Joh 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Luk 6:26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
Time Magazine is applauding Calvinism, Piper, Driscoll, and Mohler. Shouldn't that be a red flag? This the article that shows my concern.
I don't think its appropriate to gloat and giggle over the article. Perhaps folks might consider these things first:
If Arminianism is wrong and unbiblical,why are Reformers combining Reformed theology with Arminianism? Eastern mysticism, Post-Modernism /Emergent Church Movement,seeker-friendly, foul language, x-rated "Christian" website links, denial of the inspiration of Scripture, Roman Catholicism, are all man-centered. Where is the unity between Christ-centeredness (which Reformers claim) and man-centeredness 2Cor. 6:14-18)?
I do not understand how people who say all the time that a dead man can't hear and do a thing to get saved are the SAME ones who think a dead church could be merely reformed. The doctrine of Total Depravity would necessitate the rejection of "need" for the Reformation because a dead church can't be reformed just as dead men can't be reformed.
Calvinism is more than just TULIP: At Kim Riddlebarger's blog, Richard Muller who is author of several books on Calvin, Calvinism and Arminus, etc he states at the end of his article "How Many Points", published in the "Calvin Theological Journal" makes my point:
Quote:
WITHOUT THE CONCEPT of the church as covenanting community and THE DOCTRINE OF INFANT BAPTISM, THE FIVE POINTS MAKES LITTLE SENSE.
Our confession of the divine foundation of the covenanting community also directs our attention from the doctrine of the efficacy and irresistibility of grace to the conception of SACRAMENTS AS MEANS OF GRACE AND NOT MERE ORDINANCES.
In conclusion, we can ask again, "HOW MANY POINTS?" SURELY THERE ARE MORE THAN FIVE. The Reformed faith includes reference to total inability, unconditional election, limited efficiency of Christ's satisfaction, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints, NOT AS THE SUM TOTAL of the church's confession but as ELEMENTS THAT CAN BE ONLY UNDERSTOOD in the context of a larger body of teaching INCLUDING THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS, justification by grace alone through faith, the necessity of a thankful obedience consequent upon our faith and justification, the IDENTIFICATION OF SACRAMENTS AS MEANS OF GRACE, the so-called AMILLENNIAL VIEW of the end of the world. The larger number of points, including but going beyond the five of Dort, is intended, in other words, to construe theologically the entire life of the believing community. And WHEN THAT LARGER NUMBER OF POINTS taught by the REFORMED CONFESSIONS IS NOT RESPECTED, the FAMOUS FIVE ARE JEOPARDIZED, indeed, DISSOLVED —and the ongoing spiritual health of the church is placed at risk.
End quote.
This isn't biblical. Infant sprinkling is found nowhere in all of Scripture; only Believer's Baptism. Confessions and Creeds of the Reformation are not declared to be authoritative in Scripture either; only God's Word---not men's. God's church is local and its made up of believers, the ecclesia ---those who are saved and assemble together for the teaching of God's Word--- the Lord's Table, corporate worship, and ministry of gifts, and church discipline as well as baptisms of new believers.
Regarding Mark Driscoll: not only does has a filthy mouth, not only is he proud of it, not only does he link to x-rated "Christian" sex website, but the way he discusses Jesus Christ is utterly dispicable. It is not surprising then, why Time magazine would applaud him as acceptable.
See Steve Camp on Mark Driscoll and more.
See Slice of Laodicea here for Driscoll's x-rated website link:
For example, (in Erick Raymond's review of Driscoll's "Vintage Jesus" book), in his run through "The Gospel According to Mark", describes Jesus as a guy who,“[tells] a leper to shut-up”,”,“needs Paxil”,“needs sensitivity training”,"[Is] an obvious workaholic who needed to start drinking decaf and listening to taped sounds of running water while doing aromatherapy so he could learn to relax.” How blasphemous indeed! Where is Driscoll's fear of the Almighty? Where is his trembling? Where is his respect of the things of God? People like him cause the world to no longer call Christians "God-fearing men" simply because they have no fear of God!
Yet this is whom John Piper endorses and defends for repeatedly sharing the pulpit with him.
