Christ. Its holy. Its loving. Its loyalty to HIM. Its faith in HIM and His Word.
We who love biblical Truth and the God of truth also love the souls of others and therefore we will be loyal to Christ and His Word first and foremost. Its an inconvenient truth, I know, but its one that stands by HIS power for HIS glory.
"A little plain-speaking would do a world of good just now. These gentlemen desire to be let alone. They want no noise raised. Of course thieves hate watch-dogs, and love darkness. It is time that somebody should spring his rattle, and call attention to the way in which God is being robbed of his glory, and man of his hope.For the present it behoves believers to be cautious, lest they lend their support and countenance to the betrayers of the Lord."~Spurgeon
I wonder if Newman's support for a heretic like Sweet is shared by Reformers?
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