Paul Tripp thinks using foul language is merely cultural, and gleefully uses the "s" word and laughs when his kids learn to use it too. Go here for his "s" word use in a promo video for the "Power of Words" Desiring God conference. How is it that Phil Johnson and John MacArthur can know and BOLDLY proclaim what is appropriate for speech especially for pastors and teachers and yet their friend John Piper, a pastor and supposedly mature Christian of 30 years, does not? How totally polar opposites The Shepherd's Conference was from Desiring God's Conference a few months ago!
Is it any wonder that the God-hating Time Magazine applauds Driscoll and Piper and their Calvinism? Scripture says men hate His truth, they will not agree with it nor do they find it good. Rather they find all things of God as foolishness (1Cor. 2:14). So when the world pats a person on the back, that should be a red flag. It means they find you unoffensive, which means you aren't standing for Truth as Jesus did.
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"? Or did He condemn them and pronounce judgment upon them? See Jer. 6:13-15; 7:4-24).
Consider this too:
The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by "holding to" the TULIP and Creed and Confessions:
Feminism: women can be pastors and leaders over men in church (see the RTS Orlando pushing Synergy feminist conference). Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and evangelical feminism…
Emergent Church Movement junk
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Adam is literal
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of Jesus
Literal hell/ hold to Annihilationism
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The Trinity
Sufficiency of Scripture
Philosophy - hold to it
No truth in error
Faith Alone
Christ Alone
Inspiration of Scripture
Total Depravity
Perseverance / Preservation of the Saints by God alone
Rejection of heretics
Rejection of Roman Catholicism
Edifying speech
Perpescuity of Scripture and its doctrines
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?
This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. That riding the fence is GOOD rather than BAD. I'm sorry people, but when a PROFESSOR at a SEMINARY doesn't know that God created the universe in six LITERAL Days, its time for him to pack up, go home, study Scripture ALONE, and sit under biblical teaching in a biblical church.
Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is. Do you really believe HIM?
What I can't understand is that when a "Christian" teacher/preacher blathers on with grotesque language, contrary to Ephes. 4, that's lauded as relevant or passed off as "immaturity". However, when pointing out the gross error and unacceptable according to Scripture, people like me are written off as "judgmental" and "unloving". I see hypocrisy written all over this.
In criticizing Driscoll, one PCA pastor cussed me out and then said "now, I have to go finish my sermon for tomorrow". Yeah, THAT'S honoring to the Lord. But it makes my point that there is such a thing as "touching the seminary anointed and doing Reformed prophets no harm." There IS a magisterium mentality there. There is the sin of favoritism (see James 2There is rubber stamping of all who mouth "TULIP" or "Reformed"even if they reject the ONLY Gospel that can save! How dare such people look down their noses as Arminians when they are just as man-centered---and so full of arrogance.
If we hold to biblical doctrine it will have an affect on our whole lives. If we are reflecting more of the world than Him, we should examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. Remember 1John 1-2 as well as Titus 1 and 1Tim. 3 for the requirements of elders.
I say these things as a person who holds to the Doctrines of Grace and God's absolute sovereignty in all things. But I do not call myself a Calvinist nor Reformed because of the teachings that are within it. I don't mean to be disrespectful at all, but I have major concerns regarding who and what is being hailed as wonderful, if you see what I mean.
Mat 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Is this happening with Driscoll or Piper? Or are they gaining a wider audience? Something to consider.
I don't find it a compliment that Time Magazine lauds Calvinism, Piper, Driscoll, or Mohler. If I found my name on that list, I'd worry, that's for sure!
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity". Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity". Sort by date Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
John Piper Continues To Show His Liberalism By Promoting Another Emergent Calvinist
Ken Silva has a new article on the issue of John Piper offering another Calvinist who finds use in pagan mysticism. Here are some excerpts:
Apprising Ministries has been researching the rejection of Sola Scriptura, in favor of highly subjective and existential Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism, within the visible church for several years now. Developing as it has been into a veritable cult of contemplative spirituality it would certainly appear that the influence of Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster continues spreading within mainstream evangelicalism, and even within Calvinist circles.
For example in an April 17, 2009 entry at the Desiring God blog of the well-respected Calvinist pastor John Piper we read:
After our pastors conference in February, John Piper sat down with Matt Chandler for a conversation that is now available in 4 parts. (Online source)
We’re also told that in Part Three of this interview we get “Chandler’s thoughts on being a pastor, a Calvinist, and a Complementarian.” For those who don’t know Matt Chandler is lead pastor of The Village Church (TVC). That’s why as I followed up a tip from a reader I found it odd that in a search for Richard Foster in the Recommended Books of The Village Church, “that have challenged and helped us as a staff in our faith and in our ministry work”, we find his books Celebration of Discipline, Streams of Living Water, and The Challenge of the Disciplined Life.
End quote.
Silva goes on to explain and discuss the problems with Richard Foster and his book along with Quakerism.
This should not be surprising because Piper has been promoting the ECM for years now via Mark Driscoll the Goat Herder.
I've been saying for years now, much to the Calvinists' dismay, that John Piper IS liberal and IS a cancer within "Christianity".
John Piper continues to offer to his followers Emergent, Mystical, New Age, Foul-Mouthed men unapologetically. But because he and these men he promotes use the Secret Code, "TULIP", they all get a free pass while Charismatic mystics like Benny Hinn don't (however, there is a marriage between Charismaticism/Pentecostalism/ThirdWave and Calvinism via the Sovereign Grace Ministries of CJ Mahaney (throw in CARM's Matt Slick too since he claims two of the three Persons in the Trinity literally came to his conversion but he had no clue Jesus was resurrected for two years AFTER his conversion) so it just depends if you whisper the Code word or not in order to get a free pass.
All manner of excuses are given for what Piper has been boldly doing. Same with Driscoll.
Folks, WAKE UP. Anyone who rejects discernment and wisdom, and rather promotes false teachers and error, is not of HIM. Don't do what Piper does and pretend you can befriend and listen to such people without it staining you.
1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." Piper is deceived, and so are his followers. If you read Piper or listen to him or his conferences, and think that his liberalism isn't affecting you, I'll ask you this: do you link to Acts 29 or Reformission? Do you find "good" in filthy talk or pagan Eastern Mysticism? Do you reject the weaker brother's conscience and flaunt your "freedom"? Do you defend Driscoll or Paul Tripp for being eternally "immature"? Do you see pure speech as optional? Do you think its IMPOSSIBLE that Piper could be deceived? Are you offended at what I just said?
Back in March I said the following, and Piper's recent endorsement of another Emergent Calvinist proves my point:
Is it any wonder that the God-hating Time Magazine applauds Driscoll and Piper and their Calvinism? Scripture says men hate His truth, they will not agree with it nor do they find it good. Rather they find all things of God as foolishness (1Cor. 2:14). So when the world pats a person on the back, that should be a red flag. It means they find you unoffensive, which means you aren't standing for Truth as Jesus did.
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"? Or did He condemn them and pronounce judgment upon them? See Jer. 6:13-15; 7:4-24).
Consider this too:The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by "holding to" the TULIP and Creed and Confessions:
Feminism: women can be pastors and leaders over men in church (see the RTS Orlando pushing Synergy feminist conference). Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and evangelical feminism…
Emergent Church Movement junk
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Adam is literal
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of JesusLiteral hell/ hold to Annihilationism
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The TrinitySufficiency of Scripture
Philosophy - hold to it
Truth in error
Faith Alone
Christ Alone
Inspiration of Scripture
Total DepravityPerseverance / Preservation of the Saints by God alone
Rejection of heretics
Rejection of Roman Catholicism
Edifying speech
Perpescuity of Scripture and its doctrines
Completion of God's revelation
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is. Do you really believe HIM?
This is why Calvinism, which is really very man-centered, will fall for Emergent Eastern Mysticism, Foul Language, and treating the things in Scripture, even Scripture itself, not as holy, but as entertaining or trivial matters. They find Scripture interesting but as milk, and the theologians as meat. This ought not to be.
As a side note, if you want to know what a ministry really believes, skip to the "Resources" page. What they offer their readers or members (if its a church) is far more telling than the standardized Statement of Faith. Its the practicle outcome of what they really think is beneficial and good for their sheeple.
Apprising Ministries has been researching the rejection of Sola Scriptura, in favor of highly subjective and existential Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism, within the visible church for several years now. Developing as it has been into a veritable cult of contemplative spirituality it would certainly appear that the influence of Living Spiritual Teacher and Quaker mystic Richard Foster continues spreading within mainstream evangelicalism, and even within Calvinist circles.
For example in an April 17, 2009 entry at the Desiring God blog of the well-respected Calvinist pastor John Piper we read:
After our pastors conference in February, John Piper sat down with Matt Chandler for a conversation that is now available in 4 parts. (Online source)
We’re also told that in Part Three of this interview we get “Chandler’s thoughts on being a pastor, a Calvinist, and a Complementarian.” For those who don’t know Matt Chandler is lead pastor of The Village Church (TVC). That’s why as I followed up a tip from a reader I found it odd that in a search for Richard Foster in the Recommended Books of The Village Church, “that have challenged and helped us as a staff in our faith and in our ministry work”, we find his books Celebration of Discipline, Streams of Living Water, and The Challenge of the Disciplined Life.
End quote.
Silva goes on to explain and discuss the problems with Richard Foster and his book along with Quakerism.
This should not be surprising because Piper has been promoting the ECM for years now via Mark Driscoll the Goat Herder.
I've been saying for years now, much to the Calvinists' dismay, that John Piper IS liberal and IS a cancer within "Christianity".
John Piper continues to offer to his followers Emergent, Mystical, New Age, Foul-Mouthed men unapologetically. But because he and these men he promotes use the Secret Code, "TULIP", they all get a free pass while Charismatic mystics like Benny Hinn don't (however, there is a marriage between Charismaticism/Pentecostalism/ThirdWave and Calvinism via the Sovereign Grace Ministries of CJ Mahaney (throw in CARM's Matt Slick too since he claims two of the three Persons in the Trinity literally came to his conversion but he had no clue Jesus was resurrected for two years AFTER his conversion) so it just depends if you whisper the Code word or not in order to get a free pass.
All manner of excuses are given for what Piper has been boldly doing. Same with Driscoll.
Folks, WAKE UP. Anyone who rejects discernment and wisdom, and rather promotes false teachers and error, is not of HIM. Don't do what Piper does and pretend you can befriend and listen to such people without it staining you.
1Co 15:33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company ruins good morals." Piper is deceived, and so are his followers. If you read Piper or listen to him or his conferences, and think that his liberalism isn't affecting you, I'll ask you this: do you link to Acts 29 or Reformission? Do you find "good" in filthy talk or pagan Eastern Mysticism? Do you reject the weaker brother's conscience and flaunt your "freedom"? Do you defend Driscoll or Paul Tripp for being eternally "immature"? Do you see pure speech as optional? Do you think its IMPOSSIBLE that Piper could be deceived? Are you offended at what I just said?
Back in March I said the following, and Piper's recent endorsement of another Emergent Calvinist proves my point:
Is it any wonder that the God-hating Time Magazine applauds Driscoll and Piper and their Calvinism? Scripture says men hate His truth, they will not agree with it nor do they find it good. Rather they find all things of God as foolishness (1Cor. 2:14). So when the world pats a person on the back, that should be a red flag. It means they find you unoffensive, which means you aren't standing for Truth as Jesus did.
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"? Or did He condemn them and pronounce judgment upon them? See Jer. 6:13-15; 7:4-24).
Consider this too:The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by "holding to" the TULIP and Creed and Confessions:
Feminism: women can be pastors and leaders over men in church (see the RTS Orlando pushing Synergy feminist conference). Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and evangelical feminism…
Emergent Church Movement junk
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Adam is literal
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of JesusLiteral hell/ hold to Annihilationism
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The TrinitySufficiency of Scripture
Philosophy - hold to it
Truth in error
Faith Alone
Christ Alone
Inspiration of Scripture
Total DepravityPerseverance / Preservation of the Saints by God alone
Rejection of heretics
Rejection of Roman Catholicism
Edifying speech
Perpescuity of Scripture and its doctrines
Completion of God's revelation
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is. Do you really believe HIM?
This is why Calvinism, which is really very man-centered, will fall for Emergent Eastern Mysticism, Foul Language, and treating the things in Scripture, even Scripture itself, not as holy, but as entertaining or trivial matters. They find Scripture interesting but as milk, and the theologians as meat. This ought not to be.
As a side note, if you want to know what a ministry really believes, skip to the "Resources" page. What they offer their readers or members (if its a church) is far more telling than the standardized Statement of Faith. Its the practicle outcome of what they really think is beneficial and good for their sheeple.
Monday, March 03, 2008
"Touch not my seminary anointed and do my Reformed prophets no harm!"
Jer 6:10 To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the LORD is to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.
Jer 7:2 "Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. Jer 7:3 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. Jer 7:4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'
I am constantly astounded at the lengths "Christians" will go to be accepted and accepting of other professing Christians.
Clearly we live in a day where people are so undiscerning that when someone claims the name of Christ and/or Reformed, why, they must be our brother or sister in Christ! Except.... that they deny biblical doctrine or live lives that are contrary to Scripture (1John 1-2).
Its at the point now where I believe "Reformed" is the new "Evanglical". And neither mean anything other than "man-centeredness". Christianity at large has the Magisterium Mentality and the laziness of the Reformers and Romanists.
Ok, I've fired away and clearly someone's going to think I'm way out in left field. I understand that. I'll explain more of what I mean.
In talking to dozens and dozens of "Christians" and "Reformers" and reading their blogs and articles and such, I've noticed a growing trend in their thinking.
They continually run to a commentary, catechism or creed to know what to say or think or believe. Forget going straight to God and His Word. That's too hard! Just give 'em the Cliff Note version. After all, the Word is merely baby milk, but the theologians...well, now, THERE'S where the meat is!
The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by holding to the TULIP (well, sort of) and Creeds:
Feminism: women can be pastors and leaders over men in church (see the RTS Orlando pushing Synergy feminist conference). Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and evangelical feminism…
Emergent Church Movement junk
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Adam is literal
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of Jesus
Literal hell
Annihilationism
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The Trinity
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?
This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. That riding the fence is GOOD rather than BAD. I'm sorry people, but when a PROFESSOR at a SEMINARY doesn't know that God created the universe in six LITERAL Days, its time for him to pack up, go home, study Scripture ALONE, and sit under biblical teaching in a biblical church.
Its not rocket science.
Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is.
What I can't understand is that when a "Christian" teacher/preacher blathers on with grotesque language, contrary to Ephes. 4, that's lauded as relevant or passed off as "immaturity". However, when pointing out the gross error and unacceptable according to Scripture, people like me are written off as "judgmental" and "unloving". I see hypocrisy written all over this.
In criticizing Driscoll, one PCA pastor cussed me out and then said "now, I have to go finish my sermon for tomorrow".
Yeah, THAT'S honoring to the Lord.
People! Do you really think God in heaven winks at our sin? At our foul or course language? That He doesn't really see or count against us, our "acceptable sins"? That in God's view, the "good" outweighs the "bad"?
I hear in defense of Driscoll, "well at least he's trying to reach others" or "its just a different methodology or style difference."
God will NOT allow such nonsense.
Jas 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
Jas 3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. Jas 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Jas 3:11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Jas 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Jas 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Jas 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Jas 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Jas 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Jas 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"?
Jer 6:13 "For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. Jer 6:14 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Jer 6:15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown," says the LORD.
Jer 6:17 I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not pay attention.' Jer 6:18 Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
Jer 6:19 Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. Jer 6:20 What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba, or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me. Jer 6:21 Therefore thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish.'"
Jer 7:4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'
Jer 7:23 But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' Jer 7:24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.
When "Christians" want to "do Christianity" their own way, they will come under HIS rebuke, if not wrath. God is still the same today as He was in ancient times. HIS NAME WILL NOT BE MALIGNED by those who cuss, swear, joke, and trivialize about HIM, HIS Word, and His Son.
God will not look down upon someone and say "Well, they are sincere, its ok". I am not talking about an ignorant newborn Christian. However, even THEY can see how wrong a lot of this garbage is.
When a "pastor" heartily approves of doctrine and conduct contrary to Scripture, he has disqualified himself.
And I might say here that "methodology" reveals one's doctrine. If one is wrong, the other will be also.
How in the world can anyone who claims to be a study of Scripture put filthy language under the Romans 14 catagory?
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Eph 5:7 Therefore do not associate with them;
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
God cares not just about HOW we live, but our doctrine as well. There is no such thing as optional biblical doctrine. All Truth is to be believed and obeyed. HE is our MASTER, DICTATOR, BOSS. HE dictates to us how we all are to live, not live, get saved, not get saved, minister, etc. He has told us in His Living Scriptures. Do you believe it? Or are you your own master? Do you relegate God's commands to something you'll get around to when you have the time? When it finally becomes important to you?
When "Christians" call heretics "brothers" they are violating Scripture and are leading others to follow suit.
Scripture is clear that we are to divide from heretics and expose their dark deeds, NOT CODDLE THEM. Such nonsense is what the Fluff N Stuff "Christians" do: luuuv everyone to Hell because they don't want to divide from those that claim Jesus.
"Touch not my seminary anointed and do my Reformed prophets no harm!"
We must test all people, songs, books, authors, pastors, teachers, Bible-study leaders, and of course ourselves by the Word of God. No one gets a free pass. I don't care if ALL the Seminaries agree on something, if they are contrary to Scripture, they must be exposed.
Knowing Greek or Hebrew never saved a soul. It doesn't matter if you never learned it. It doesn't help you know the deep Truths of Scripture. If you really think that, then you are in lock-step with the Gnostics and Charismatics who have similar notions. And you also neglect the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit and the sufficiency of Scripture.
Truth is knowable. Any doctrine that is harder to understand in Scripture is just that: harder, but not impossible to know.
It begins with the Gospel of Christ Jesus and how HE not just us eternally God the Son, but is Creator, and that took on the form of man, lived a sinless life, but was crucified, took the wrath of the Father against sinners, died, and was buried and that on the third day He rose again from the dead according to the Scriptures. It is His resurrection that declares Him to be God and is what justifies us. (Romans 1:3-4; 4:25)
As to embracing a person who holds to a works justification (Wright, even Martin Luther):
Rom 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- Gal 1:7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 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.
Gal 1:10 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. Gal 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.
There is but one Gospel and there is but one way of Justification. Scripture tells of no other. His way IS narrow and few that find it. Romans 10:9-10 clearly make it VERY narrow indeed.
Jer 7:2 "Stand in the gate of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the LORD, all you men of Judah who enter these gates to worship the LORD. Jer 7:3 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. Jer 7:4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'
I am constantly astounded at the lengths "Christians" will go to be accepted and accepting of other professing Christians.
Clearly we live in a day where people are so undiscerning that when someone claims the name of Christ and/or Reformed, why, they must be our brother or sister in Christ! Except.... that they deny biblical doctrine or live lives that are contrary to Scripture (1John 1-2).
Its at the point now where I believe "Reformed" is the new "Evanglical". And neither mean anything other than "man-centeredness". Christianity at large has the Magisterium Mentality and the laziness of the Reformers and Romanists.
Ok, I've fired away and clearly someone's going to think I'm way out in left field. I understand that. I'll explain more of what I mean.
In talking to dozens and dozens of "Christians" and "Reformers" and reading their blogs and articles and such, I've noticed a growing trend in their thinking.
They continually run to a commentary, catechism or creed to know what to say or think or believe. Forget going straight to God and His Word. That's too hard! Just give 'em the Cliff Note version. After all, the Word is merely baby milk, but the theologians...well, now, THERE'S where the meat is!
The continuing list of what a Reformer can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by holding to the TULIP (well, sort of) and Creeds:
Feminism: women can be pastors and leaders over men in church (see the RTS Orlando pushing Synergy feminist conference). Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and evangelical feminism…
Emergent Church Movement junk
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Adam is literal
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of Jesus
Literal hell
Annihilationism
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The Trinity
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?
This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. That riding the fence is GOOD rather than BAD. I'm sorry people, but when a PROFESSOR at a SEMINARY doesn't know that God created the universe in six LITERAL Days, its time for him to pack up, go home, study Scripture ALONE, and sit under biblical teaching in a biblical church.
Its not rocket science.
Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is.
What I can't understand is that when a "Christian" teacher/preacher blathers on with grotesque language, contrary to Ephes. 4, that's lauded as relevant or passed off as "immaturity". However, when pointing out the gross error and unacceptable according to Scripture, people like me are written off as "judgmental" and "unloving". I see hypocrisy written all over this.
In criticizing Driscoll, one PCA pastor cussed me out and then said "now, I have to go finish my sermon for tomorrow".
Yeah, THAT'S honoring to the Lord.
People! Do you really think God in heaven winks at our sin? At our foul or course language? That He doesn't really see or count against us, our "acceptable sins"? That in God's view, the "good" outweighs the "bad"?
I hear in defense of Driscoll, "well at least he's trying to reach others" or "its just a different methodology or style difference."
God will NOT allow such nonsense.
Jas 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
Jas 3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. Jas 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Jas 3:11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Jas 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Jas 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
Jas 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Jas 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Jas 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Jas 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"?
Jer 6:13 "For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. Jer 6:14 They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace. Jer 6:15 Were they ashamed when they committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown," says the LORD.
Jer 6:17 I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Pay attention to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not pay attention.' Jer 6:18 Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them.
Jer 6:19 Hear, O earth; behold, I am bringing disaster upon this people, the fruit of their devices, because they have not paid attention to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. Jer 6:20 What use to me is frankincense that comes from Sheba, or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me. Jer 6:21 Therefore thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will lay before this people stumbling blocks against which they shall stumble; fathers and sons together, neighbor and friend shall perish.'"
Jer 7:4 Do not trust in these deceptive words: 'This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.'
Jer 7:23 But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' Jer 7:24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.
When "Christians" want to "do Christianity" their own way, they will come under HIS rebuke, if not wrath. God is still the same today as He was in ancient times. HIS NAME WILL NOT BE MALIGNED by those who cuss, swear, joke, and trivialize about HIM, HIS Word, and His Son.
God will not look down upon someone and say "Well, they are sincere, its ok". I am not talking about an ignorant newborn Christian. However, even THEY can see how wrong a lot of this garbage is.
When a "pastor" heartily approves of doctrine and conduct contrary to Scripture, he has disqualified himself.
And I might say here that "methodology" reveals one's doctrine. If one is wrong, the other will be also.
How in the world can anyone who claims to be a study of Scripture put filthy language under the Romans 14 catagory?
Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Eph 5:7 Therefore do not associate with them;
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
God cares not just about HOW we live, but our doctrine as well. There is no such thing as optional biblical doctrine. All Truth is to be believed and obeyed. HE is our MASTER, DICTATOR, BOSS. HE dictates to us how we all are to live, not live, get saved, not get saved, minister, etc. He has told us in His Living Scriptures. Do you believe it? Or are you your own master? Do you relegate God's commands to something you'll get around to when you have the time? When it finally becomes important to you?
When "Christians" call heretics "brothers" they are violating Scripture and are leading others to follow suit.
Scripture is clear that we are to divide from heretics and expose their dark deeds, NOT CODDLE THEM. Such nonsense is what the Fluff N Stuff "Christians" do: luuuv everyone to Hell because they don't want to divide from those that claim Jesus.
"Touch not my seminary anointed and do my Reformed prophets no harm!"
We must test all people, songs, books, authors, pastors, teachers, Bible-study leaders, and of course ourselves by the Word of God. No one gets a free pass. I don't care if ALL the Seminaries agree on something, if they are contrary to Scripture, they must be exposed.
Knowing Greek or Hebrew never saved a soul. It doesn't matter if you never learned it. It doesn't help you know the deep Truths of Scripture. If you really think that, then you are in lock-step with the Gnostics and Charismatics who have similar notions. And you also neglect the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit and the sufficiency of Scripture.
Truth is knowable. Any doctrine that is harder to understand in Scripture is just that: harder, but not impossible to know.
It begins with the Gospel of Christ Jesus and how HE not just us eternally God the Son, but is Creator, and that took on the form of man, lived a sinless life, but was crucified, took the wrath of the Father against sinners, died, and was buried and that on the third day He rose again from the dead according to the Scriptures. It is His resurrection that declares Him to be God and is what justifies us. (Romans 1:3-4; 4:25)
As to embracing a person who holds to a works justification (Wright, even Martin Luther):
Rom 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
Gal 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- Gal 1:7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 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.
Gal 1:10 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. Gal 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.
There is but one Gospel and there is but one way of Justification. Scripture tells of no other. His way IS narrow and few that find it. Romans 10:9-10 clearly make it VERY narrow indeed.
Friday, June 21, 2013
The List of Negoitable Truth
Blast from the past. How error is beautifully tolerated in the name of "reformed" and "Christianity".....
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"? Or did He condemn them and pronounce judgment upon them? See Jer. 6:13-15; 7:4-24).
Consider this too:The continuing list of what a "Christian" (even a Reformer) can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by "holding to" the TULIP and Creed and Confessions:
Male leadership in church and families
Accepts Eastern mysticism/Emergent Church Movement
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Literal Adam and Eve
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of Jesus
Literal hell
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The Trinity
Sufficiency of Scripture
Philosophy - hold to it
Truth in error
Faith Alone
Christ Alone
Inspiration of Scripture
Total Depravity
Perseverance / Preservation of the Saints by God alone
Rejection of heretics
Rejection of Roman Catholicism
Edifying speech
Perpescuity of Scripture and its doctrines
Completion of God's revelation
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is. Do you really believe HIM?
This is why Calvinism, which is really very man-centered, will fall for Emergent Eastern Mysticism, Foul Language, and treating the things in Scripture, even Scripture itself, not as holy, but as entertaining or trivial matters. They find Scripture interesting but as milk, and the theologians as meat. This ought not to be.
How did God deal with the shepherds of Israel? Did He wink at their sin and excused it as being merely "immature"? Or did He condemn them and pronounce judgment upon them? See Jer. 6:13-15; 7:4-24).
Consider this too:The continuing list of what a "Christian" (even a Reformer) can hold to as optional yet find "unity" by "holding to" the TULIP and Creed and Confessions:
Male leadership in church and families
Accepts Eastern mysticism/Emergent Church Movement
Jesus' physical return
Our physical resurrection
Satan as our current enemy
Justification by faith alone
Literal Adam and Eve
Fruit of the Spirit
Creation in literal 6 days
Impeccability of Christ
Lordship of Christ
Not using freedoms in Christ to cover evil; causing a brother to stumble
Not Getting Drunk
Repentance
Gospel includes the resurrection of Jesus
Literal hell
The Narrow Road excludes many people (the Broad Road) (aka no Universalism)
The Trinity
Sufficiency of Scripture
Philosophy - hold to it
Truth in error
Faith Alone
Christ Alone
Inspiration of Scripture
Total Depravity
Perseverance / Preservation of the Saints by God alone
Rejection of heretics
Rejection of Roman Catholicism
Edifying speech
Perpescuity of Scripture and its doctrines
Completion of God's revelation
This leads me to ask, what makes anyone a Christian? Because they SAY they are?This POMO age has created "Christians" that not only do not know biblical doctrine, they don't live by it nor do they think its clear. Instead it has trained "Christians" to think ignorance as a virtue rather than a vice. Truth IS knowable. Jesus said it is. Do you really believe HIM?
This is why Calvinism, which is really very man-centered, will fall for Emergent Eastern Mysticism, Foul Language, and treating the things in Scripture, even Scripture itself, not as holy, but as entertaining or trivial matters. They find Scripture interesting but as milk, and the theologians as meat. This ought not to be.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)